It’s over – Valve ends production of cheapest Steam Deck model
Valve has ended production for its last Steam Deck LCD model
Valve has confirmed that it has ended the production of its Steam Deck LCD model, the most affordable version of the company’s popular PC gaming handheld. This means that once the device is sold out, it will no longer be available to purchase on Steam.
Moving forward, Valve intends to continue supporting both its Steam Deck LCD and OLED models. The OLED model will continue to be produced and will be the only version of the handheld available once LCD stock runs out. Note that Valve has revealed no plans to release a 256GB Steam Deck OLED model.
Note: We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available.
– Valve
Why is the Steam Deck LCD going away?
There are several reasons why Valve might be killing the LCD version of its PC gaming handheld. For starters, memory prices are through the roof, which may have destroyed Valve’s margins for its entry-level Steam Deck. This may make the price point of this version of the handheld untenable. Additionally, the LCD Steam Deck uses different components from its OLED variant. Axing the LCD model streamlines Valve’s production process. This means that Valve needs to manufacture a smaller number of unique parts, which could lower costs.
Valve’s Steam Deck OLED is a much better product
Valve’s Steam Deck OLED model offers more than an upgraded screen. The device features a newer 6nm SOC, delivering improved efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the device features a larger battery (50 Whr vs 40 Whr), resulting in longer battery life. Additionally, the OLED model features faster memory (LPDDR5-6400 VS LPDDR5-5500), giving it boosted performance in memory-constrained workloads.
Valve didn’t just slap an OLED screen on its handheld and call it a day; it is a vastly improved device. Even so, the original Steam Deck LCD was incredibly affordable, making it an excellent entry-level handheld. If Valve doesn’t replace its Steam Deck LCD with a low-cost OLED model, the company has effectively increased the price of an entry-level Steam Deck. That said, the Steam Deck OLED is a superior device in many aspects, so this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
You can join the discussion on Valve stopping production for its Steam Deck LCD model on the OC3D Forums.
