Steam Deck OLED vs LCD - Worth Upgrading?

I've had my hands on the Steam Deck OLED for the past week and want to talk about how it compares to the original. Is OLED worth the higher price point? If you already bought a regular Steam Deck, is it worth the upgrade? Let's talk OLED vs LCD display, battery life, larger screen, better wifi, and a variety of other little differences in this new model.

Valve's Steam Deck page:

⚡️Social Network Things!⚡️

[migillett]

here now because there's currently a 15% sale for LCD models

[samueljordan]

I just got the oled and it’s worth it for any dad gamer whose only chance to play is with a handheld.

[TheCityWokGuy]

my immediate worry is that i'll pay to upgrade from the version i already paid for once, just for the next upgrade to roll out in a similar timeframe, leading to everyone saying once again "upgrade to the new one it's so worth it!"

i know steam isn't apple but, just a thought.

[ericthestone]

Picked up an used 512gb LCD model last week for $315. The OLED is nice with the new 90hz screen but for the games that I played, mostly emulators and switch games. I don’t really care for it. If I want absolute picture quality and performance, I go back to my PC.

[Maximino]

I have to mention that OLED is beautiful, but LCD is better for eyes. Some people have migraines and eye strain after using OLED devices with big PWM numbers (me too). I can play LCD Switch or Steam Deck for many hours without any discomfort. But with OLED versions it doesn’t work unfortunately

[JoshuaDavid]

Mine is on the way. I can't wait. Love the idea of having my steam library in my hands. I got great mileage out of the steam link when it released. It was only €10 on sale. Very excited this Christmas ❤

[emtmcg]

Got the OLED at have been loving it over the old one. Been playing COD WW2 in HDR at 90fps at its blowing my mind.

[matsie]

Got a refurbished 512gb lcd version for 370. Really happy with that price, didn't want to spend more on a device.

[Ogknav]

I got the OLED for myself since I took up the LCD model like 75% of the time (shared with my gf). Now she can play whenever she wants, and even better, all those benefits the OLED does for the steamdeck would benefit me so much more with how frequent I play it.

[astro]

Just ordered my first steam deck and i went for the oled model 512gb and i cant be more exited i dont own currently any console or pc besides my switch oled but im planning to make this my main console

[arghpee]

The OLED is a beauty. I had to RMA it for dead pixels and some other issues, but it seems like Valve is quick with it. Going back to my LCDeck allows me to apperciate the difference.

[zaneharding]

Agree on the orange, Kevin. I mean, come on — The ORANGE Box got me into Valve. Full circle :)

[tordb]

As an older gamer close to 50, the OLED isn't worth it. You'll be totally fine and content with the starter $399 edition.

[Youraveragegamer_]

I'm loving the steam deck oled, feels like the first mid gen refresh worth buying

[artusanctus]

I'd upgrade if Valve discounted the purchase because I own the first model. I don't see much use in the upgrade since Steam OS 3.5.5 rolled out, which upgraded the color vibrancy to sRGB, which makes everything look so much better. I read that the specs are the same between models beyond the OLED having better battery life, which doesn't bother me because I've got a power bank to mitigate that.

[HitmanSC]

I upgraded and I am extremely happy. They upgraded a lot.

[ssgtblackmamba]

I bought the 512 OLED for 500 euro (70 less than on steam), new and sealed. Bought from a guy that wanted to convert his Steam wallet into actual cash

[kabooeybooey]

Shrunk die size(Efficient and cooler) clocks higher as the boost algorithm allows it to due to heat threshold, paired with faster and more efficient ram…With undervolt, it equates to about 8% better performance compared to the OG deck.

Also 50% and maybe even better battery is unreal! I would elect to save up for the OLED even if you’re really wanting one right NOW.

I own both decks and even the ROG Ally. I firmly believe that the Steamdeck OLED is THE BEST handheld gaming system out there right now.

[SougoUltimateSadist]

oled cost twice as much, can grab lcd deck for about 300, oled starts at 550.

i just take lcd and grab cheap ssd

[imtuberick]

I have the lcd 512 and im happy dont think i need better graphics tbh