6 Reasons to Get a Steam Deck OLED in 2024, Even If You Already Have a Steam Deck LCD

When I bought the Steam Deck 10 months ago, it seemed like this was my luck for the game. The device from Valve just worked, launched games from the Steam library for me (well, except for PUBG) and continued playing computer shooters right on the subway on the way to the office and back.

Even the announcement of an updated steam deck with a new display and other improvements in hardware could not diminish my pleasure from owning this console. There was no desire to immediately run out and buy the OLED version, and they bought this device from overseas for absolutely nothing. shameless money.

However, the time has come, and today I unpacked the brand new Steam Deck OLED with a 512 GB SSD, downloaded my games, and…

Guys, it’s like I picked up a device from the future. Valve engineers did the impossible and perfected what seemed to be perfect.

I forced myself to take a brief break from playing Red Dead Redemption 2 to briefly tell 7 why I immediately picked up the Steam Deck OLED. Even if you already have a previous version of this gaming console.

1. Amazingly juicy screen

If I say that the OLED screen has completely transformed this console, you might think I’m exaggerating. But if you were to compare two identical games in real life on steam decks with a new and old screen, you would simply collide with me.

Everything, absolutely all games look new, richer, richer and brighter. The deep, true blacks in the night scenes make me re-watch Outlast 2, and I’m scared like the first time. In print, such as, for example, rolled out a mod with ultra-clear textures, or finally wiped the stained buttons until the screen was blank.

Yes, this screen still supports a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels with HDR support, but it’s enough for the eyes to see a clear and small picture thanks to OLED technology.

2. Better ergonomics and control layout.

The sticks on the Steam Deck body are located on one line opposite the other, and not at different levels, as on the Xbox controller or on the same ASUS ROG Ally. And this arrangement is ideal, because the thumbs (especially the left one) do not fall off from tension after 20-30 minutes of a gaming session.

And the Steam Deck OLED also slightly restricts the “fungi” on the thumbsticks, providing them with a small rim, so that the fingers on these controls remain even more stable and do not slip off the words “never”.

3. The cooler makes less noise

Thanks to a redesigned layout of elements inside the case, slightly improved software and other changes, the Steam Deck OLED is much quieter and has less cooler noise in demanding games.

I remember how just yesterday I was galloping across the prairie in RDR2 from the sound of a fighter taking off from the console, which slightly spoiled the immersion in the world of cowboys. Today, in the same location, the cooler on the OLED version of the steam deck hums one and a half times quieter.

4. Moderate weight, less heat.

The Steam Deck OLED is lighter than the previous version at 30 grams, which on paper doesn’t look too impressive. But according to personal feelings, holding the device in your hands has become more convenient and you can spend much more time playing while reclining and holding the console suspended in front of your eyes.

An additional advantage is that the steam deck also heats up less. To be honest, the previous version wasn’t exactly hot, but the Steam Deck OLED now even blows out less hot air while playing the same “cyberpunk” game.

5. Can be used as a full-fledged PC.

The same reason can be made for the Steam Deck with an LCD display, but I can’t help but admire the fact that a handheld gaming console can go straight from your pocket into a full-fledged home productivity PC that can be used for both gaming and surfing on the couch. , and Even for work – all basic applications for texts and graphics can be downloaded from the built-in store completely free of charge.

I admit that I myself used this “steam deck” feature, the new OLED and support for Wi-Fi 6E with increased throughput and lower latency, so I’ll update the router and browse the entire Internet without lags.

6. Battery life was cautious, the charging cable became longer.

Yes, the OLED version began to work a little longer without recharging. In the case of “heavy” games, the difference is not so significant, but if you start “turkey”, you can forget about the outlet for an hour and a half longer. A slightly modified hybrid processor with increased energy efficiency also played a role in this improvement.

And if you want to dive into something serious and eat up the battery, then the Steam Deck OLED now comes with a charging cable with a two-meter cable. You don’t need to sit right next to the outlet; you can freely lounge in a chair nearby, fortunately the cable length now allows it.

Steam Deck – like an iPhone in the world of portable gaming consoles

I don’t know what else is said or how to prove the fact that Steam Deck is by far the best tool for entertainment and gaming. It is no coincidence that I compare this console with the iPhone, because alternative “steam decks”, however, have their own trump cards, such as more sophisticated filling, powerful screens and other marketing goodies.

But it’s worth starting to understand and compare a little, because experimentally it turns out that high resolution does not give anything, the hardware does not work at full capacity, and there is a feeling that all other portable gaming consoles are created under the leadership of the marketing department, not engineers.

It is only on the Steam Deck that the totality of all the components, controls and software proves that this device was truly designed, tested and perfected. And with the OLED version, the perfect console just got even better.

And the price has dropped. If back in December you needed to copy about one hundred thousand rubles, today Steam Deck OLED 512 GB can easily be bought for 68,990 rubles. Prices are unlikely to drop much below that, so the offer is good.

I’m incredibly happy with the update, and I recommend it to you. You won’t be disappointed.