Valve unveils new Steam Deck OLED with upgraded features

In a surprising move, Valve has unveiled an updated version of its popular handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck. The upgraded version, aptly named the Steam Deck OLED, brings in much-needed improvements including an OLED panel, a better processor and improved connectivity features.

The most notable improvement in the new Steam Deck OLED is its display. The device now features a bigger and better 7.4-inch 1280 x 800 HDR OLED screen as opposed to the 7-inch 1280 x 800 LCD on the first generation Steam Deck. The display also supports 90Hz refresh rate and an impressive 1,000-nit of brightness.

Introducing Steam Deck OLED. Featuring an HDR OLED screen, longer battery life, and faster downloads. Available November 16th.

Learn more at https://t.co/uVdBCpJVuX pic.twitter.com/W4YnimTqCL

— Steam Deck (@OnDeck) November 9, 2023

Under the hood, the Steam Deck OLED houses an advanced AMD "6nm APU," a significant upgrade from the 7nm APU on the 2021 Steam Deck. The system features a Zen 2-based 4-core/8-thread configuration coupled with RDNA2 graphics, promising enhanced performance and a more immersive gaming experience.

Weighing in at 640g, the OLED version is 30g lighter than its LCD counterpart. The package includes a 45W power supply, a 2.5m cable, and a convenient carrying case. Valve has not only focused on the display but has also upgraded connectivity features, incorporating Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

The enhanced haptic system and a larger 50 Whr battery contribute to an extended gaming session, offering an impressive 3–12 hours of gameplay. This marks a 30-50% increase compared to the LCD models, ensuring that players can delve into their favourite games without interruptions.

Valve is also introducing a limited-edition variant, the 1 TB Steam Deck OLED model, exclusively available for users in US and Canada. This special edition boasts a transparent shell, a unique carrying case featuring exclusive artwork, and an enhanced cooling system.