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- Valve has announced that it is discontinuing the base Steam Deck 256GB LCD variant.
- The Deck will now cost you a minimum of $550 for the OLED version with 512GB.
- The base version was widely considered the best value in the handheld space.
Valve released the Steam Deck in 2023, and it kind of revolutionized the handheld market as the first real device that could play AAA titles on the go. While it offered great value, it might not anymore, as Valve has discontinued the most basic variant.
The company has revealed that it is discontinuing the base LCD Steam Deck with 256 GB storage that cost $399. So, for those wanting to jump into the handheld space and wanting a Deck, it’ll cost you much more.
Why it matters: For most people, the base version of Steam Deck was the best option, and many outlets even crowned it as the best value in the handheld space; however, now, while the value still isn’t bad, it has competitors.
Now, if you want a Steam Deck, you’ll have to spend at least $550 for the OLED 512GB variant. The Steam page explicitly states that once the LCD version is out of stock, it won’t be restocked, and it’s now unavailable.
The base version did have a very attractive price, but had a lot of shortcomings as well. For context, the OLED version not only has a better screen but a faster refresh rate at 90Hz. It also features more storage, a bigger battery, and Wi-Fi 6E.
Nonetheless, in the price, you get other options as well, like the base ROG Ally with Z1 chip, but the Steam Deck OLED still features slightly better specifications, and the price is almost the same, so it remains a better deal.
However, for the ones who are just entering the handheld space and the entry point has now become significantly more expensive. You’ll still be able to buy the LCD version in the second-hand market, but people have their reservations about used items.
What are your thoughts on the Steam Deck base LCD variant being discontinued? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
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News Reporter
Abdullah is an avid gamer who primarily plays single-player titles. If you can’t find him anywhere, he’ll probably be at his desk playing The Witcher 3 for the millionth time. When he isn’t playing games, he’s either reading or writing about them.
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