Steam Deck LCD Discontinued — Entry-Level Model Gone

• Key takeaways:

• Valve has stopped producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model; the US store listing shows it out of stock.
• The former $399 entry-level Deck is effectively gone; the lowest-priced model now is the $549 512GB OLED.
• Valve hasn’t commented publicly; industry reporting points to rising component costs (RAM, storage) as a likely factor.

What happened

Valve’s entry-level Steam Deck — the 256GB LCD model priced at $399 — is no longer being produced and is out of stock on the US Steam store. A note on the product listings explicitly states, "We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available."

Immediate impact on pricing

With the LCD model phased out, the next available option is the 512GB OLED Steam Deck, which carries a $549 price tag. That shifts Valve’s base price point upward and removes the most affordable on-ramp to the platform for new buyers.

Why Valve may have pulled the LCD model

Valve has not issued an official explanation. Outside reporting, including coverage from Windows Central, points to higher costs for core components — notably DRAM and flash storage — driven in part by increased demand for AI hardware and supply-chain pressures.

Hardware makers often absorb cost changes for a time, but maintaining a $399 handheld with modern memory and storage can become untenable if component prices spike. That economic pressure likely made the LCD-configured Deck unprofitable to continue at scale.

Market context

The handheld PC gaming market has expanded since the Steam Deck launched in 2022, with competitors like Lenovo, ASUS and GPD entering or iterating on designs. But none of those alternatives clearly fills the low-cost niche Valve is abandoning.

What this means for buyers

Buyers seeking the most affordable Steam Deck will now need to budget for the OLED 512GB model or hunt the secondary market for used LCD units while inventory lasts. Those considering a handheld for casual play should weigh whether the OLED’s display and storage upgrades justify the higher price.

Where to look next

Check Valve’s store for inventory updates, watch third-party retailers for open-box or refurbished units, and monitor competitors from Lenovo, ASUS and GPD if you want cheaper alternatives — though feature sets and price points may differ.

Bottom line

Valve has quietly ended production of the Steam Deck LCD 256GB, removing the $399 entry point from its lineup. Rising component costs appear to be the likely driver, but until Valve comments publicly, the exact rationale remains unconfirmed.