Is the Steam Deck OLED Worth the Upgrade? Our Review
In the world of portable gaming devices, Valve’s Steam Deck has made quite a name for itself. Its original release garnered attention and praise, but now, Valve is back with an upgraded version – the Steam Deck OLED. As self-proclaimed experts on portable gaming devices with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it.
First Impressions
When we unboxed the Steam Deck OLED, we were immediately struck by its sleek design and eye-catching display. The smaller bezels and OLED technology made the screen feel even more immersive and vibrant. The colors pop off the screen, creating a truly impressive visual experience. Even the SteamOS interface looks nicer on the OLED screen.
Weight and Ergonomics
The Steam Deck OLED feels lighter than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to hold for longer gaming sessions. The improved grip on the thumbsticks also adds to the overall comfort and control. It’s reassuring to know that a sudden jolt or accidental bump won’t send the device tumbling to the ground.
Display Quality
The OLED display on the Steam Deck is a significant improvement over the original. The difference in visual quality is palpable, with more vibrant colors and better contrast. Games look stunning on the OLED screen, and even menus appear more visually appealing. If you were disappointed with the display quality of the original Steam Deck, the OLED version is sure to impress.
Performance and Efficiency
Valve made the decision to focus on efficiency rather than raw power when it comes to the Steam Deck OLED. While some may have hoped for performance upgrades, we believe this was the right choice. The current technical constraints and the tradeoffs in terms of battery life, heat, and price make a more powerful device less appealing. The Steam Deck OLED strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for playing games of the moment and tackling your backlog.
Battery Life
The Steam Deck OLED boasts improvements in battery life compared to its predecessor. While the gains may not be revolutionary for more demanding games, they are noticeable, especially for lightweight indie games. The OLED model charges faster and can hold a charge longer when idle, eliminating the need to constantly have it plugged in. This is a significant improvement for those who have experienced dead batteries when picking up their device after a few days.
Missed Opportunities
While the Steam Deck OLED has many notable improvements, there are a couple of missed opportunities. The 512GB model lacks the anti-glare coating present in the non-OLED version, which might be disappointing for some users. Additionally, only the 1TB versions come with the new fancy carry case, leaving the 512GB model out. We would have also liked to see a slightly smaller overall size to enhance comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Overall, the Steam Deck OLED is a worthy upgrade for anyone in the market for a portable gaming device. The improved display quality, enhanced battery life, and overall performance make it a compelling choice. While the timing may be frustrating for recent buyers of the original Steam Deck, the OLED version offers significant improvements that make it worth considering. Whether you’re a casual gamer or love to tackle AAA titles on the go, the Steam Deck OLED is sure to deliver a fantastic gaming experience.