Valve’s Steam Deck quickly established itself as one of the most popular handheld gaming devices, and it’s finally getting a refresh: we’re checking out the Steam Deck OLED release date, price, and key information. Released only back in 2022, the Linux-based handheld was created to let you take your Steam library on the go, and provide an option for portable PC gaming. However, Valve has recently announced that the Steam Deck’s versatile gaming experience will be getting an upgrade, with a boosted display, battery size, and AMD APU. Has your interest been piqued? Read on to find out all you need to know about the upcoming launch of Steam’s OLED console.
Steam Deck OLED release date
There’s a whole bunch of hardware upgrades and new features crammed into the upgraded Steam Deck, and it’s no wonder that gamers are keen to know when it will be released onto the market. Well, the release date of the Steam Deck OLED is currently down as the 16th of November, 2023, and the console will be available to buy through Steam’s website. Although it might not be the Steam Deck 2 that some fans are waiting for, we’ll likely be waiting a few more years for this at least, the OLED console does make some necessary improvements to its LCD predecessor. We’ve detailed a list of the new device’s specs below, as well as its current pricing.
Steam Deck OLED specs
| Specs | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen |
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 x RGB |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90 Hz |
| Processor | 6 nm AMD APU |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512 GB or 1TB GB |
| Thumbsticks | 2 x full-size analog sticks with capacitive touch |
| Haptics | HD haptics |
| Trackpads | 2 x 32.5mm square trackpads with haptic feedback |
| Gyro | 6-Axis IMU |
As you can see, the Steam Deck OLED makes quite a few improvements on the original console in terms of performance, power, and usability. With a high-resolution 7.4″ OLED panel that makes games pop, the new model looks to offer the ultimate on-the-go PC gaming experience in Valve’s portable form factor. Additionally, with the streamlined 6 nm AMD processor and a bigger 50Whr battery, the new Steam Deck is more efficient and claims to see an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent improvement over the launch version. You can also expect faster download speeds and better online gameplay performance, no thanks to the Wi-Fi 6E module.
However, while the upgraded OLED panel offers an increased 90Hz refresh rate, it still outputs at a native 1280 x 800 resolution, which is the same as the previous LCD model. The new Steam Deck does not offer huge raw performance improvements to its predecessor, and we’re seeing the same form factor and colorway, although the upgraded model is set to be about 30 grams lighter.
Steam Deck OLED price
There are currently two storage variants of the Steam Deck OLED set to be released, which are priced accordingly. The cheaper of the two has 512GB storage, and its $549 price tag also gets you a 4.5W power supply with a 2.5m cable, a carrying case, and a Steam profile bundle. The alternative is a 1TB variant, which is priced at $100 more expensive at $649. The 1TB upgrade also gets you a few smaller benefits, such as a carrying case with a removable liner, an exclusive startup movie, and an exclusive virtual keyboard theme.
- Steam Deck OLED 512GB – $549 / £479
- Steam Deck OLED 1TB – $649 / £569
It’s also worth noting that the LCD models have now dropped in price, as Valve aims to gradually phase out the older 64GB and 512 GB Steam Deck. Therefore, if you still haven’t gotten your hands on an original Steam Deck, you can now get one for a lot cheaper. If this tickles your fancy, you can read our recent review of the LCD Steam Deck to weigh in on our hands-on experience of the console before deciding on the upgrade or sticking to the original.
- Steam Deck LCD 64GB Model – $349 (Previously $399)
- Steam Deck LCD 256GB Model – $399 (Previously $529)
- Steam Deck LCD 512GB – $449 (Previously $649)
Can I pre-order the Steam Deck OLED?
You can order the newest Steam Deck model from its release time of 10 am Pacific on the 16th of November, 2023. Unfortunately, it seems that there is currently no option to pre-order the device prior to its official launch, so you’ll have to hold out for a few more days before knuckling down on a Steam Deck upgrade. There’s also a limited edition translucent colorway version of the 1TB OLED model available, but only for buyers in the US and Canada.
Is the Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition?
The Steam Deck OLED is not a limited edition but is now a permanent member of Valve’s Steam Deck family, and the company is phasing out the 64 GB and 512 GB variants of the original LCD Steam Deck to bring these replacements in. However, there is a limited edition translucent colorway of the 1TB OLED Steam Deck, that is available as stocks last. Unfortunately, this colorway is exclusive to Canada and the US.
Can a Steam Deck replace a PC?
Thanks to its leverage of SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system created for the device, the Steam Deck can technically replace a PC. Using the OS, you should be able to install other programs onto your device as well as any Steam-compatible game, such as web browsers, media players, and office suites. However, a handheld device is unlikely to match a fully constructed gaming PC in terms of power, graphics, etc. The market of handheld gaming PCs is only continuing to expand, with new competitors including the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally joining the ranks to contend for the top spot.
