The End of an Era for the Original Steam Deck LCD Model

The original LCD model of the Steam Deck, launched in February 2022, is reaching the end of its lifecycle. Valve has announced that they will no longer be producing the LCD 256GB model, focusing instead on the newer OLED line of handheld gaming devices. This change marks a significant shift in Valve’s product offerings, signaling the end of a short but impactful era in the world of tech products made by multi-billion dollar companies.

As noted by GamingOnLinux, visitors to the Steam Deck store page will now see a message stating, “We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available.” This announcement serves as a warning to potential buyers who may have been considering purchasing the original LCD model. With the discontinuation of production, those interested in acquiring a Steam Deck may need to act fast before stocks run out.

Despite the initial popularity of the LCD model, Valve’s decision to focus on the OLED line reflects a strategic shift in their product lineup. The introduction of the OLED model, which offers improved screen quality and features, has likely influenced this decision. While the original LCD model received positive reviews upon its release, the market demand for the newer OLED version seems to have surpassed expectations, leading to the discontinuation of the former.

Looking ahead, Valve’s attention is now on their new Steam Machine project, with a potential new iteration of the Steam Deck in the pipeline. Although details about the next Steam Deck release remain scarce, it is clear that Valve is committed to evolving their handheld gaming devices to meet the changing demands of consumers. While the wait for a new model may be prolonged, the transition to the OLED line signals a new chapter in the evolution of Valve’s gaming hardware offerings.