Key Takeaways
1. Valve has discontinued the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model, stating it will no longer be produced once sold out.
2. Currently, only the 512GB and 1TB OLED versions of the Steam Deck are available, starting at $549, compared to the original LCD price of $399.
3. Despite the discontinuation of the LCD model, other portable gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Lenovo Legion Go S offer alternatives.
4. The OLED models feature a praised 7.4-inch display with high contrast, a 90Hz refresh rate, and HDR capabilities, although performance remains similar to the LCD version.
5. The discontinuation may be influenced by memory shortages and rising DRAM costs, with potential impacts on future product launches.
Despite the emergence of new options such as the ROG Xbox Ally, a lot of gamers still view the Steam Deck LCD as a better value. Sadly, for those who haven’t purchased the budget gaming device, they might be in trouble. In the U.S. at least, Valve’s online store shows that only the enhanced OLED version is available.
Ominous Signs for Buyers
When potential buyers visit the site, they’ll notice a concerning note beneath the cheaper model. Valve states that “We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available.” To make matters worse, a sold-out tag is already displayed next to the LCD model.
Limited Options Available
Currently, customers can only select from the 512GB and 1TB versions of the Steam Deck OLED. The price difference is quite noticeable, with the base model now starting at $549. In contrast, the often-discounted LCD gaming device originally had a price of $399.
Even with the discontinuation of Valve’s budget-friendly option, there remains a good variety in the portable gaming PC market. Alongside the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go S falls within a similar price bracket. For those who don’t mind a little work, SteamOS can be installed on Windows 11 devices. However, fans have always enjoyed distinct Steam Deck features like its dual trackpads.
Praise for the OLED Screen
A number of current owners are praising the slightly larger 7.4-inch OLED display on the remaining Valve models. This screen not only has high contrast but also boasts a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR capabilities. However, players shouldn’t expect a huge increase in performance since the processor remains similar.
Regarding why Valve chose to stop the Steam Deck LCD now, one popular theory is gaining traction. A shortage of memory and increasing DRAM costs are creating difficulties for manufacturers. There have already been whispers that the company might postpone the launch of the new Steam Machine as a result.
Valve might have concluded that after almost four years, it was time to retire the device. Nevertheless, the second-hand market is likely to keep the budget gaming handheld alive for a while longer.
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