The End of an Era: Valve Quietly Sunsets the Original Steam Deck LCD

As production halts on the LCD model that started the handheld revolution, we look at whether the remaining stock is a bargain or a relic.

Valve Tightens the Lineup

It’s official: Valve is officially stopping production of the Steam Deck LCD. In a move that signals the complete transition to the OLED era, the original 64GB and 512GB LCD models are being phased out. Once the current inventory is gone, the LCD version of the most influential handheld of the decade will be a part of gaming history.

This isn't a surprise, but it is a milestone. Valve is streamlining its manufacturing to focus entirely on the OLED models, which have effectively addressed almost every complaint leveled at the original 2022 hardware. If you've been sitting on the fence, the window for "entry-level" new hardware is closing fast.

The Pricing Pivot

With production halted, Valve has adjusted the remaining stock prices to clear shelves. The 256GB LCD model is now positioned as the new entry point at a permanent price drop, while the 64GB and 512GB units are "while supplies last." It’s a calculated play to keep the Steam Deck ecosystem accessible while pushing the "premium" OLED experience as the standard for 2026.

"While the original LCD Deck proved that handheld PC gaming was viable, the production halt confirms Valve's confidence in the OLED as their 'definitive' version. They aren't just moving on; they're raising the floor of what a handheld experience should be."

LCD vs. OLED: What Are You Actually Missing?

If you're eyeing those final LCD clearance units, you need to be honest about the trade-offs. The LCD model remains a workhorse, but the landscape has changed. With the rise of the RTX 50-series and more demanding "next-gen" ports hitting Steam, the efficiencies of the OLED model (better battery life, faster RAM, and superior cooling) are becoming more relevant than they were at launch.

Comparison: The Final Stock Check

Feature	Steam Deck LCD (Legacy)	Steam Deck OLED (Current)
Display	60Hz IPS LCD (Sub-par colors)	90Hz HDR OLED (Infinite contrast)
Battery Life	2-8 Hours (Depending on game)	3-12 Hours (50Wh battery)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 / BT 5.0	Wi-Fi 6E / BT 5.3
Value Prop	Cheapest way to play Steam library	The definitive handheld experience

The Verdict: Buy or Bypass?

Is the LCD model still worth it in 2026? Only if price is your absolute priority. The original Deck is still a fantastic piece of engineering, but the OLED's improved fan, lighter weight, and drastically better screen make the extra investment worthwhile for most. If you want a dedicated "Indie Machine" or an emobox on a budget, grab the LCD before it hits the secondhand market at inflated "collector" prices.

For everyone else, the message from Valve is clear: The future is OLED.