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Valve is stepping things up with this improved Steam Deck that features an OLED display.
Colors come through more vividly and in better contrast against true black on this screen.
The Steam Deck OLED is a little larger than the original Steam Deck LCD.
These additions do make it more costly than the original, though.
Depending on availability, it might be hard to get your hands on it.
The trackpads provide especially good control, and the system is well-balanced to feel good in your hands.
However, it is more affordable and might be a better option for people on a budget.
Let’s dive in and look at all of the known differences between the two Steam Deck versions.
16, 2023while the original Steam Deck LCD is currently available for purchase.
The Steam Deck OLED is a little larger than the original Steam Deck LCD.
We saw a similar refresh like this back in 2021 when Nintendo released the slightly larger Switch OLED.
This is going to be the same thing that happens with the Steam Deck OLED.
With more room, you have space for more game files.
The original Steam Deck LCD comes in three storage sizes that determine the handheld’s cost.
Anyone really on a budget can get the most affordable one with a 64GB SSD for just $399.
But going with the 512GB SSD version can save you money.
The three versions of the original Steam Deck LCD have a more affordable price point than the Steam Deck OLED.
For instance, theWD_Black SN770M SSDis a great option.
But you should only do this if you feel comfortable opening up your expensive rig.
To be honest, this is one area that gaming handhelds really tend to disappoint.
The 512GB Steam Deck OLED sells for $549 while the 1TB one sells for $649.
So, it’s good to hear there are strides in this area with the new OLED version.
We’ll have to check these claims out for sure, as they might not entirely be accurate.
But still, any claim of improvement is a good thing.
The Steam Deck OLED has longer battery life than the original Steam Deck LCD.
Its release is possibly years down the road.
Both measure in at 298mm x 117mm x 49mm (about 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9 inches).
This likely means that the OLED display has less of a bezel than the original LCD display does.
This is where you can find the Steam Deck LCD’s battery if you open the device.
So the newer OLED version could be a little less strain on your hands during long gaming sessions.
Steam Deck OLED vs Steam Deck LCD: Which one should you buy?
There’s no denying that the Steam Deck OLED is the superior version.
Both the Steam Deck OLED and Steam Deck LCD are the same size, but they weigh different.
The battery lasts a decent amount longer and there are also better storage options to choose from.
The original Steam Deck’s biggest perk is that it is far more affordable than the OLED version.
The Steam Deck OLED (bottom) is far superior, but the Steam Deck LCD is more affordable.
