At a time when gaming is more expensive than ever, the popular Steam Deck just became indirectly pricier due to an announcement from Valve.
Just days before Christmas, Valve announced it had discontinued the production of the Steam Deck LCD model, which was the cheapest version of the popular gaming handheld. Valve’s Steam Deck announcement resulted in its handheld becoming indirectly more expensive, as the pricier OLED models are the only ones now available for users to buy.
Initially launched in February 2022, the Steam Deck allows users to play games directly from their Steam library while on the go. The Steam Deck launched at $399, with available models featuring a 1280×800 display. The cheaper LCD models provide Steam customers with an affordable entry point into PC gaming, while the higher-end OLED versions of the Steam Deck come with enhanced refresh rates, improved Wi-Fi capabilities, and a higher-capacity battery. Although the Steam Deck has since faced stiff competition from the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and the Nintendo Switch 2 in the handheld market throughout 2025, Valve’s portable gaming tablet remains a popular gadget for PC enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.
The Demise of the Steam Deck LCD Comes at a Bad Time
With the 2025 Steam Winter Sale underway until January 5, some shoppers looking to buy a new handheld for Christmas will have one less option to pick from.
