Steam Deck Battery Fix: iFixit & Valve Resolve Replacement Issue! [Latest Update] (2026)

Valve's recent decision to discontinue the battery for the Steam Deck LCD handheld sparked concern among users, as it would have prevented them from purchasing and installing replacement batteries themselves. However, a swift resolution emerged, thanks to a partnership between Valve and iFixit. The initial Reddit story, which claimed Valve was discontinuing the battery, was partially accurate, but by the afternoon, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens confirmed that Valve had secured a new supplier for the batteries. This partnership ensures that iFixit will continue to provide replacement batteries for the Steam Deck, even if Valve decides to discontinue the part in the future.

The potential discontinuation of the battery was not solely due to EU regulations on user-replaceable batteries, which will take effect in February 2027. These regulations have already influenced Nintendo's actions, leading to the discontinuation of the original Switch in Europe and the creation of a new EU-only version of the Switch 2 with a replaceable battery. However, the Steam Deck LCD was already discontinued last December, so these regulations are not a factor in this case.

The complexity of replacing the battery is another aspect to consider. iFixit's 2022 guide on replacing the Steam Deck battery highlights the challenge of carefully loosening the strong adhesive that holds the battery in place. While Valve designers acknowledged the adhesive's limitations in a 2022 interview, the company is exploring alternative solutions, such as electrically removable adhesive, which could make battery replacement even easier in the future.

In conclusion, the partnership between Valve and iFixit ensures that users will have access to replacement batteries for the Steam Deck, even if the original battery is discontinued. This resolution addresses the initial concern and provides reassurance to users who value the ability to repair and maintain their devices. As technology advances, we can hope for even more user-friendly solutions, such as electrically removable adhesive, which could further enhance the repairability of handheld devices.