Valve has introduced the next chapter in the Steam Deck saga. The latest iteration boasts a revamped OLED display and several user-friendly improvements. Particularly striking is the boost in battery life, with Valve proclaiming an impressive 30 to 50 percent improvement over the previous version.
However, do keep in mind that this is not a Steam Deck 2. The company has previously indicated that a successor to the Steam Deck won’t be available until at least 2025. Nevertheless, the new model does introduce some essential enhancements to the Steam Deck. So, without further delay, let’s delve into the recently unveiled Steam Deck OLED.
Steam Deck OLED Features and Specifications
Valve has opted for a 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen in the Steam Deck OLED model, replacing the 7-inch LCD touchscreen display on the original version. A notable enhancement is the adoption of a new 50Wh battery, surpassing the 40Wh version present in the earlier model.
Regrettably, the latest iteration does not introduce any performance upgrades compared to its forerunner. However, the new OLED panel features a 90Hz refresh rate while maintaining the native resolution of 1280×800 pixels. Additionally, it incorporates the Wi-Fi 6E module, enabling download speeds up to three times faster or improved performance during online gaming.
The overall form factor also remains unchanged, albeit the new Steam Deck OLED is approximately 30 grams lighter than its precursor. It also promises a cooler experience than the original Steam Deck, which was notorious for its tendency to run hot, thanks to upgraded thermal mechanisms.
Limited edition Steam Deck OLED
In addition, the company has unveiled a limited edition Steam Deck OLED with a translucent design. This variant is restricted to customers in the United States and Canada and is exclusively offered in a 1TB configuration.
Steam Deck OLED Price and Availability
The Steam Deck OLED model will be available in two storage configurations: 512GB and 1TB, priced at $549 (approximately Rs 45,000) and $649 (approximately Rs 55,000), respectively. Pre-orders are scheduled to commence next week.
Valve is also implementing price reductions for its LCD models and phasing out the 64GB and 512GB LCD variants. Consequently, the 256GB LCD model will be priced at $399 (approximately Rs 33,000), down from its previous cost of $529 (approximately Rs 45,000). Unfortunately, information regarding its availability in the Indian market is currently unavailable.
