The LCD Steam Deck Has Been Discontinued
▼ Summary
– The most affordable Steam Deck model, the $399 LCD version, is no longer being produced and is sold out in the US.
– The entry-level Steam Deck is now the 512GB OLED model, which costs $549, a significant price increase.
– Valve has not provided an official explanation for discontinuing the LCD model.
– Industry speculation suggests rising component costs, like RAM and storage, made the low price point unsustainable.
– Despite a growing market, competitors like Lenovo or ASUS are not expected to fill this new entry-level price gap.
The most affordable version of Valve’s popular handheld gaming PC is officially gone for good. The Steam Deck LCD model, which started at $399, has been discontinued and is now listed as out of stock on the official U.S. store. A note on the product page confirms that Valve has ceased production of this specific 256GB configuration, stating it will no longer be available once current inventory is sold. This move leaves the $549 Steam Deck OLED model as the new entry point, representing a significant price jump for budget-conscious gamers.
Valve has not provided an official statement regarding the decision to halt production of the LCD Steam Deck. Industry speculation points to rising component costs, particularly for memory and storage, as a likely factor. The increasing demand for these parts, partly driven by the artificial intelligence sector, may have made it financially challenging to maintain the attractive $399 price tag. This economic pressure highlights the delicate balance of offering powerful, portable PC hardware at a consumer-friendly cost.
The departure of the budget-friendly model creates a noticeable gap in the handheld PC market. While the landscape has expanded dramatically since the Steam Deck’s 2022 launch, with competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, these devices typically occupy a higher price bracket. It remains unclear if any other manufacturer will step in to offer a compelling alternative at that crucial sub-$400 price point. For now, gamers looking for a lower-cost entry into handheld PC gaming have one fewer option, potentially pushing some toward the used market or older hardware.
This shift underscores how quickly the portable gaming PC segment is evolving. Valve’s strategy now appears focused on its newer, premium OLED models, which offer improved displays and better battery life. The original LCD Steam Deck served as a groundbreaking product that legitimized the category, and its retirement marks the end of an introductory era. Consumers awaiting a direct, affordable successor may need to wait for a potential future revision or a different company to take up the mantle of the budget handheld champion.
(Source: The Verge)
