Enhanced Display, Extended Battery Life, and More Revealed in New Steam Deck OLED

Valve has unveiled an enhanced version of the Steam Deck, featuring an upgraded OLED display, improved battery life, larger storage capacity, and more. While still classified as a first-generation device within the Steam Deck family, the Steam Deck OLED boasts significant enhancements across various aspects. The revamped model offers two distinct storage configurations, along with a special Limited-edition variant. Surprisingly, it will be available for pre-order starting from November 16.

HDR OLED display

The standout highlight is the introduction of a new HDR OLED display, positioning the Steam Deck as the first handheld device to incorporate such a screen. With numerous games on Steam equipped with native HDR support, no additional work or patches from developers are required to enjoy them on the new model. The display has also been slightly enlarged to 7.4" by reducing the bezel size, accompanied by an increased 90Hz refresh rate in contrast to the previous 60Hz. Furthermore, the 1TB and LE models feature an anti-glare etched-glass finishing on the screen.

HDR OLED

Wide color gamut - 110% P3

Pure blacks - million to one contrast ratio

Improved, more responsive touchscreen

Larger 7.4” picture (up from 7” due to smaller bezel)

90Hz refresh rate (up from 60Hz)

1000 nit peak brightness (up from 400 nits)

<0.1 ms response time

More power efficient

Premium anti-glare etched glass (1TB and Limited Edition models only)

Better battery life

Moreover, alongside the assurance of a more power efficient OLED screen, the new model showcases a larger battery, now at 50Whr compared to the previous 40Whr. This enhancement is complemented by an updated AMD APU that reportedly contributes to an improved battery life. Although the announcement lacks specific details on the extent of this enhancement, it is worth mentioning that the previous Steam Deck's battery life varied significantly based on the performance requirements of individual games.

Lighter and more portable

Furthermore, the updated Steam Deck boasts a 5% reduction in weight compared to the LCD model. The weight may differ depending on the configuration, but Valve states that the average weight is approximately 640 grams, which is lighter than the 669-gram LCD model. The dimensions remain largely unchanged at 298mm x 117mm x 50mm, with only a minor increase in height by 1mm, attributed by Valve to the redesigned thumbsticks.

The 1TB version will also feature an updated case design, complete with a removable inner shell, providing users with increased options for portability.

Faster downloads

The latest iteration of this model comes with additional enhancements behind the scenes, aimed at enhancing connectivity and download speeds. These improvements consist of a wi-fi 6E module, enabling utilization of the 6Ghz spectrum if a compatible router is available. According to Valve, this advancement will result in download speeds that are 2-3 times faster than those of the LCD model.

Steam Deck OLED

Other specs

The Steam Deck OLED features several notable improvements. One major enhancement is the updated APU, which has undergone a die-shrink from 7nm to 6nm. This advancement not only contributes to power savings but also enables the system to deliver a faster gaming experience, with games resuming approximately 30% more quickly. Additionally, users can expect a more responsive touchscreen, enhanced speaker volume capabilities, and quicker battery charging. Furthermore, the system has undergone improvements in terms of disassembly and repair, including adjustments to the number and types of screws used.

6400 MT/s memory, improves latency, more power management

Improved thermal performance due to larger fan

Faster resume time by roughly 30%

Touchscreen

Vastly improved responsiveness

Higher polling rate (180Hz)

Lower latency, better accuracy and consistency

Bluetooth

BT 5.3 module with a dedicated antenna for better experience when using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi simultaneously

Better connectivity, especially while docked

Now supports more Audio Codec’s like Aptx HD and Aptx low latency

Supports wake via Bluetooth controller

Haptics

Improved, higher fidelity haptics

Redesigned trackpad for improved fidelity and edge detection

Audio

Louder speakers with improved bass

Onboard mic can now be used simultaneously as headphone jack

Ergonomics

30g, or ~5% lighter

Improved thumbstick texture and geometry for more comfort and control

Power

Redesigned power supply with longer cable (2.5m vs 1.5m)

Faster charging with improved battery chemistry, 20%-80% in as little as 45 minutes

The WRGB charging LED

Models, pricing, and preorders

Introducing the Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition

The Steam Deck OLED is available in three different configurations: 512GB, 1TB, and a Limited Edition model exclusively for the US and Canada. The 1TB and Limited Edition variants feature a stunning etched-glass finish on the OLED screen. The Limited Edition, as the name suggests, is only being produced in limited quantities. It boasts an exclusive translucent colorway and showcases a unique design printed on the inside of its carrying case.

Let's break down the pricing:

- 512GB configuration

- 1TB configuration

- Limited Edition model (exclusive to the US and Canada)

Please note that

Models, pricing, and preorders

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512GB Steam Deck OLED - $549

1TB Steam Deck OLED - $649

Preorders for the limited edition 1TB Steam Deck will be available starting from 10 AM PT on November 16. This preorder offer encompasses all three of the new models, and it is anticipated that the shipping process will commence without delay. Notably, the LCD models have already undergone a price reduction, effective immediately. The revised price for the 1TB Steam Deck Limited Edition is $679.

64GB Steam Deck LCD - $349 ($399)

256GB Steam Deck LCD - $399 ($529)

512GB Steam Deck LCD - $449 ($649)

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am incredibly excited about the release of the new Steam Deck OLED. The upgraded HDR OLED display, extended battery life, and faster download speeds are all major improvements that will make the gaming experience even better. I'm also impressed by the new design, which is sleeker and more portable than the original Steam Deck.

Overall, I think the Steam Deck OLED is a great upgrade for anyone who is looking for a powerful and portable gaming device. I can't wait to get my hands on one!