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The Steam Deck already figured to be one of the most popular pieces of gaming hardware this holiday season, but now Valve is taking a page from Nintendo’s book by releasing a new iteration with a larger OLED screen. The Steam Deck OLED will boast other improvements, too, including a slimmer form factor, enhanced thumbsticks, longer battery life, and more. It will be available to order starting today, November 16, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET through Steam. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the different options you have for buying the Steam Deck OLED.
Steam Deck OLED availability and price
Though Valve hasn’t announced exactly when orders will be shipped, the “preorder” date of November 16 is essentially a launch date. Initial orders are expected to ship in the days following release.
The Steam Deck OLED will be available in two different storage capacities: 512GB and 1TB. The 512GB and 1TB models are largely the same, save for two key differences. The 1TB model is fitted with an anti-glare etched glass screen; the 512GB model does not have an anti-glare screen. Additionally, the 1TB model comes with a carrying case with a removable inner shell.
Valve is also releasing a limited-edition 1TB model with a translucent black chassis and an exclusive version of the carrying case. The limited-edition model will only be available in the US and Canada, while the standard model will launch in every country where Valve currently accepts Steam Deck orders. Unsurprisingly, quantities of the limited edition are limited, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see scalpers scoop up the limited-edition model in a hurry.
Here’s the pricing breakdown for the Steam Deck OLED:
512GB Steam Deck OLED — $5491TB Steam Deck OLED — $6491TB Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition — $679
If you recall the original Steam Deck’s pricing model, you may be quite surprised by these low numbers. After all, the 512GB Steam Deck retailed for $649 at launch–$100 more than the improved OLED model will cost.
Original Steam Deck price drop
Given the relatively low price of the Steam Deck OLED, it probably comes as no surprise that the original trio of Steam Deck models are receiving permanent price cuts. In fact, the reduced prices start today, November 9:
64GB Steam Deck — $349 ($399)256GB Steam Deck — $399 ($529)512GB Steam Deck — $449 ($649)
Prospective Steam Deck owners now have a myriad of options. Clearly, the most notable price cut is the $200 drop on the 512GB Steam Deck. If you’re going to opt for the regular Steam Deck due to the new prices, we’d recommend springing for at least the 256GB model, as you’re likely to spend close to $400 total outfitting a 64GB edition with a microSD card–most people simply can’t get by with 64GB of space on Steam Deck.
Steam Deck OLED vs. Steam Deck: Time to upgrade?
Whether you’re a current Steam Deck owner considering an upgrade or a first-time buyer wondering which model to go with, it’s important to know the improvements offered in the new iteration to make an informed decision.
Of course, the most notable selling point with the Steam Deck OLED is, well, yes, the OLED screen. OLED screens offer better contrast, especially with deep blacks, a wider color gamut, and improved brightness.
The Steam Deck OLED’s panel is 7.4-inch, whereas the original Steam Deck had a 7-inch screen. Remember, the 1TB models also have the added improvement of an anti-glare etched glass screen. In addition to a brighter, more crisp viewing experience, the Steam Deck OLED has a 90Hz refresh rate compared to the old 60Hz panel.
If you’re not one of those handheld enthusiasts who saw the Nintendo Switch OLED as a huge upgrade over the LCD launch model, double-dipping with the Steam Deck OLED may not sound appealing. However, there are some other intriguing changes that could prove to be highly impactful.
Valve says the Steam Deck OLED’s battery life is 30-50% better than the original. This is a product of Valve using a 50Whr battery (the original had 40Whr), along with OLED panels being more energy efficient, improved thermal efficiency, and other iterative improvements.
Current Steam Deck owners are certainly familiar with the handheld’s wide battery life range. It’s highly dependent on the game you’re playing. It’s possible to drain the battery in under two hours, and it’s also possible for it to last roughly eight hours. As such, a 30-50% improvement will be impactful regardless of whether you’re playing a demanding AAA game or a small indie that could run on a potato.
The Steam Deck OLED’s weight varies based on the model you choose, according to Valve, but the Steam Deck OLED comes in at an average of 640 grams versus the 669-gram original Steam Deck. OLED panels are lighter and thinner, which helped the new model weigh less, even with a larger screen.
For a more in-depth look at the Steam Deck OLED, check out our story that dives deep into the features.
Steam Deck game recommendations
If you wind up buying a Steam Deck, you should take a look at our roundup of the best Steam Deck games. Additionally, GameSpot sister site Giant Bomb curated a selection of recommended Steam Deck games that are available via Fanatical (another GameSpot sister site). As an added benefit, many of the games the experts at Giant Bomb picked are on sale thanks to Fanatical’s Birthday Bash.
