Valve and iFixit Resolve Battery Shortage for Steam Deck LCD
Valve and iFixit have reached a resolution to restore replacement batteries for the original Steam Deck LCD model, according to confirmed statements from both companies. Earlier this week, iFixit informed customers that it had “no immediate plans” to restock OEM batteries for the 2022 device, prompting concerns about repair accessibility. However, Valve confirmed to The Verge that iFixit will have the parts back in stock by the following week, sourced through Valve’s existing supplier network. “They have hooked us up with a supplier, we’re working on it,” iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens said, emphasizing that the company remains committed to ensuring replacement options for Steam Deck LCD users. The agreement ensures continued access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries, with iFixit also exploring aftermarket alternatives if Valve discontinues the parts in the future.
Context of Discontinuation and User Backlash
The battery shortage emerged after Valve began phasing out replacement parts for the original Steam Deck LCD, a move that sparked criticism from users and repair advocates. The device, which launched in 2022, was marketed as one of the most repair-friendly gaming handhelds, with iFixit offering official replacement parts. However, by July 2026, iFixit acknowledged it could no longer obtain OEM batteries for the LCD model, citing Valve’s decision to “sunset these parts.” This follow-up came despite Valve’s continued sale of the original LCD model through 2025 and into 2026 in some regions. Users argued that the timing—four years after launch—undermined the device’s long-term viability, particularly as batteries degrade over time. Reddit discussions highlighted frustration, with one user noting that “it’s not that we’re choosing to not stock these anymore. Unfortunately, Valve is just starting to sunset these parts.”
Partnership Details and Future Plans
The resolution hinges on Valve’s collaboration with iFixit to maintain OEM battery availability. According to iFixit, the company will receive the same parts it previously sourced through Valve’s partners. However, the partnership also includes contingency plans for aftermarket alternatives. Wiens stated that if Valve eventually stops supplying OEM batteries, iFixit would “find a way to get batteries for these things” using third-party suppliers. This dual approach reflects broader industry challenges in balancing supply chain demands with user expectations for long-term device support. Valve’s decision to phase out parts was partly attributed to miscalculations in production forecasts, according to Wiens. “If you get the forecast wrong, you run out, or you go wrong in the other direction and spend way too much money on parts sitting around,” he said. iFixit’s evaluation of aftermarket options could offer a workaround, though the company emphasized that OEM parts remain the preferred choice for reliability.
Repairability Concerns and Industry Implications
The battery issue has reignited debates about the sustainability of gaming hardware and the importance of repairability. The original Steam Deck LCD, which accounted for 47% of Steam Deck systems as of 2026, faces a critical juncture as users seek replacements for aging devices. iFixit’s initial inability to secure OEM batteries raised questions about Valve’s long-term commitment to supporting its products. However, the renewed partnership underscores the value of collaboration between manufacturers and repair advocates. “Valve has been a really great partner,” Wiens said, acknowledging the company’s role in resolving the shortage. The situation also highlights the broader industry trend of manufacturers prioritizing newer models over legacy devices, a dynamic that has drawn scrutiny from consumers. While iFixit’s efforts to secure alternative suppliers offer hope, the episode underscores the fragility of repair ecosystems in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. For now, Steam Deck LCD owners can breathe easier, but the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and sustainability.
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