The Steam Deck OLED: Valve’s Upgraded Handheld Gaming Device
Valve unveils its first upgraded iteration of the Steam Deck, called the Steam Deck OLED, featuring several technical and form factor improvements.
Valve has recently announced an upgraded version of its popular handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck. Named the Steam Deck OLED, this new iteration boasts various enhancements in both technical specifications and form factor. It is set to go on sale next week, offering gamers an enhanced gaming experience.
HDR OLED Screen for Vibrant Visuals
The defining feature of the Steam Deck OLED is its HDR OLED screen, which enhances the display’s color gamut to produce more vibrant and realistic visuals. This upgrade allows users to fully immerse themselves in their favorite games, capturing the essence of every scene with greater detail and depth. Additionally, the OLED screen consumes less power, resulting in an extended battery life.
Improved Battery Life and Performance
Valve has equipped the Steam Deck OLED with a larger battery, providing an increased charge and extending the overall gameplay time. Depending on the game being played, users can expect a battery life improvement of 30-50%. The underlying reason for this boost is the energy-efficient OLED screen, which requires less power to function.
In terms of performance, the Steam Deck OLED features an updated and more efficient AMD APU, ensuring smoother gameplay and faster processing speeds. Furthermore, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E technology allows for quicker downloads, offering increased bandwidth and decreased latency. These enhancements contribute to an enhanced gaming experience.
Cooler Operation and Sleeker Design
Valve has made efforts to improve the device’s cooling system and thermals. The Steam Deck OLED comes with a bigger fan and improved thermal management, resulting in cooler operation during extended gaming sessions. This enhances performance and minimizes the risk of overheating.
In terms of aesthetics and design, the Steam Deck OLED is 5% lighter than its predecessor, ensuring better portability and ease of use. The device’s sleek and compact form factor makes it a comfortable handheld gaming device for gamers on the go.
Available Models and Pricing
The Steam Deck OLED will be available for purchase starting from November 16. Valve offers three different models, each varying in storage capacity and included add-ons. One of these models, the Limited Edition variant, features a unique color scheme. Here are the specifications and prices for each model:
512GB OLED – $549.00
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display
- 7.4″ diagonal display size
- 6 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hrs of gameplay (content dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- Carrying case
- Steam profile bundle
1TB OLED – $649.00
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display
- 7.4″ diagonal display size
- Premium anti-glare etched glass
- 6 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hrs of gameplay (content dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- Carrying case with removable liner
- Steam profile bundle
- Exclusive startup movie
- Exclusive virtual keyboard theme
Limited Edition 1TB OLED – $679.00 (available only in the U.S. and Canada)
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display
- 7.4″ diagonal display size
- Premium anti-glare etched glass
- 6 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hrs of gameplay (content dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- Limited Edition carrying case with removable printed liner
- Steam profile bundle
- Exclusive startup movie
- Exclusive virtual keyboard theme
Transitioning to OLED and Permanent Discounts
With the launch of the Steam Deck OLED, Valve will gradually phase out the original LCD models, making the OLED version their default offering. Consequently, they have permanently discounted the first-generation Steam Decks to clear out the remaining stock. The discounted prices are as follows:
- 64GB LCD – $349.00
- 256GB LCD – $399.00
- 512GB LCD – $449.00
These models will be available for purchase until they are out of stock.
Interested users can find more details and add the Steam Deck OLED to their wishlists on the official Steam store page.
Exciting Times for Steam Deck Fans
The announcement of the Steam Deck OLED brings exciting prospects for both current owners of the original model and potential first-time buyers. The upgraded features, improved performance, and sleek design make the Steam Deck OLED an enticing option for gamers seeking the ultimate handheld gaming experience. Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts. Are you planning to upgrade your original Steam Deck, or is this your first-time purchase of the device? Let us know in the comments!