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The Verge·

🎮Valve Reverses Steam Deck Battery Discontinuation

Your Steam Deck just got a second lease on life

TL;DR

Valve and iFixit reversed their earlier decision to discontinue Steam Deck batteries. EU regulations and user demand forced the change, ensuring repairs stay possible for now.

Earlier today, Valve announced it would stop making replacement batteries for the original Steam Deck LCD model. By afternoon, both Valve and iFixit had changed course, confirming continued support. This reversal is crucial as EU regulations mandate replaceable batteries in devices starting February 2027. The decision affects users who rely on repairability for their gaming hardware longevity.

Valve Reverses Steam Deck Battery Discontinuation — The Verge

Key Points

1

iFixit CEO confirmed Valve will no longer make replacement batteries or screens for original Steam Deck LCD today

2

By afternoon, Valve and iFixit had already managed to reverse this decision, keeping parts available

3

EU regulations on replaceable batteries in devices starting February 2027 require companies like Valve to support repairs

4

Nintendo discontinued the original Switch in Europe due to similar regulations but created a new EU-only version with a replaceable battery

5

Valve designers used glue in the original device out of safety concerns, making replacement challenging

Why It Matters

If you're relying on repairability for your Steam Deck's longevity, this is crucial. Valve and iFixit's reversal ensures users can continue to maintain their devices. EU regulations play a key role here, pushing companies to support repairs.

Steam DeckValveiFixitEU regulationsrepairability

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're relying on repairability for your Steam Deck's longevity, this is crucial. Valve and iFixit's reversal ensures users can continue to maintain their devices. EU regulations play a key role here, pushing companies to support repairs.

What happened?

Valve and iFixit reversed their earlier decision to discontinue Steam Deck batteries. EU regulations and user demand forced the change, ensuring repairs stay possible for now.

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