The Steam Deck has come a long way since its initial release. While the original model showed promise, it faced challenges like a bulky design, subpar battery life, and inconsistent game compatibility. The new Steam Deck OLED addresses these shortcomings, solidifying its position as the leading portable PC gaming device. This review explores the key improvements and assesses its overall value in the evolving landscape of handheld gaming.
A Refined Design, Brilliant Display
The Steam Deck OLED retains the original model’s form factor, though it’s slightly lighter, a welcome change for extended play sessions. The most significant upgrade is the OLED display, which is slightly larger and dramatically improves visual quality. Compared to the original LCD screen, the OLED offers sharper contrast, vibrant colors, and a wider color gamut. This enhancement brings games to life, showcasing the rich details of titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and the deep shadows of Diablo 4. The 90Hz refresh rate further enhances the experience, enabling smoother gameplay and exceeding 60 fps in many titles.
A Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED sit next to one another.The original Steam Deck LCD (top) and the new Steam Deck OLED (bottom) demonstrate a noticeable difference in display quality. Image: Giovanni Colantonio / MaagX
Enhanced Performance and Battery Life
The OLED model features a refined AMD APU built on a 6nm process node, focusing on improved power efficiency. While raw performance gains are modest, this translates to more stable frame rates, especially in demanding games. Titles like Horizon Zero Dawn now consistently reach 60 fps, while Dying Light 2: Stay Human sees a noticeable performance boost. These enhancements bring the Steam Deck OLED closer to competitors like the Asus ROG Ally in terms of performance.
A chart compares Steam Deck LCD and OLED benchmarks.Benchmark comparisons showcase the performance improvements of the Steam Deck OLED over the original LCD model. Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Battery life has also seen significant improvements, particularly for less demanding 2D games. Titles like Vampire Survivors can now run for six to seven hours on a single charge. While more demanding 3D games still consume more power, the OLED model offers a noticeable improvement over the original Steam Deck. Combined with improved thermals, the OLED model runs cooler, quieter, and addresses previous concerns about fan noise and heat generation.
A chart compares Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally benchmarks.Performance comparisons between the Steam Deck OLED and the ROG Ally highlight competitive frame rates. Image: Jacob Roach / MaagX
Additional Features and Competitive Pricing
The Steam Deck OLED includes other enhancements, such as Wi-Fi 6E support for faster downloads and a redesigned carrying case with improved security. Perhaps the most compelling aspect is the revised pricing. The OLED model offers more storage for the same price as the previous high-end LCD model, making it a more attractive option compared to competitors like the Asus ROG Ally.
A Steam Deck OLED sits on top of a Steam Deck.The Steam Deck OLED offers several improvements over its predecessor, including a superior display and enhanced battery life. Image: Giovanni Colantonio / MaagX
The Future of Portable PC Gaming
Despite the increasing competition and the ever-growing demands of new games, the Steam Deck OLED stands as a compelling device for portable PC gaming. Its improved display, enhanced battery life, and competitive pricing solidify its position as a leader in the market. While a future Steam Deck 2 is inevitable, the OLED model provides an excellent entry point for those seeking a convenient and high-quality portable gaming experience. It delivers on the promise of playing PC games on the go, offering a refined and enjoyable experience.
