Portable gaming has advanced rapidly in the last few years, thanks to the emergence of handheld PCs like the Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck has already proven itself as a top-tier contender, Valve is once again walking in the footsteps of Nintendo, now upping the ante with the introduction of the cutting-edge Steam Deck OLED.
So, what’s the fuss about this new upgrade? For starters, it’s rolling out in two storage configurations: 512GB and 1TB, priced at $549 and $649, respectively. A notable feature is the inclusion of a microSD card slot, allowing for even more storage flexibility. Pre-orders are already buzzing, so you might want to jump on that wagon fast.
One of the most exciting upgrades is the shift from an LCD touchscreen display to a 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen. This not only offers a slight size increase from the original model’s seven-inch display but also comes with smaller bezels, giving it a sleeker look. The best part is that the overall size hasn’t changed, so it’ll still fit snugly in your hands.
Battery life was a bit of a sore spot with the original Steam Deck, but Valve has made a significant improvement in this area. The new model boasts a 50Whr battery, a major step up from the 40Whr in the launch model. Longer playtime and faster charging? Yes, please!
In a bid to make the Steam Deck more affordable, Valve has announced that it will be slashing prices on the LCD models. The 64GB to 512GB LCD versions are the models getting price cuts, so if you’ve been eyeing handheld gaming and the OLED is out of your ballpark, these new options make the barrier of entry lower than ever.
The 64GB edition, previously priced at $399, is now available for just $349. Likewise, the 256GB model has been reduced from $529 to $399, while the 512GB variant, formerly at $649, can now be acquired for $449. The two more expensive models are where the savings are most apparent, by a huge margin.
Performance-wise, the new OLED model keeps it steady with the same gaming performance as its predecessor, but with a snazzier 90Hz refresh rate. For those who live online, the Wi-Fi 6E module is a sweet addition, promising faster download speeds and smoother online play.
Collectors out there will be overjoyed to learn that Valve’s dropping a limited edition Steam Deck OLED. It’s got this cool translucent design, but it’s only for the 1TB model and will set you back $679. It’s a US and Canada exclusive, so if you’re in those parts, you’re in luck.
From the looks of it, the Steam Deck OLED isn’t just a minor tweak. Rather, it’s a full-on upgrade that keeps the best of the old while bringing in some sweet new features. With its enhanced display, beefed-up battery, and extra perks, now might be a good time to start saving up for this bad boy that’s scheduled to hit shelves on November 16.
