Valve Unveils Upgraded Steam Deck Featuring Enhanced OLED Display

By DaMarko Webster

Last year marked the debut of Valve’s groundbreaking handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck, which revolutionized the gaming landscape. Gamers were introduced to a purpose-built, portable gaming PC – albeit notably larger than traditional handhelds – boasting ample power for on-the-go AAA gaming. This device was not only user-friendly but also competitively priced.

Valve has recently unveiled an upgraded version of the Steam Deck, slated to commence shipping on November 16. This enhanced iteration sheds 30 grams in weight and showcases a larger, more vibrant OLED screen. The device’s battery life has seen improvements of up to 50%, contingent on content, while connectivity has been enhanced with the incorporation of Wi-Fi 6E. Additionally, a new cooling system has been integrated to prolong gaming sessions.

However, it’s crucial to clarify that this isn’t a revolutionary Steam Deck “2.0.” The upgrades primarily focus on functionality and aesthetics, with no major alterations to the system or software. Despite this, the initial Steam Deck garnered criticism for its LCD screen, prompting third-party vendors to offer DIY modification kits. The new OLED screen addresses these concerns, being slightly larger without affecting the device’s overall size, significantly brighter with a peak nits of 1,000 (compared to the original’s 400), and featuring a faster 90-Hz refresh rate for smoother gaming experiences.

Internal enhancements include a redesigned processor synergizing with the new cooling system and improved battery for heightened energy efficiency. Memory has been upgraded, and the updated Steam Deck provides up to 1 TB of storage. The base model’s storage has increased from 64 GB to 256 GB, but it’s important to note that the base model retains the LCD panel.

The refreshed Steam Deck lineup consists of a base 256 GB LCD model priced at $399 USD / £349 GBP, and two models with improved screens: a 512 GB OLED version at $549 USD / £479 GBP, and a 1 TB OLED variant at $649 USD / £569 GBP. Additionally, a limited edition “smoky translucent black” 1 TB OLED version, exclusive to the United States and Canada, is available for $679 USD / $819 CAD. All models will be accessible through the Steam Deck website starting November 16.