How long can you expect your original Steam Deck to last?

The original Steam Deck can remain useful for years, though its lifespan depends on hardware condition and how well owners tolerate falling performance in newer games. While newer handhelds are more powerful, the LCD model still offers a balanced portable gaming experience and may be worth repairing as replacement devices become more expensive.

Battery wear is a key concern: replacing it can be difficult, and Valve has not made long-term supply promises for every component. Valve says it will continue supplying batteries, while iFixit offers an aftermarket option; other parts such as thumbsticks, the SSD and fan are more straightforward to replace. Valve still provides software updates, but the Deck’s processor, graphics and 16GB of RAM may limit how well it handles demanding future games.