For PC gamers on the go, the Steam Deck has been a revolutionary device. The ability to play your favourite PC titles on a handheld format opened doors to a world of untethered gaming bliss. But have you ever finished a delicious meal only to hear about the next culinary masterpiece coming out next month?
Valve seems to understand that feeling because while they’ve just announced the Steam Deck 2 is on the horizon, they’re also assuring gamers that the new Steam Deck OLED should be noticed. Let’s delve into this intriguing situation, exploring the confirmed features of the Steam Deck OLED, the whispers surrounding the Steam Deck 2, and why the current iteration might still be the perfect fit for many gamers.
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The allure of the OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is a partial overhaul of the original Steam Deck. It’s more of a targeted upgrade, focusing on two key areas: display and battery life. The marquee feature is the new OLED display.
Compared to the original Deck’s LCD screen, OLED offers deeper blacks, richer colours, and potentially improved viewing angles, creating a more vibrant and immersive visual experience, especially in darker environments. Additionally, OLED technology is known for its efficiency, and Valve claims the Steam Deck OLED boasts improved battery life – a crucial factor for any handheld device.
However, the core specifications remain essentially unchanged. Both Decks use the same AMD processor and RDNA 2 graphics, giving them Steam library compatibility. This focus on refinement suggests the Steam Deck OLED caters to those who prioritise a superior visual experience and potentially more extended playtime without sacrificing familiarity with the existing hardware.
Steam Deck 2
News of the Steam Deck 2 is undoubtedly exciting. While details are scarce, Valve has acknowledged they’re working on a more substantial upgrade. This next iteration will likely address some of the shortcomings of the original Deck, like potential performance limitations for newer titles or the desire for improved ergonomics. Rumours suggest Valve might be looking into features like increased processing power, better battery efficiency, or even VR capabilities.
The main lesson to be learned, though, is that the Steam Deck 2 will not be available very soon. Valve themselves have stated it’s a few years out, with estimates suggesting a 2025 or even 2026 release window, and this means waiting a considerable amount of time for potentially groundbreaking features.
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OLED or Deck 2
The choice between the Steam Deck OLED and the nebulous Steam Deck 2 boils down to your priorities as a gamer. If you’re eager to jump into the world of handheld PC gaming and the current Deck’s specs meet your needs, the OLED display and battery life improvements might be the perfect incentive. After all, a significant performance leap is still a few years away.
On the other hand, if you’re a player who craves cutting-edge technology and can stomach the wait, holding out for the Steam Deck 2 could be the wiser move. It’s important to remember that these are just early whispers, and the final specifications of Deck 2 could differ significantly.
Ultimately, the decision rests with you. The Steam Deck OLED offers a refined experience for those who want to jump in now, while the Steam Deck 2 represents the promise of a future powerhouse. Handheld PC gaming is poised for even more exciting developments with both options.