Steam Deck: Stock Issues & LCD Model Discontinued – AI Demand to Blame

February 17, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Valve has warned customers that the Steam Deck OLED may experience intermittent stock shortages in some regions due to ongoing constraints in the supply of memory and storage components. The announcement, posted on the Steam Deck store page, comes after the company recently experienced a complete sell-out of available units.

The shortages are a consequence of increased demand for these components driven by the rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence industry, according to Valve. AI companies are prioritizing procurement of memory chips and NAND storage for their data centers, limiting availability for other tech manufacturers. This situation mirrors broader trends in the tech sector, where RAM, SSDs, and GPUs have seen price increases in recent months, as reported by PCGuide.

Valve also confirmed that the original Steam Deck LCD model, with 256GB of storage, is no longer in production. Once existing stock is depleted, the LCD version will no longer be available for purchase, effectively making the OLED models the sole offering for prospective Steam Deck buyers. The phase-out of the LCD model began in December, signaling a full transition to the OLED version.

The memory and storage shortages have also impacted other Valve projects. The company has delayed the launch of the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame VR headset, originally slated for release in early 2026. Valve indicated that the launch date and pricing of these devices are being reevaluated in light of the supply chain challenges, suggesting potential price increases. Wonjin Lee, Samsung’s global marketing leader, cautioned at CES 2026 that memory price hikes are anticipated.

The Steam Deck OLED features an HDR OLED display designed for gaming, offering improved contrast, clarity, and color accuracy compared to the LCD model, according to Valve. The company has not provided a timeline for when the supply situation might improve, leaving potential buyers uncertain about future availability.

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