The entry-level $399 Steam Deck model, featuring an LCD screen, has been withdrawn from the U.S. market. According to the Steam Deck website, there are no plans for it to return. This information is subtly confirmed under the model listings, where a statement notes its absence.

For those checking the U.S. site, the model is indeed out of stock.

This move by Valve to discontinue the LCD version of the Steam Deck is a setback for budget-conscious gamers. Now, the most economical option available is the 512GB OLED version, which is priced at $549, a significant leap from the previous budget-friendly choice.

We have contacted Valve for clarification, but they have yet to respond. In the absence of an official statement, speculations arise regarding the discontinuation of the LCD model. Andy Hales from Windows Central speculates that the increasing costs of RAM and storage, driven by advancements in AI, may have made it unsustainable to offer such a low-priced handheld device.

Since the Steam Deck’s launch in 2022, the market for handheld gaming PCs has grown significantly. However, it remains uncertain whether competitors like Lenovo, ASUS, or GPD can effectively fill the gap left by this entry-level option.

The PC gaming handheld market is much more robust than it was when the Steam Deck first debuted in 2022, but it’s hard to see any of the other players, like Lenovo, ASUS, or GPD, filling that entry-level void.