Repairability takes a hit: Valve appears to discontinue key Steam Deck replacement part

The Steam Deck is widely regarded as one of the most repair-friendly gaming handhelds on the market. Thanks to an official partnership between Valve and iFixit, owners have access to a range of genuine replacement parts and detailed repair guides that allow them to carry out repairs themselves. For many buyers, that has been a major selling point. However, the situation appears to be changing when it comes to one of the device's most important wear items. Replacement batteries for the LCD Steam Deck have been difficult to obtain for quite some time, and a recent statement from iFixit has left many fans wondering whether they will ever return.

Valve is "phasing out" the parts

As Reddit user u/Zok-Felswyn explained, the battery in their Steam Deck still works after several years of heavy use, but its capacity has noticeably declined. Since replacement batteries have repeatedly been out of stock at iFixit, the user contacted customer support directly. The response reads as follows:

As it turns out, we do not have any immediate plans to stock this product. We apologize for any inconvenience. At this time it is looking likely that we will continue receiving OEM Steam Deck LCD batteries, and we are actively evaluating aftermarket options. Unfortunately, we don't have a confirmed timeline for when either OEM or aftermarket stock would be available.

Taken on its own, the reply simply means that iFixit currently has no LCD Steam Deck batteries in stock and does not know when that situation will change. Surprisingly, however, the company later joined the Reddit discussion itself and added the following clarification:

To add clarity: it’s not that we’re choosing to not stock these anymore. Unfortunately, Valve is just starting to sunset these parts. We’re looking at alternatives!

Strong criticism from the community

Valve therefore appears to be discontinuing replacement batteries for the LCD Steam Deck. The reaction from the community has been one of disappointment and frustration. Many users accuse Valve of phasing out replacement parts just as the batteries in the first-generation LCD models are reaching the point where they are most likely to need replacement. According to critics, that significantly undermines the promise of a handheld designed for long-term repairability. Some owners are willing to consider third-party batteries as an alternative, but remain concerned about their quality, longevity and safety. Whether iFixit will receive another shipment of original batteries remains uncertain. Replacement batteries for the Steam Deck OLED (currently available on Amazon for $915), however, still appear to be available.