December 16, 2025 – A newly purchased Valve Steam Deck LCD model experienced severe lithium-ion battery swelling within a day of use, creating a significant fire hazard, as reported in a recent incident. The brand-new handheld gaming device developed a malfunctioning battery that quickly escalated to visible deformation of the device’s back panel.
Product Details
Incident Overview
According to the incident report, a consumer purchased a brand-new Valve Steam Deck handheld gaming device. Within the first day of use, the internal lithium-ion battery began to malfunction, preventing the device from holding a charge and requiring it to be continuously plugged in for operation. Shortly after this initial issue, the battery started to visibly swell, causing the back panel of the device to bulge outwards, particularly near the left grip.
The swelling progressively worsened over several days, making the Steam Deck unsafe to handle. The consumer, recognizing the serious risk of a lithium battery fire, immediately stopped using and charging the product once the deformation was noticed. The device had only been used for a few hours in a normal manner before the problem emerged. While no injuries were reported, the battery swelling created a significant fire hazard within the consumer’s home. The consumer contacted Valve Corporation, which acknowledged the issue, but the return process was delayed for several days, forcing the consumer to store the potentially hazardous product longer than deemed appropriate. This report was filed to document a serious safety concern in a new device, potentially indicating a broader manufacturing or battery defect.
Safety Concerns
The incident highlights severe safety concerns associated with defective lithium-ion batteries:
- Immediate Dangers: Swelling lithium-ion batteries are a critical indicator of internal failure, often leading to thermal runaway. This process can cause the battery to overheat, catch fire, or even explode. Lithium-ion battery fires are particularly dangerous as they can ignite rapidly, are difficult to extinguish, and release toxic fumes.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if the battery does not immediately ignite, continued swelling puts immense pressure on the device’s internal components, potentially damaging circuits, screens, and other parts, which could further exacerbate safety risks. Storing a swollen battery for extended periods, as experienced by the consumer due to return delays, significantly increases the risk of an unexpected catastrophic failure.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using or in close proximity to a device with a swelling battery is at risk. This includes not only the device owner but also family members, pets, and even neighbors in multi-unit dwellings.
- Property Damage Potential: A lithium-ion battery fire can cause extensive property damage to homes, furniture, and other belongings. The rapid spread of such fires means there may be little time to react and prevent significant loss.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Valve Steam Deck, particularly the LCD model, should be vigilant for any signs of battery swelling or malfunction.
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you notice any bulging on the back panel of your Steam Deck, especially near the grips, or if the device fails to hold a charge and only operates while plugged in, *immediately stop using and charging it*. Disconnect it from any power source. Do not attempt to puncture, repair, or open the device. Handle it carefully and, if safe to do so, move it to a safe, non-flammable location away from combustible materials, ideally outdoors or in a garage.
- How to Check for the Issue: Regularly inspect your Steam Deck for any physical changes, such as a bulging back panel, an expanding screen, or separation of seams. Pay attention to battery performance; unusually rapid draining, overheating during normal use, or an inability to hold a charge are all potential warning signs.
- Prevention Measures: Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or a reputable, certified third-party charger. Avoid exposing your device to extreme temperatures (hot or cold) and never leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods. Do not continue to use a device that is noticeably damaged or overheating.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience battery swelling or any other serious malfunction with your Steam Deck, contact Valve Corporation customer support immediately. Additionally, it is crucial to report such incidents to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov to ensure the issue is documented and potentially investigated.
Manufacturer’s Response
Valve Corporation acknowledged the reported battery swelling issue when contacted by the consumer. However, the consumer expressed concern over the several-day delay in the return process for the potentially hazardous product, which necessitated storing the unsafe device for a longer period than appropriate.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.