It looks like Valve is slowing down the availability of replacement parts for the original Steam Deck LCD. iFixit has confirmed they’re no longer getting DIY battery kits from Valve, which is a big change from the company that once promoted self-repair as a key feature of its handheld gaming console.
What’s Actually Happening
iFixit, the repair parts marketplace that teamed up with Valve to sell official Steam Deck components, has stopped receiving battery replacement kits for the original Steam Deck LCD model. This is the first-generation version of Valve’s handheld PC gaming device, which launched in 2022, prior to the upgraded OLED model that hit the market in late 2023.
This situation raised enough concern that Valve stepped in to provide some clarity. According to The Verge, Valve confirmed that iFixit will keep selling Steam Deck LCD batteries. This suggests the supply issue might be a temporary or logistical problem rather than a permanent change in policy. However, the fact that Valve felt the need to clarify this points to some real uncertainty behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, XDA Developers reports that the battery isn’t the only issue. Other LCD replacement parts may also be getting harder to find, indicating this could be a wider phase-out of components for the older model instead of just a one-time supply issue.
Why This Matters — Especially for Valve
Many gaming hardware companies treat repair as an afterthought. But Valve took a different approach. When the Steam Deck launched, they released detailed repair manuals, assigned a repairability score to the device, and partnered with iFixit to provide official parts directly to consumers. This was genuinely unusual for a gaming handheld.
Think about it: most portable gaming devices are pretty much sealed up. If something goes wrong, you either send it in or buy a new one. Valve said, “here are the parts, here are the instructions, fix it yourself.” This strategy created a lot of goodwill with the PC gaming enthusiasts who make up Valve’s core audience.
So, any indication that Valve is pulling back on that commitment — even quietly and just for an older model — gets noticed quickly.
The LCD vs. OLED Divide
The Steam Deck comes in two generations. The original LCD model, which started at $399 when it launched in February 2022, is now available at a lower price or through secondary markets. The OLED model, released in November 2023, features a brighter display, longer battery life, and upgraded internals.
It’s common for hardware companies to eventually stop providing parts for older products. But the timing is important. The LCD model is only about three years old — well within the lifespan of a device that many people still actively use. A battery is also one of the most common failure points in any portable device, since lithium-ion cells degrade over charge cycles, losing capacity over time no matter how careful you are.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Steam Deck LCD launch | February 2022 |
| Steam Deck OLED launch | November 2023 |
| Original LCD starting price | $399 |
| iFixit repairability score (LCD) | 7/10 |
| Typical Li-ion battery lifespan | 2–4 years of heavy use |
| Parts supplier | iFixit (official Valve partner) |
What This Means for You
If you own a Steam Deck LCD and your battery is draining faster than before, now’s a good time to think about a replacement — before availability truly becomes uncertain. Valve’s assurance that batteries will remain available is reassuring, but “available for now” doesn’t mean “available indefinitely.”
If you’re considering a Steam Deck and plan to keep it for several years, the OLED model is a safer long-term choice regarding parts availability. Its replacement components are likely to stay in circulation longer.
For everyone else, this is a reminder that right-to-repair (the ability to fix your own devices with accessible parts) really matters only when companies commit to it over the long haul — not just at launch.
What the Community Is Saying
“This is exactly why right to repair matters. A three-year-old device and parts are already becoming scarce? The battery is literally a consumable part.”
“Valve deserves credit for how long they kept this up compared to Nintendo or Sony, but it’s still disappointing if true. Lots of people are still daily driving the LCD.”
What To Watch
- iFixit stock levels: Keep an eye on the iFixit product pages for Steam Deck LCD components. If batteries sell out and aren’t restocked, that’s a clearer signal than any official statement.
- Valve’s official parts page: Valve hasn’t issued a formal end-of-life announcement for LCD parts. If that changes, it’ll likely show up in their support documentation.
- Third-party alternatives: As official parts dwindle, third-party battery suppliers usually step in. Quality can vary, so make sure to look for options with verified compatibility before buying.
- Steam Deck 2 rumors: Any news about a next-generation Steam Deck could speed up the phase-out of LCD-era components, as Valve shifts its focus to new manufacturing.
Daniel Park
Daniel Park covers AI, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software for Explosion.com. A former software engineer who transitioned to technology journalism 5 years ago, Daniel brings technical depth to his reporting on artificial intelligence, startup funding rounds, and the companies building the future of computing. He breaks down complex AI developments and business strategies into clear, actionable insights for readers who want to understand how technology is reshaping industries.
