Valve has officially ended production of its original Steam Deck LCD model, signaling a major shift in the company’s approach to its handheld gaming platform. As first reported in the article “Say Goodbye to Steam Deck LCD Since Production is Ending” by StartupNews.fyi, the decision marks a strategic phase-out of the base model in favor of newer, more advanced versions of the hardware.
The key factor driving this move appears to be Valve’s desire to streamline its hardware offerings and focus on its recently unveiled OLED version of the Steam Deck. The OLED model boasts a significantly improved display, better battery life, and enhanced design elements—qualities that have made it more appealing to both new users and early adopters considering an upgrade.
Since its launch in 2022, the Steam Deck has carved out a unique position in the gaming hardware market by offering PC-quality gaming in a portable form. The LCD model played a central role in establishing Valve’s reputation in this space, helping the company appeal to a broad demographic of gamers seeking mobility without compromising game library compatibility. The phasing out of the LCD version effectively marks the end of the original Steam Deck’s era just three years after its initial release.
Valve has not indicated any plans to immediately replace the original configuration with an entirely new model, but executives have previously hinted at ongoing long-term development for future generations. In the interim, the company appears fully committed to supporting the OLED version, which is being touted as the new flagship configuration. The move also allows Valve to standardize production and logistics, which could ultimately lead to cost savings and better consumer availability after initial supply chain constraints.
Retail availability of the LCD version is expected to taper off in the coming weeks, with remaining units being sold at a discounted price, potentially making them a draw for budget-conscious consumers. However, Valve has assured existing LCD users that software updates and customer support will continue for the foreseeable future, alleviating concerns about premature obsolescence.
Industry analysts view this as a natural evolution in the product lifecycle and an indicator of the increasing maturity of the handheld gaming market. With competitors such as ASUS and Lenovo introducing handheld PCs of their own, Valve may be preparing the groundwork for more ambitious hardware projects, potentially including more modular or higher-performance devices in the years ahead.
In discontinuing the original Steam Deck LCD, Valve is not only refining its product line but also signaling confidence in its long-term vision for portable gaming. The end of the LCD model closes a chapter on the company’s first foray into handheld hardware—but it may also mark the beginning of a more focused and technically advanced era for Valve’s hardware ambitions.
