Let’s go over some logistical things. First, all LCD Steam Decks have had their prices dropped and the 64GB and 512GB versions are being discontinued. Now, the 256GB version of the LCD will be the base model and it will be joined by a 512GB OLED and a 1TB OLED. Also, the Docking Station has had its price dropped. Here’s the breakdown of prices:
Steam Deck Docking Station – $79
Steam Deck LCD 64GB – $349 (while supplies last)
Steam Deck LCD 256GB – $399 (new baseline model)
Steam Deck LCD 512GB – $449 (while supplies last)
Steam Deck OLED 512GB – $549
Steam Deck OLED 1TB – $649
Overall, I think these prices are great! An HDR OLED screen is sure to be striking and the screen is still 1280×800 but is slightly larger thanks to thinner bezels and has a refresh rate of 90Hz! So, is the new screen everything? Well as mentioned before, the battery life has improved (30-50% according to Steam) and it seems for a couple of reasons including the fact that it’s bigger. It’s gone from a 40Whr battery to a 50Whr one. Other improvements that Valve is marketing include a smaller APU die going from 7nm to 6nm for increased efficiency and an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 5. There’s also a bigger fan to keep it cooler and it weighs 30g lighter than the LCD model. One final upgrade that Valve isn’t really talking about is that the RAM is faster. It has jumped from 5500 MT/s up to 6400 MT/s which Digital Foundry has confirmed gives somewhat of a performance boost that varies based on the game.
There are a few other items that Digital Foundry has pointed out (video below) that I think are worth mentioning. First, the Steam Deck now has a more convenient way of locking your console’s refresh rate/FPS. They also mention that the speakers are louder with more bass, the Steam Deck OLED has improved haptics, and a new and improved trackpad. They also mention that the repairability has improved as the back is easier to remove and you don’t have to go through the back to replace the screen.
I for one am very excited about the Steam Deck OLED. It sounds like they’ve really taken a lot of user feedback to heart and are putting out a vastly improved product. You can order the Steam Deck OLED from Steam as well as from Komodo for gamers in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
