Krist S
Are you a PC gamer who wants to enjoy your Steam library anywhere, anytime? Do you wish you could play your favorite games on a handheld device that has a stunning display, a long-lasting battery, and a robust design? If so, you might want to check out Steam Deck OLED, the latest version of Valve’s portable gaming PC.
Is It Worth It To Buy Steam Deck OLED?
Yes, if you are a gamer and looking for an on-the-go gaming device. Steam Deck OLED is a lighter, brighter, and more durable upgrade from the original Steam Deck, which was launched in July 2021. It features a 7.4″ HDR OLED display, which offers more colors, pure blacks, and amazing motion rendition. It also has a bigger battery, which can last up to 8 hours of gameplay, depending on the settings and optimization. Additionally, it has faster WIFI, a bigger fan, and an improved touchscreen, trackpad, and haptics.
But is it worth the extra cost? The Steam Deck OLED costs $150 more than the LCD model, which has the same performance and compatibility. It also has some potential issues with OLED, such as burn-in, color shift, and reduced lifespan. Moreover, it is only available in the U.S. and Canada and in limited quantities.
In this article, we will compare the Steam Deck OLED with the LCD model and look at some of the pros and cons of this device. We will also tell you where you can buy it and how much it costs. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether the Steam Deck OLED is the right device for you.
Pros:
- Brighter colors, blacker blacks: Steam Deck OLED’s HDR OLED display is designed from the ground up for gaming. Sports a striking contrast, brilliant clarity, and a larger picture. With more colors, pure blacks, and amazing motion rendition, you’ll see your games in a new light.
- Play longer, download faster: Steam Deck OLED has 30–50% more battery life than the LCD model. Thanks to a bigger battery, a more efficient AMD APU, and a lower power consumption of the OLED screen. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6E, offering increased bandwidth and lower latency, which means faster downloads and stable online play.
- Lighter, cooler, and more reliable: Steam Deck OLED weighs 30g, or ~5% lighter than the LCD model, due to the screen. It also runs cooler, thanks to a bigger fan and updated thermals. The device is easier to repair and mod with Torx screws and metal threads, and replacement parts will be available on iFixit soon. The touchscreen, trackpad, and haptics are also improved, as are the sound quality and the Bluetooth connection.
Cons:
- Same performance, higher price: Steam Deck OLED’s performance is about the same as the LCD model. Meaning it can run most games at 720p and 30–60 fps, depending on the settings and optimization. However, the OLED model costs $150 more than the LCD model, which might not be worth it for some gamers who don’t care much about the screen quality or the battery life.
- Limited availability and compatibility: Steam Deck OLED is currently only available in the U.S. and Canada and in limited quantities. The device is expected to ship in Q2 2024, but the demand is high and the supply is low, so you might have to wait longer to get your hands on one. Moreover, not all games are compatible with Steam Deck OLED, especially those that require anti-cheat software or Windows-only features. You can check the compatibility of your games on the Steam website.
- Potential issues with OLED: OLED screens are known to have some drawbacks, such as burn-in, color shift, and reduced lifespan. Burn-in occurs when a static image is displayed for too long, leaving a permanent mark on the screen. A color shift happens when the colors of the screen change over time, becoming less accurate. A reduced lifespan means that the OLED screen will degrade faster than the LCD screen, losing brightness and contrast. These issues are not very common or noticeable, but they are possible, and you should be aware of them before buying an OLED device.
Where to buy Steam Deck OLED
Steam Deck OLED is available in three models, with different storage capacities and prices on steamdeck.com:
- 256GB LCD: $399.00
- 512GB OLED: $549.00
- 1TB OLED Limited Edition: $649.00
The Limited Edition model has a smoky translucent colorway, an exclusive startup movie, and a virtual keyboard theme. All models come with a carrying case and a Steam profile bundle. You can also buy a docking station separately. It allows you to connect your Steam Deck OLED to a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and other peripherals.
You can order Steam Deck OLED from the Steam website, where you can also find more information about the device, the software, and the games. You will need a Steam account and a valid payment method to place your order. In addition, you will also need to pay a $5 reservation fee, which will be deducted from the final price. The reservation fee is refundable if you cancel your order or change your mind.
It Runs Your Steam library Games On-the-Go
Steam Deck OLED is an all-in-one console upgrade for handheld gaming, offering a brighter, lighter, and more reliable device that can run your Steam library on the go. It has a stunning OLED display, a longer battery life, faster Wi-Fi, and improved performance and reliability. It also has great emulation support, a dedicated UI, and a Linux-based operating system that allows for greater customization.
However, the Steam Deck OLED is not a perfect device, and it has some drawbacks that you should consider before buying it. It has the same performance as the LCD model, meaning it can barely handle the latest AAA releases. It also has a higher price, limited availability and compatibility, and potential issues with OLED. If you don’t care much about the screen quality or the battery life, you might be better off with the LCD model or another handheld PC.
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