Valve made a huge impact in 2021 with the launch of the Steam Deck, which sold millions of units in the following years. The excitement continued in 2023 with the release of the updated Steam Deck OLED, which addressed many of the original’s issues and introduced a vibrant new display. Our review of the Steam Deck OLED shows that it’s more than just a minor update to the handheld PC, making it one of the top gaming choices in 2024.
Although the original Steam Deck still has its place, with several models still available at discounted prices as they are phased out. But the question remains: should you go for the cheaper original Steam Deck or upgrade to the new Steam Deck OLED? To help you decide, let’s take a closer look at these handheld PCs.
Pricing and Availability
The original Steam Deck with an LCD display was launched in February 2022 with prices ranging from $400 to $650, depending on storage options and other features. Originally offering 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, Valve now only sells the 256GB model. The 64GB and 512GB models are still available at reduced prices, with the 256GB model priced at $400.
The Steam Deck OLED, launched on November 16, offers two models: a 512GB version for $550 and a 1TB version for $650. The 1TB model also features an etched glass display resistant to glare. A limited-edition translucent shell version of the 1TB model was available for $680 but has sold out.
Both the original and OLED models offer competitive pricing, with the 512GB storage version of the original LCD model priced at $450 offering the best value. However, the OLED models are also reasonably priced, maintaining similar pricing to the original LCD models while providing increased storage.
Specs
The Steam Deck OLED is more than just a screen upgrade. It offers improvements in performance, battery life, and connectivity. With faster memory, support for Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, as well as a larger battery, the Steam Deck OLED delivers an enhanced gaming experience. The redesigned APU on a 6nm node boosts efficiency and performance, leading to a significant increase in battery life.
Screen
