As we can see on the Valve website, the new entry-level model is now the Steam Deck 256 GB LCD, the price of which drops to 419 euros (previously 549 euros). Next to it is now the Steam Deck OLED, orders for which will only begin on November 16 at 7 p.m. This OLED Steam Deck will be offered with 512 GB of storage at a price of 569 euros or with 1 TB of storage at a price of 679 euros.
Better picture, improved battery life and faster downloads
Compared to the Steam Deck LCD, the resolution of 1280 × 800 does not change, but the OLED HDR screen guarantees, as we know, more vivid colors and deeper blacks. And if the increase in the diagonal is marginal (7.4 inches compared to 7 inches currently) we especially note that the refresh rate is extended up to 90 Hz (60 Hz currently).
Another main argument for changing models, the battery life of the Steam Deck OLED promises to be 30 to 50% more efficient, Valve having managed to free up enough space to fit a larger battery, while taking advantage of lower consumption. the OLED screen and a new 6nm APU from AMD. Depending on the content, Valve speaks of a duration of 3 to 12 hours of gameplay (instead of a duration of 2 to 8 hours of gameplay for the LCD).
Risks of overheating? Quite the opposite, answers Valve, who speaks of a larger fan and improved thermal components. The Steam Deck OLED therefore heats up less than the LCD, while being 30 grams lighter than its predecessor. Finally, the Steam Deck OLED has the advantage of being equipped with the 6E wifi standard which offers better bandwidth and lower latency, resulting in up to 3x faster downloads and online experience more stable, says Valve.
Well, all this looks perfect for playing Slay the Princess and Vampire Survivors in bed, but note that this is also an opportunity to pick up an LCD model on sale while stocks last: 369 euros for 64 GB and 469 euros for 512 GB. Valve emphasizes that although they will no longer be on sale, these models will continue to receive software updates.
As for those who are not yet completely convinced by the current playing conditions, they can wait another two or three years, until Valve has the necessary technology to manufacture a second generation of Steam Deck, as has been announced. confirmed the manufacturer to Bloomberg.
Steam Deck OLED improvements
General
- Updated the APU to 6nm for greater efficiency.
- Memory update to 6,400 MT/S to improve latency and battery life management.
- Increase in the thickness of the thermal module and its performance.
Screen
- The active area has been extended (7.4″ instead of 7″).
- The refresh rate has been updated from 60 Hz to 90 Hz.
- The maximum brightness has been changed to 1000 cd/m².
- The touchscreen polling rate has been updated to 180Hz, with improved latency and accuracy.
Wifi and Bluetooth
- Updated wifi and Bluetooth modules.
- Added compatibility with wifi 6E.
- Added compatibility with Bluetooth 5.3 to support new codecs such as aptX HD and aptX low-latency.
- Added a third antenna to the top of the device to improve Bluetooth performance, even when docked.
- Bluetooth controllers can now wake Steam Deck from sleep state.
Audio
- Bass response has been improved for more tonal balance.
- The built-in microphone array can now be used in conjunction with the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Orders
- Adjusted the shape and material at the top of the analog sticks for firmer grip and improved dust resistance.
- The analog stick grip hardware has been adjusted to improve feel with the front of the case and reduce wear.
- The reliability of analog stick touch detection has been improved.
- Responsiveness and sensitivity of the high triggers have been improved for tilts.
- D-pad change rate and diagonal interactions have been adjusted.
- The trackpads have been redesigned to improve fidelity and edge detection.
- The feel and accuracy of trackpad haptic feedback has been significantly improved.
Food
- Battery capacity increased from 40 Wh to 50 Wh.
- The battery chemistry has been improved for faster charging, from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes.
- The charging LED has been replaced with a WRGB LED.
- It is now possible to turn on the device straight out of the box by pressing and holding the On/Off button without first plugging it into the mains.
- The power cord is now longer (1.5m → 2.5m).
- Added logo to PSU.
Shell
- The overall weight of the device has been reduced to around 640 grams, which is roughly 5% less than Steam Deck.
- The rear cover screws now fit into metal threads.
- The rear cover screws now have Torx heads. Their composition as well as certain geometric aspects have been modified to reduce the risk of damaging them.
- Reduction in the number of screw types throughout the system.
- Reduced number of steps required for common repairs.
- The high trigger switch is more resistant to drops.
- The high trigger switch has been moved to the joystick board for easier repair.
- Screen repair or replacement no longer requires removing the back cover.
Software
- The firmware that manages the memory power has been greatly improved.
- Added preliminary open source firmware support for BIOS and embedded controller.
- Recovery time improved by approximately 30%.