Today is the day! For your convenience, a fresh Megathread for Steam Deck OLED. This will be the main Megathread here on r/steamdeck for Steam Deck OLED. To keep the sub tidy, most if not all related discussion (and select posts) will be redirected/consolidated here.
FAQ’s:
When does Steam Deck OLED Release?
November 16th, 2023 starting 10am PST.
US, Canada, UK, and EU on Steam (and in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong via Komodo).
Where can I buy Steam Deck OLED?
Direct from Valve.
Here: https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck
and
Limited Edition: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeck_2023LE
**Limited Edition ships to U.S. and Canada only.
Will Steam Deck OLED be on Pre-Order?
No. Steam Deck OLED will start shipping immediately starting 11/16 at 10am PST.
US, Canada, UK, and EU on Steam (and in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong via Komodo).
**Limited Edition ships to U.S. and Canada only.
Pricing?
$549/$649/$679 for 512GB/1TB/1TB-LE
What are the Steam Deck OLED Specs?
- 512GB to 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display
- 7.4" Diagonal display size *Premium anti-glare etched glass (1TB and 1TB LE only)
- 6 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hrs of gameplay (content dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- Carrying case with removable liner
- Steam profile bundle
- Exclusive startup movie
- Exclusive virtual keyboard theme
** Limited Edition OLED ($679) includes all the 1TB features above plus:
- Limited Edition Colorway (Translucent Smoke).
- Limited Edition carrying case with removable printed liner.
- More: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeck_2023LE
Steam Deck OLED Full Specs: https://www.steamdeck.com/en/tech
What is the warranty for Steam Deck OLED?
1 year (same as LCD).
How can I order a Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition?
Same process as ordering a stock Steam Deck here: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeck_2023LE
Account Requirements:
To purchase a Limited Edition Steam Deck OLED model:
- You need to be in the United States or Canada
- Your account needs to be in good standing
- Your account needs to have made a purchase on Steam before November 2023
- Only one unit may be purchased per account
Source: https://twitter.com/OnDeck/status/1724544060621541536
Key Differences between LCD vs OLED versions?
More vibrant 7.4" HDR OLED Screen, up to 1TB SSD, improved Wi-Fi speed via Wi-Fi 6E, improved battery life, various internal updates.
Same (no change to) performance specs, overall physical profile and pricing.
What other updates were made to the Steam Deck OLED?
- OLED screen is HDR certified, slightly larger 7.4" (vs previous 7.0") screen with wider color gamut, 1000 nits brightness and 90Hz refresh rate (previous 60Hz).
- 50-watt hour battery (up from 40wh) allows faster charging and up to 50% more battery life.
- Updated 6Nm (from 7nm) AMD APU uses less power + LPDDR5 6400mt/s (previous 5500mt/s).
- Dedicated Wi-Fi 6E module for faster WiFi connectivity via (2.4/5/6Ghz) spectrum *router dependent.
- Updated thumbstick textures, profile and color (black).
- Dedicated Bluetooth module.
- Aesthetic updates to button labels.
- WRGB Diode Power Light.
- Orange power button.
- Torx screws + metal boss mounts (threads) featured on back panel for easier removal for repair/modding. Overall number of mounting screws reduced. Reduced number of mounting points.
- Updated mother/daughter board profiles.
- Larger battery is mounted with less glue for easier removal.
- Dedicated DSP for audio allows better audio, bass, stereo sound and haptics.
- 30g lighter overall weight.
- Overall better thermals, cooling, reduced fan noise, better haptics and quicker touch screen responsiveness.
- Same or better Vent smell (?)
- Shrek Approved :)
Region availability?
US, Canada, UK, and EU on Steam (and in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong via Komodo).
**Limited Edition available in U.S. and Canada only.
Does Steam Deck OLED improve gaming performance?
OLED and LCD versions are identical in gaming performance.
Which version of SteamOS will Steam Deck OLED ship with?
SteamOS 3.5.2
When will the OLED Limited Edition be available for order?
11/16/23 at 10am PST. Limited Edition will have a finite limited supply (and available in U.S. and Canada only).
Limited Edtion: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeck_2023LE
Which type of screen is featured on the Steam Deck OLED?
Anti-Glare Etched Screen
Which Steam Deck OLED model is the Best Value?
512Gb @ $549 (sans anti-glare etched screen, startup movie, virtual keyboard and updated case) saves you total $100.00 from 1TB version.
Worth the Upgrade from LCD to OLED?
Based on your use case.
Yes, worth the upgrade for current or prospective owners if you’ve always dreamed of a Steam Deck OLED. If you’re highly mobile with your Steam Deck and want to enjoy the improved experience primarily for the better visuals, battery life, storage and wifi 6 speed. Steam Deck OLED will especially be worth it for you.
Otherwise…
No, upgrading to the Steam Deck OLED may NOT be worth it for current or prospective owners if you are budget conscience or (for example) you play primarily with your Steam Deck ‘docked’ connected to outlet power much of the time (especially to an OLED or similar high-end monitor or tv).
Remember: Steam Deck OLED is NOT more powerful than Steam Deck LCD. Gaming performance will remain identical across Steam Deck OLED and Steam Deck LCD.
Should I wait for Steam Deck Gen 2?
Yes/No
Yes: Wait for a potential Gen 2 if you have been enjoying your Steam Deck LCD and seldom think about anything missing from the experience while you’re playing. Although a Steam Deck Gen 2 has NOT been officially announced to the public, given Steam Deck’s success, Gen 2 will indeed be worth the wait. Speculation is that a Gen 2 is at least a few years away or until the technology is available to justify a whole new generational update. Expect a Gen 2 Steam Deck to build upon everything great about the Steam Deck including OLED.
Otherwise…
No: Do NOT wait for Gen 2 and buy a Steam Deck OLED now if you’re a first-time buyer or a current owner and OLED is your “dream” deck. Now is a great time to jump into the party with the definitive Steam Deck OLED as this new & improved iteration also keeps the same price point as the Steam Deck LCD at launch. It would be safe to assume Steam Deck Gen 2 is likely at least a few years away given the new OLED iteration. Till then, the getting is good. Jump in and enjoy the times!
Can I get a refund for my Steam Deck LCD to buy Steam Deck OLED?
Likely, if you’re within Valve’s 14 Day Refund Period (or slightly outside of it by days not weeks/months). No guarantees otherwise. YMMV. Check with Valve Support. Be kind. They have a positive reputation and are very supportive of their customer base. They deserve our upmost respect.
Is there a Trade-in Program?
None (at this time). If one gets announced we will update this FAQ and sticky a notice to the community main sub asap.
Does the Official Steam Deck Dock work for the new Steam Deck OLED?
Dock is the same. No announced changes (outside of firmware updates). Compatibility expected to remain the same. Price has dropped from $89 to $79 USD.
Buy Official Steam Deck Dock here: https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeckdock
Will Valve cover potential burn-in for Steam Deck OLED?
Yes, within the 1 year warranty period. Out of warranty period TBD.
Is Steam Deck LCD Obsolete?
Absolutely not! Although OLED is the new standard for Steam Deck going forward, LCD is a fine option dollar-for-dollar for the more budget conscience among us. With LCD surplus hitting the secondary market, Steam Deck LCD will be around for quite awhile and presents the best budget-based value proposition. If you’re looking to purchase Steam Deck at it’s absolute lowest price, then the LCD version is your choice. If you’re looking to be a multi-deck or “docked” household user for example, then LCD version is an amazing option: You could theoretically purchase x2 64GB Steam Deck LCD’s for the price of 1 Steam Deck OLED. Both feature the same performance!
Will Steam Deck LCD pricing change?
Steam Deck LCD is getting phased out for the Steam Deck OLED. Official prices for Steam Deck LCD have dropped (from $349 to $449) respectively.
See here for new pricing: https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck
Steam Deck LCD available as Refurbished?
Steam Deck LCD is available refurbished directly from Valve or from retailers like Gamestop at great low prices and 1 year warranty. It is likely Steam Deck OLED may follow the same path in due time.
Certified Refurbished here: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamdeckrefurbished/
Will my existing Steam Deck accessories work/fit the Steam Deck OLED?
Yes. The overall physical profile across Steam Deck LCD and OLED hardware remain identical. Third party docks and peripherals are expected to remain equally compatible.
Will Valve offer a standalone OLED screen upgrade for my LCD version?
Unknown at this time. Speculation is that it will NOT be an option as hard/soft revisions were made to the Steam Deck motherboard & internals to accommodate the OLED screen and other new features. However, anything is possible with Steam Deck. We will update this FAQ if/when an upgrade is announced first or third party otherwise. Keep in mind, upgrading your screen in general is a highly technical modification to make for the average user for slightly better visuals. It’s advisable to opt towards purchasing the Steam Deck OLED.
Will Steam Deck OLED use Hall Effect Thumbsticks?
No.
Will the Steam Deck OLED have the famous sweet coveted vent smell?
TBD. We won’t advise inhaling vent smell but some of you are vent smell maniacs and are gonna do it anyway.
How much $ should I sell my Steam Deck LCD?
YMMV. There are too many factors to consider when determining individual resale values of preowned Steam Deck’s including overall condition, hours of operation, aftermarket upgrades, accessories and location. A few things to keep in mind: Steam Deck LCD is getting phased out (meaning LCD versions will no longer be manufactured as the flagship specification) while the secondary market will have an increase in available preowned stock from customers upgrading to OLED. This means prices will be at an all time low for the Steam Deck LCD despite having identical gaming performance. Steam Deck LCD will be a buyers market (simply speaking).
Can I order x amount of Steam Deck OLED’s including Limited Editions?
According to Valve, you are clear to purchase 1 of each Steam Deck model per week per account excluding Limited Edition which is limited to x1 per account overall.
Per Valve:
Only one Limited Edition unit may be purchased per account.
To purchase a Limited Edition Steam Deck OLED model:
- You need to be in the United States or Canada
- Your account needs to be in good standing
- Your account needs to have made a purchase on Steam before November 2023
- Only one unit may be purchased per account
Source: https://twitter.com/OnDeck/status/1724544060621541536
Will Valve do anything to limit bot activity and prevent scalpers/scalping hording the supply of Steam Deck OLED’s (especially the Limited Edition OLED)?
Besides having a Steam account with recent purchases before November 2023, and a purchase queue, common sense would tell us it is likely Valve will take additional “behind-the-scenes” preventative measures against bots & scalpers eating up the launch supply. Best that the public does not know the specifics of whatever those are to prevent circumvention.
I missed out of the Steam Deck Limited Edition. When will it be back in stock?
TBD
We’re speculating as of this writing but we anticipate Valve offering more than a single launch day cycle of the Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition. That means, if you were unable to lock one down on launch day 11/16, perhaps stay ready for another cycle of availability. It is likely Valve will offer them on a “first-come-first” served basis (x1 per account) . A queue may likely form for them as well. There’s also a chance that once they’re sold out they’re sold out indefinitely. We’ll update this FAQ with relevant information on this topic.
Will there be other Limited Edition Steam Deck’s and Colorways available?
TBD.
We’d speculate that there’s a good chance there will be other LE versions and alternate colorways available to order in the future. The concept is just too popular and in high-demand by the community for Valve to pass up. Officially, nothing has been announced so no guarantees. Alternatively, the custom modding scene to trick out your own Steam Deck design is still hot as ever. Expect some pretty rad custom Steam Deck OLED’s to hit the scene rivaling official Valve released LE’s.
We will update this FAQ as we learn more.
Is it worth it to sell my Steam Deck LCD and buy the OLED version?
Yes and No.
Yes, if OLED is your dream spec and selling is your designated path to acquire the Steam Deck OLED of your dreams. Keep in mind, there’s the usual associated risks, downtime and loss in cash value associated with selling to upgrade. Also, your resale value may be affected by increased Steam Deck LCD stock in the secondary market of those following the same path.
Otherwise…
No, the upgrade may not be ideal if you’re content with your Steam Deck experience. Most everyone desires the latest & greatest however consider that much of the new OLED updates & features benefit especially the highly mobile Steam Deck user. If you play docked at home for example, you might consider keeping your Steam Deck LCD and putting your otherwise upgrade cash towards more Steam games or a new standalone OLED screen (such as the LG C2 or the Alienware AW3423DWF) for the versatility.
How many Steam Deck OLED’s can I purchase?
As per Valve: “At launch, each customer can purchase up to one of each OLED model per week.”
However, Limited Edition versions will be limited to 1 per account and available U.S. and Canada only.
What are some good external OLED monitors/tv’s to connect my Steam Deck?
- LG C2/C3 series OLED TV
- LG G3 OLED TV
- Alienware AW3423DW/F 34" QD-OLED Monitor
- LG Ultragear 45" 45GR95QE-B OLED Monitor (800R Curved)
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 49" OLED Ultrawide Monitor (Model G95SC)
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32" Ultrawide Monitor
Where to get real-time updates for Steam Deck OLED?
r/steamdeck
How do I submit a question that’s not on this FAQ?
Ask in the comments below. Upvote the questions you want answers. We’ll compile them here as needed.
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No. They don’t work weekend.