What's up Deckers welcome to my one-week review of the Steam Deck OLED. In this article, I'll share my experience with this device, particularly highlighting whether it's a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those who own the LCD version.
From the get-go, the OLED display of the Steam Deck is a standout feature. Measuring 7.4 inches, it's not just the size that impresses, but also its capability to run HDR (High Dynamic Range). This feature, in my opinion, is underappreciated. HDR truly enhances the gaming experience, making colors more vibrant and the overall picture quality noticeably better. For those yet to try HDR on their Steam Deck OLED, I highly recommend it.
A significant aspect of the Steam Deck OLED that I find remarkable is its battery life. Compared to the LCD version, which I still own, the OLED variant offers about 45 minutes to an hour of additional battery life. This is a substantial improvement for portable PC gaming. I've used devices like the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go, but the Steam Deck OLED's battery life brings me back to it for longer gaming sessions.
Another feature worth mentioning is the sleep and resume functionality. Having used other portable gaming devices, I appreciate the ability to quickly pause and resume games almost instantly on the Steam Deck OLED, without significantly draining the battery.
In terms of design, Valve claims the OLED version is lighter than the LCD model. While it visually appears similar, it feels noticeably lighter and more comfortable in hand. This ergonomic improvement means I don't feel the need for an additional case, unlike with my LCD Steam Deck.
Fan noise, often a concern with portable devices, is impressively low on the Steam Deck OLED. Even when running demanding games like Cyberpunk, the fan is barely audible, a clear improvement over the LCD model.
However, when it comes to performance, I haven't noticed a significant boost over the LCD version. Games like Cyberpunk run at similar FPS on both models. So, if you're considering the OLED upgrade for performance gains, you might want to temper your expectations.
One upgrade that does stand out is the Wi-Fi capability. The OLED model installs games noticeably faster than the LCD version, a win for those who frequently download new titles.
Overall, the Steam Deck OLED is a fantastic upgrade. While I hoped for performance improvements akin to the newest AMD chipsets, the device still marks a significant step up. It brings Steam Deck back into the conversation as one of the best handheld gaming devices currently available.
The Steam OS also deserves a shoutout. Compared to other devices running Windows OS, Steam OS is far more suited for this form factor, enhancing the overall user experience.
In conclusion, the Steam Deck OLED is a device I've thoroughly enjoyed. It addresses several issues of the LCD version and introduces new features that enhance the gaming experience. Stay tuned for further comparisons with devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and the ROG Ally. For now, the Steam Deck OLED is a commendable upgrade for those invested in the Steam Deck ecosystem.