Steam Deck OLED Availability Impacted by Component Shortages
Valve has recently communicated potential disruptions to the supply of the Steam Deck OLED, updating its official website to indicate intermittent stockouts in select regions. These shortages are attributed to ongoing difficulties in sourcing sufficient memory and storage components. The news arrives amidst a period of fluctuating availability, with the handheld PC gaming device already experiencing limited stock in the United States and other global markets for several days.
This development provides clarity regarding the recent out-of-stock situation, confirming that component scarcity is the primary driver. Jay Peters, a senior reporter covering technology and gaming for The Verge – who joined the publication in 2019 following a tenure at Techmeme – first reported on the update. Consumers hoping to purchase the OLED model should anticipate potential delays and monitor availability closely.
Delays Affecting New Valve Hardware
The current component constraints aren’t solely impacting the Steam Deck OLED. Just weeks prior, Valve announced a postponement of the launch for its forthcoming hardware suite, including the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller. The original target for release was early 2026, but the company cited the same memory and storage issues as the reason for the delay.
According to Valve, finalizing pricing and firm launch dates requires careful consideration given the volatile nature of component availability. “We have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change,” the company stated in a post earlier this month. Valve remains committed to a launch within the first half of 2026 and is actively working to solidify its plans “as soon as possible.”
Discontinuation of Original Steam Deck Model
Alongside the OLED supply concerns and new hardware delays, Valve has also confirmed the end of production for the original 256GB LCD Steam Deck. This decision, initially announced late last year, signifies a shift in focus towards the newer OLED variant. Potential buyers seeking the original model will now need to explore the secondary market.
This strategic move aligns with Valve’s commitment to delivering the latest technology and optimizing its product lineup. The company’s website now reflects the discontinuation, guiding customers towards the Steam Deck OLED as the primary available option. For those interested in daily tech news, Jay Peters also authors The Verge Daily, a free email digest.
