Steam Deck OLED With an Ultra-wide Screen: Valve has just announced a significant update to their popular handheld gaming console, the Steam Deck, by introducing an OLED model. This new version is set to bring a whole new dimension to portable gaming with its enhanced screen and battery life.
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Specifications
| Steam Deck OLED | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 6 nm AMD APU |
| CPU | Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32) |
| GPU | 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz (1.6 TFlops FP32) |
| APU power | 4-15W |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM |
| Storage | Steam Deck 512GB NVMe SSD, Steam Deck 1TB NVMe SSD, High-speed microSD card slot |
| Controls | A B X Y buttons, D-pad, L & R analog triggers, L & R bumpers, View & Menu buttons, 4 x assignable grip buttons |
| Thumbsticks | 2 x full-size analog sticks with capacitive touch |
| Haptics | HD haptics |
| Display Resolution | 1280 x 800 x RGB |
| Type | HDR OLED |
| Display size | 7.4” diagonal |
| Brightness | 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR) |
| Contrast ratio | > 1,000,000 : 1 |
| Color gamut | 110% P3 |
| Refresh rate | up to 90Hz |
| Response time | <0.1 ms |
| Touch enabled | High performance touch |
| Light sensors | Dual ambient light sensor ALS |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Wi-Fi | Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E radio, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Microphones | Dual microphone array |
| Headphone / mic jack | 3.5mm stereo headphone / headset jack |
| Power Input | PD3.0 Type C power supply, 45W, 2.5m cable |
| Battery | 50Whr battery. 3-12 hours of gameplay |
| microSD | UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC |
| Connectivity | Display port over Type C; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB3 gen 2 |
| Size | 298 x 117 x 49mm |
| Weight | Approx. 640 grams |
| OS | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) |
Bigger and Brighter Screen
The Steam Deck OLED is making waves with its upgraded 7.4-inch, 16:10 ratio HDR OLED screen. This is a step up from the original 7-inch LCD screen. Not only is the screen larger, but it also boasts a higher refresh rate of 90Hz, ensuring smoother gameplay. The OLED technology brings a stunning contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, making the colors more vivid and the blacks deeper and purer. With a response time of less than 0.1ms and a brightness of up to 1000 nits under HDR, this screen is a game-changer. Despite the larger screen, the overall size of the console remains the same, offering a more immersive gaming experience without added bulk.
Higher Refresh Rate: The new screen supports up to 90Hz, great for playing indie games at higher refresh rates.
Easy Screen Replacement: If you ever break the screen, it’s easier to replace without disassembling the entire device.
Improved Battery for Longer Play
One of the most significant upgrades is the increased battery capacity to 50Whr. Depending on the game, this means you can enjoy 3 to 12 hours of uninterrupted gameplay. This improvement addresses one of the most common concerns among handheld gaming enthusiasts – the need for longer battery life to support extended gaming sessions.
Bigger Battery for Longer Play: Thanks to a larger 50Whr battery, you can play games for 3 to 12 hours, depending on your activity.
Energy Efficient: Even with a bigger screen, you’ll get better battery life, perfect for long gaming sessions.
Enhanced Connectivity and Performance
Valve didn’t stop at the screen and battery; they also upgraded the wireless communication technology. The Steam Deck OLED now includes Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, which can triple the download speed compared to previous models. The device is powered by a 6-nanometer process APU developed with AMD. This includes a Zen2 CPU with a 4-core, 8-thread architecture and a GPU with 1.66 TFLOPS performance. While these specs might seem modest compared to newer machines, they ensure stable and efficient gaming performance.
Storage Options and Special Editions
The Steam Deck OLED offers two storage options: 512GB and 1TB, priced at $399.00 and $649.00, respectively. The 1TB version includes special features like a portable bag, a detachable inner shell, exclusive boot animation, and a virtual keyboard theme. Additionally, there’s a limited edition Steam Deck OLED available in the United States and Canada, featuring a unique black translucent color scheme with bright orange accents.
Limited Edition Availability: A special limited edition with a unique design is also available.
More Storage Options: Choose between 512GB and 1TB models, offering ample space for your games.
High-Quality Audio and Connectivity
Better Sound System: The upgraded sound system in the Steam Deck OLED means cleaner audio and more bass.
Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E: Stay connected with the latest in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology.
3.5mm Audio Jack: You can still plug in your headphones for a private listening experience.
Future Updates and Availability
Valve is also working on a “dual system” development for the SteamOS operating system, addressing support issues for PC games. However, this progress is slowed down by the launch of the OLED model, with a major update expected next year.
This new Steam Deck OLED model brings several exciting upgrades, making it a great time to consider getting one, especially if you haven’t already jumped into the world of Steam Deck. With its enhanced display, better battery life, and overall improved performance, it’s set to be one of the best console refreshes in recent times.
SOURCE: steamdeck
