Should you’ve been holding off on shopping for a Steam Deck for a bit, I’ve bought some nice information: In the present day, November 9, 2023, Valve introduced a {hardware} refresh for the Steam Deck. It’s known as the Steam Deck OLED and, sure, the brand new, (and really) improved display screen is one in all its principal options, however there’s lots extra to get enthusiastic about Is it price upgrading to the brand new gadget? Is now the correct time to get a Steam Deck? Properly, Kotaku bought some hands-on time with the brand new unit and I’m able to share our preliminary findings.
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Steam Deck OLED pricing and specs
Earlier than we bounce into the specifics, let’s speak value so you will get an concept of what all of this may price you should you’re considering of grabbing one. Valve will supply a choice of Steam Decks at these value factors:
$399 – 256BG Steam Deck LCD$549 – 512 GB Steam Deck OLED$649 – 1TB Steam Deck OLED$679 – 1TB Steam Deck Restricted Version
With these costs, the Steam Deck’s lowest value tier (which has the unique Deck’s display screen) improves with extra storage. However importantly, the brand new 1TB OLED Deck is identical value the top-of-the-line launch unit was, now with double the storage, and an improved display screen, battery life, and extra.
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Valve has made clear that the Steam Deck OLED is aiming for the “identical efficiency goal” as the unique mannequin, referring to the brand new OLED refresh because the “definitive first-generation Steam Deck.” Meaning you received’t be taking part in extra demanding video games on the unit however the video games you presently have are going to look remarkably higher and extra vivid than they did earlier than.
Picture: Valve
Steam Deck OLED display screen particulars
Because the identify suggests, the premiere function of the brand new Steam Deck OLED is, sure, the brand new OLED display screen which impresses on first look—significantly when held as much as the unique, LCD Steam Deck.
Listed here are the Steam Deck OLED specs:
HDR OLEDWide coloration gamut 110% P3Pure blacks—million to 1 distinction ratioImproved, extra responsive touchscreenLarger 7.4” image (up from 7” resulting from smaller bezel)90Hz refresh charge (up from 60Hz)1000 nit peak brightness (up from 400 nits)<0.1 ms response timeMore energy efficientPremium anti-glare etched glass (1TB and Restricted Version fashions solely)
High is the unique, LCD Steam Deck. Backside is the brand new OLED (working Sprawl)Picture: MAETH / Kotaku
The display screen improve is a outstanding enchancment over the preliminary LCD. In my time with the brand new unit, I bounced round between The Invincible, Signalis, Management, Sprawl, and Sea of Stars. In all of those video games, colours are considerably extra vivid. Not simply vivid, they principally glow. I seen this distinction whereas taking part in Sprawl, a retro-style first particular person shooter set in a darkish cyberpunk metropolis filled with glowy indicators that dazzle on this new display screen.
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In Signalis, the deeper blacks of the OLED display screen dramatically improved the expertise. On the flip facet, Sea of Stars seems to be vibrant, clear, and colourful. Because of the OLED inside moments of booting up the hand held, I finished caring concerning the specs of the machine and was swiftly immersed in every recreation I performed.
The OLED display screen is able to far deeper blacks, as famous on this comparability of Sea of Stars’ loading display screen (backside is the OLED mannequin).Picture: Sabotage Studio / Kotaku
It is a pretty, vibrant display screen that elevates the expertise of the Steam Deck. The improved colours and black ranges make it really feel extra premium than its first iteration. Is it a revolutionary leap? No, the unique Steam Deck continues to be an superior gadget. However the OLED mannequin merely looks like the perfect instance of what this model of the machine could be.
Backside display screen is the OLED mannequin, with dramatically extra vivid colours.Picture: Sabotage Studio / Kotaku
I additionally discovered that desktop mode is a bit nicer on the brand new display screen. It feels much less cramped, and transferring home windows round with the contact display screen may be very simple. It nearly makes me dream of a future the place this might simply be my principal working system as an alternative of Home windows.
Steam Deck OLED is on the left.Picture: Valve / Starward Industries / Kotaku
Higher battery, sooner downloads, lighter weight
The Steam Deck OLED additionally packs a 50Whr battery (the unique had a 40Whr) which mixes with a extra energy environment friendly refresh to the machine’s processor to make for improved battery life. Valve estimates that the Steam Deck OLED has wherever from a 30 to 50 p.c enchancment in battery life.
It’s arduous to quantify how correct that’s proper now primarily based on early hands-on time, however merely establishing the gadget alongside my authentic 512 GB Steam Deck, it was clear that my outdated one was burning by means of the battery at a sooner charge.
Valve additionally states that the inclusion of a bigger fan will enhance thermals, however don’t fear: The exhaust vent nonetheless smells nice.
With a Wi-Fi 6E module onboard, you’ll even be downloading video games a lot sooner. I used to be capable of obtain Management in round 10 minutes on my dwelling Wi-Fi with 555 Mbps obtain charges. However even on public Wi-Fi, the Steam Deck OLED nonetheless downloaded video games remarkably sooner than the unique unit was capable of. Having set each machines as much as A/B check a number of video games, the OLED was able to play a recreation with time to spare whereas the unique Deck ticked away at its downloads.
Valve additionally states that the machine is roughly 5 p.c lighter, and that distinction is noticeable. If I’m being sincere, I choose the burden of the unique, however hey, I’m a weirdo.
Right here’s a listing of the technical modifications:
Efficiency and Thermals
APU die-shrink from 7nm to 6nm for energy financial savings6400 MT/s reminiscence, improves latency, extra energy managementImproved thermal efficiency resulting from bigger fanFaster resume time by roughly 30%
Touchscreen
Vastly improved responsivenessHigher polling charge (180Hz)Decrease latency, higher accuracy, and consistency.
Bluetooth
BT 5.three module with a devoted antenna for a greater expertise when utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi simultaneouslyBetter connectivity, particularly whereas dockedNow helps extra Audio Codecs like Aptx HD and Aptx low latencySupports wake through Bluetooth controller
Haptics
Improved, greater constancy hapticsRedesigned trackpad for improved constancy and edge detection
Audio
Louder audio system with improved bassOnboard mic can now be used concurrently because the headphone jack
Ergonomics
30g, or ~5% lighterImproved thumbstick texture and geometry for extra consolation and management
Energy
Redesigned energy provide with an extended cable (2.5m vs 1.5m)Sooner charging with improved battery chemistry, 20%-80% in as little as 45 minutesWRGB charging LED
Repairability
Switched to machine screws on the rear cowl with metallic bosses, to disassemble/reassemble extra reliablyTorx screws to scale back head strippingLowered the variety of screw sorts all through the systemFewer steps required for widespread repairsBumper swap is now on the joystick board for simpler restore, improved bumper shock reliabilityReplacing the show doesn’t require taking the again off
As you’ll be aware, Valve has determined to place Torx screws on the again as an alternative of the present Phillips head screws. Fortunately, these aren’t the safety Torx variants with the raised dot within the center. As acknowledged above, this was achieved to stop stripping.
Aesthetic modifications give the Steam Deck OLED a greater sense of persona
Although there’s a restricted version, translucent mannequin that Valve will supply for $30 greater than the highest Steam Deck OLED, the common mannequin does have some nicer aesthetics than the unique.
Picture: Claire Jackson / Kotaku
The cutest is maybe the orange energy button (which is joined by an out-of-sight RGB energy mild that turns inexperienced when the gadget is absolutely charged). Orange appears to be the theme of the OLED variant: The splash display screen has a Steam Deck brand with an orange middle and the newly designed case (which accommodates a Velcro strap to shut it and a detachable inside shell for more room, however sure it nonetheless has the thriller sock, helpful rear strap, and thriller pocket) additionally has the orange-themed Deck brand.
Valve additionally changed the thumbsticks, which not solely really feel higher, however the black stems, mixed with extra subdued colours within the face, […], and Steam buttons assist the gadget fade away a bit extra when you’re taking part in a recreation. Curl up in a darkish nook on the sofa, and all you’ll see is the attractive OLED display screen, nothing else distracting.
General the extra hanging uniformly black look, mixed with the neat orange button, gives some delicate persona, that I haven’t seen in most Valve {hardware}, which normally is extra utilitarian in type.
The restricted version variant of the Steam Deck OLED has snazzier coloration themes and a darkish grey translucent shell.Picture: Valve
That is much more true of the restricted version (out there in USA and Canada solely) mannequin which incorporates a snazzy translucent display screen, and coloured accent marks on the thumbstick stems and rear exhaust grill.
Must you improve your Steam Deck?
Valve’s characterization of the Steam Deck OLED because the “definitive first-generation Steam Deck” is on level. But it surely’s not a subsequent gen leap for the Deck. It goals to ship the identical efficiency, simply manner prettier.
So should you’ve been holding off on an improve for higher processing energy, this won’t be the Deck you’re in search of—however rattling does it look good.
Should you haven’t gotten a Deck but and have been ready, fortunate you. The Steam Deck OLED was definitely worth the wait—. internally it’s principally the identical machine that many people have fallen in love with within the final 12 months, however the greater and far more attractive display screen (and different aesthetic enhancements) make this an superior possibility for first-time patrons
But when you have already got a Steam Deck, I don’t know that I’d instantly shell out one other six-hundred-plus bucks for one more. Mine’s solely been in service for a few 12 months, so it could be powerful to justify shelling out for the OLED so quickly. That mentioned, if cash is of no object to you , the visible enchancment of the OLED’s display screen is a stunning step up. I’d be much less smitten by taking this one aside for certain—and never as a result of it feels much less fragile, I simply really feel extra compelled to protect this unit because it exists than I did with the unique.
Additionally, the Deck is a conveyable machine. Possibly you’ve taken yours on lots of journeys and it’s suffered various battle scars from drops and extra? Possibly you’ve modded yours out to enhance aesthetics or efficiency (or considerably of a haphazard mess) and will use a brand new unit to both protect in its situation when you mod out your outdated one. For these, should you’re okay with the identical efficiency goal, the OLED Deck may be a pleasant {hardware} refresh.
The Steam Deck OLED is a good first Deck should you’ve been holding out. The brand new HDR OLED display screen seems to be completely attractive in particular person and enhancements to storage capability and battery life solely sweeten the deal. It’s the type of enchancment that makes you suppose much less concerning the gadget and extra on the video games you’ll be having fun with.
