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(Image credit: Shutterstock) Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Flipboard Share this article Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Valve just announced that it will discontinue the $399 256GB LCD Steam Deck , making the most affordable option the $549 512GB OLED model . You can see the announcement when you visit the Steam Deck page on Steam, with the company adding a simple note underneath the Choose Your Steam Deck section.
Valve says, “We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available.” With the purchase button under the LCD model grayed out and marked as “Out of stock,” it’s safe to say that we’d no longer be able to purchase the best budget handheld gaming PC of 2025 brand new, although there’s still a chance that you can score a refurbished version down the road.
The company did not explain why it’s ending the production of one of its most popular Steam Deck models, so we can only guess as to why they’re doing that. One plausible theory is that the 256GB model is no longer profitable due to the ongoing RAM crisis. A Kingston rep said NAND prices for kits have more than tripled since the start of the year, forcing memory module manufacturers to raise prices as their costs rise. More than that, the problem is expected to get worse in 2026 , as memory chip makers hedge their bets against an AI bubble.
Valve's 256GB LCD Steam Deck is an incredible 20% off — big price drop just in time for the Steam Autumn Sale
Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S see sales for Black Friday
Key considerations
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/valve-discontinues-the-most-affordable-steam-deck-usd399-lcd-version-on-the-way-out-as-new-starting-point-is-usd549#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.