The original LCD Steam Deck’s staying power is about more than game performance.
It struggles with the most demanding modern titles, while its glued-in battery is difficult for owners to replace, according to iFixit.
Valve says it will continue supplying batteries, making parts availability part of the device’s long-term repair picture.
Valve no longer sells the LCD model, but continues to provide software updates for it. It uses the same software as the Steam Deck OLED, so it is expected to continue to be supported for the foreseeable future. Many developers are still porting their games to the Steam Deck, but it is not certain that they will continue to do so after the release of the Steam Deck 2.
According to the report, the memory crisis has driven up the prices of the Steam Deck OLED and competing devices.
What if it needs repair?
The battery is one possible reason the device may need repair over time. It's held in place with adhesive, and according to iFixit, it's difficult to replace by the user. Users can ask Valve's support team for an estimate on repair costs.
In July 2026, a response from iFixit support to a Reddit post raised concerns about whether genuine batteries would continue to be available for the LCD model. An iFixit employee said in the comments that Valve was just starting to recall these parts. Valve later stated that it would continue to supply batteries for the Steam Deck LCD. iFixit said it would seek out batteries from another manufacturer if Valve's supply changed.
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When the batteries came back in stock, their price went up from $80 to $130. iFixit is offering a third-party battery for $80. Valve has not made a similar long-term commitment for other parts, such as the screen.
Some parts are easier to replace. The joysticks are relatively easy to replace, without having to solder anything. iFixit sells replacement joysticks for $40 each. The internal storage compartment is removed with one screw, and the fan with a few more. The buttons and display require more work, while the battery, USB-C port, and microSD card slot are among the most difficult parts to replace.
How long will it be useful?
Steam Deck has a large collection of supported games, while older games, indie titles, and games from older systems can extend its usefulness. You can also play games streamed from a PC, Steam Machine, or online service on Steam Deck.
So it could remain useful for years for older and independent games, as well as games from older systems. However, the room for major new releases is already quickly shrinking.
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