Valve says Steam Deck LCD batteries will return to iFixit

Valve says replacement batteries for the Steam Deck LCD will remain available through iFixit, easing concern that owners might lose a key option for repairing the handheld themselves. The company told The Verge that iFixit expects to have the batteries back in stock by next week.

The statement followed concern that Valve was discontinuing the battery as a replacement part for the Steam Deck LCD. The Verge reported that such a move would have meant customers could no longer buy the battery from iFixit and install it on their own.

Valve also told The Verge that iFixit will continue receiving the same original equipment manufacturer parts sourced through Valve’s partners. That means the batteries sold through iFixit are expected to remain the same kind of parts the repair site has offered for the device.

The battery is one of the most important replaceable components in a handheld gaming PC, and the Steam Deck LCD has been on the market long enough that more owners may begin looking for battery service. The Verge noted that Valve has generally been seen as repair-friendly, making the apparent discontinuation especially surprising to Steam Deck owners.

The Steam Deck’s internal layout includes an L-shaped battery, according to The Verge’s image caption. iFixit has served as a parts supplier for users who want to handle repairs outside of a full device replacement or official service process.

For now, Valve’s position is that iFixit’s stock issue is temporary. The company’s update points to new inventory arriving soon rather than an end to the battery’s availability through the repair parts seller.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.