First of all, it should be noted that the Steam Deck OLED is not the same as the Steam Deck 2. Like the Switch OLED update, the Steam Deck OLED is a mid-cycle refresh from Valve, although a lot more work is being done inside. It has an improved screen, longer battery life, improved thumbsticks, improved haptics, improved chip and thermals. Its form factor hasn’t altered; this is still one of the largest handheld devices available.
The principal improvement of the new Steam Deck is its OLED screen, which takes the place of the previous LCD and, more importantly, features better frame rates and native support for HDR. In addition, the OLED’s 7.4-inch display is larger than the original 7-inch screen due to its lower bezels.
OLED screen
The HDR OLED screen has an amazing appearance. In contrast to the original maximum brightness of 400 nits, it has a larger P3 color gamut, clean blacks, and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. In practice, this means that the bezels of the screen blend in with the black of any game, giving vintage aspect ratios a more finished frame and making space for colors with more contrast. While the old model’s screen could only reach 60Hz, the new model’s max out at 90Hz and does not allow variable refresh rates (VRR). The redesigned screen is bright, crisp, and silky—just like the ideal lemon tart. (Even in such cases, I advise against licking the screen.)
Battery life
The original Steam Deck had a few drawbacks, including a low battery life that only worked for eight hours at best. Depending on how you play, Valve promises that the new Steam Deck battery will last 30 to 50 percent longer. It also charges more quickly, going from 20 percent to 80 percent in 45 minutes.
Custom AMD APU
The unique AMD APU present in the original Steam Deck is die-shrunk and redesigned for greater efficiency in the Steam Deck OLED. This version retains the same CPU and GPU. Sony used this same approach to make the PS4 and PS5 Slim, however, Valve added a larger battery and fan to the existing chassis rather than shrinking the Steam Deck to fit smaller hardware. This implies that game creators won’t have to design custom titles for the new hardware because the gadget will meet the same performance goals as the original. At the end of the day, the device weighs five quarters, or roughly thirty grams less than the original model.
In use
This brings me to the unfortunate news for my little hand gang. Measuring 11.7 inches in length, 4.5 inches in height, and about 2 inches in thickness, the Steam Deck OLED is the same enormous size as the original. In actuality, the new model’s thumbsticks are 1 mm taller than the previous one. My smaller-than-average hands make the Steam Deck appear and feel ludicrous while I’m holding it, which was one of my primary criticisms when I first evaluated it. No matter how long my manicure is, it’s still enormous. But compared to the original, the OLED model feels more balanced. It weighs less in theory, and it is less top-heavy.
The thumbsticks on the new handheld feel better and work wonderfully; they shouldn’t become gray after a few months of use. In my hands-on experience thus far, the integrated trackpads’ haptic feedback is even more accurate, appearing as responsive pin-pricks beneath the rough plastic, and the OLED touchscreen responds to input instantaneously.
For a few cozy hours, I alternated between the LCD and OLED Steam Decks on my couch, and to be honest, after I finish this review, I’ll probably retire my original model. The graphic quality of AAA games, independent releases, and regular Steam menus is significantly enhanced by the improved hardware. The OLED on the Steam Deck is more responsive and crisper.
When is the Steam Deck OLED going to be accessible?
On November 16th at 1 pm ET, the Steam Deck OLED will go on sale. Valve has units ready to ship on the same day. The 512GB OLED variant will cost $550, and the 1TB OLED model will cost $650. It will still be selling the 256GB LCD model at the discounted price of $400. A limited edition 1TB OLED model with an orange accent, a translucent gray body, and a special carrying case is also available for $680.
