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Official LCD Steam Deck batteries may soon disappear from sale
Developed over time first seen 4 months ago
Valve is beginning to phase out official replacement batteries for the original LCD Steam Deck, meaning owners of ageing units may soon have to rely on third-party aftermarket parts to fix worn-out batteries. This matters because the LCD model, Valve's first handheld PC, has been on the market since 2022 and many units are now old enough that their batteries are degrading, so losing access to genuine replacements could push owners towards less reliable or unofficial repair options.
The change was flagged after official battery stock for the LCD Steam Deck started becoming harder to find through Valve's usual repair channels, with commentators noting that Valve appears to be winding down support for these components as it focuses on newer hardware, including the OLED Steam Deck. Aftermarket suppliers already offer compatible batteries, but these typically lack the same warranty backing and quality assurance as Valve's own parts, raising concerns for the right-to-repair community about long-term support for the original device.
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In short
- Valve may be discontinuing official LCD Steam Deck battery replacements.
- Aftermarket batteries could become the only repair option.
- Raises concerns over long-term support for the original Steam Deck.
How this story developed
- 4 months ago PC Gamer reported that official battery replacements for the LCD Steam Deck could soon be phased out, after iFixit support said Valve was starting to retire some spare parts for the discontinued model and potentially leaving owners to rely on third-party alternatives.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Valve's decision reflects practical business necessity. The LCD Steam Deck launched in 2022 and supporting components across multiple hardware generations indefinitely requires substantial ongoing resource commitment. As a company focused on innovation, Valve reasonably prioritises resources towards current products and the newer OLED model. Aftermarket batteries are readily available and functional, providing owners with viable repair options without discontinuing customer support entirely.
The case against
This represents concerning planned obsolescence that undermines consumer ownership rights. The LCD Steam Deck remains relatively young at four years old and owners purchased in good faith expecting manufacturer support for their devices' serviceable lifespan. Discontinuing official batteries forces consumers towards lower-quality, warranty-free alternatives whilst increasing electronic waste when devices become unrepairable. This prioritises profit over environmental responsibility and the right-to-repair principles that should define ethical consumer technology.
Explained simply
The Steam Deck is a handheld games computer made by Valve, the company behind the Steam online games store. The original version has an LCD screen and was released in 2022, while a newer model with an OLED screen has since been introduced.
Like other rechargeable devices, its battery gradually holds less charge as it ages. Replacing it can extend the useful life of the device, but this requires a suitable battery and some repair work.
Official replacement parts are made or approved by Valve and are usually sold through its repair partners. Third-party parts are made by other companies; they may be cheaper or easier to find, but can vary in quality and may not have the same warranty or support.
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Originally published by PC Gamer as “‘Unfortunately, Valve is just starting to sunset these parts’: Aftermarket battery replacements may soon be only option for LCD Steam Deck”.