Valve just made it harder to fix your aging handheld. The original LCD Steam Deck was always the budget choice, but now that Valve is officially pulling the plug on OEM batteries for that model, the path to keeping these units alive just got steeper.
Good news? iFixIt is getting restocked. Bad news? It was close.
In a sudden reversal that saved the day for DIY technicians, Valve confirmed via a statement to PC Gamer that they will resupply iFixIt with Steam Deck LCD batteries within the next week or two. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixIt, verified this on X, calling off what looked like an impending supply chain disaster for third-party repair.
Why you can’t just buy parts from Valve
This isn’t just a temporary blip. This is a structural shift. Valve has been sunsetting parts for the original LCD model for some time now. If you are wondering how to fix your 2022 model, the answer is increasingly “good luck sourcing genuine internal components directly from the source.”
The situation was exacerbated by “RAMageddon,” the known issue that plagued early Steam Deck units and forced Valve to halt LCD production entirely while they pivoted focus to the OLED variant. Since then, they’ve maintained only limited production runs of the OLED. Meanwhile, the OLED itself saw a massive price hike.
iFixIt had previously flagged the issue in a customer support email, noting it was “looking less likely” that they would continue receiving OEM batteries for the LCD. A representative later clarified that Valve was indeed phasing out parts for the legacy model.
What does this mean for your repair?
You still have options, but they aren’t as clean as using genuine parts.
Third-party alternatives are available on other e-commerce platforms. Sites like Amazon offer non-OEM replacements. iFixIt may be able to facilitate repairs through these channels before the official Valve stock runs dry or becomes permanently inaccessible. But let’s be honest: you want the Valve part. It’s the certified component. It’s what you paid for when you bought the device.
“You’d rather have Valve provide the parts themselves.”
This is the latest sting in a series of affordability shocks for handheld gamers. Console prices are climbing. New handhelds, like the Asus ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, are pushing toward $800-$900 at launch, with some configurations nearing $1,500 when you factor in high-end specs.
The original Steam Deck was the escape hatch from that inflation. Now, keeping it in circulation requires navigating a shrinking market of compatible parts.
How to proceed if your LCD Deck dies
If your battery swells or loses capacity, here is the reality of your repair options in July 2024:
- Wait for iFixIt’s restock: They have the confirmed supply chain back with Valve. Keep an eye on their store for LCD-specific batteries.
- Seek third-party sellers: Check major e-commerce retailers for aftermarket batteries. Quality varies wildly here. You risk poor capacity or fitment, but you might get the device running until you can upgrade.
- Don’t ignore the risk: Lithium batteries degrade. If you are experiencing unexpected shutdowns or swelling, do not wait. A swollen battery is a fire hazard, regardless of part origin.
The Steam Deck OLED is the future. It’s brighter, has better battery life, and fewer bugs. But the LCD model remains a viable machine for retro gaming or casual titles if you can maintain it. The problem is that Valve has essentially locked the back door to the maintenance shop.
You can still open it up. You just have to hunt for the key.
