# Introducing the Steam Deck OLED: Valve’s Next Step in Portable PC Gaming
More than a year after first unveiling its maiden foray into the handheld gaming market, Valve has recently pulled back the curtain on their latest innovation—the Steam Deck OLED. This new version boasts a series of enhancements such as **an improved screen, better audio** and notably **longer battery life**. It may not be the highly anticipated Steam Deck 2, yet these significant updates to the portable console make for an exciting development.
## Comparing the New Contender to Its Predecessors
How does the Steam Deck OLED measure up against existing portable gaming options? Let’s delve into the technical specifications and distinct features that set the Steam Deck OLED apart from its launch model, as well as the Nintendo Switch OLED.
*Image credit: Eric Sapp/IGN*
### Screen and Resolution
The primary upgrade Valve brings to the table is the shift from an LCD to an OLED screen. While the Steam Deck OLED might not outperform the LCD model in terms of processing power, the **OLED display promises superior image quality** with **deeper blacks, enhanced contrast, and heightened brightness**.
Though on the surface the Steam Deck OLED and the Nintendo Switch OLED may seem alike, a critical distinction lies in the former’s high dynamic range (HDR) OLED display, offering an image that is a touch more radiant and vibrant than what standard OLED screens provide. Additionally, the Steam Deck OLED supports a **refresh rate of 90Hz**, outpacing the 60Hz offered by both the Steam Deck LCD and the Switch OLED, translating to smoother visuals with more frames displayed per second.
### Storage Solutions
Valve continues to offer various storage options with the Steam Deck OLED, available in **512GB or 1TB configurations**—both utilizing speedy NVMe SSDs. The company has discontinued the 64GB and 512GB LCD models while retaining the 256GB LCD variant as the new entry-level model following a price reduction.
All models, including the new OLED version, come with MicroSD card slots for expandable storage. Furthermore, the Steam Deck OLED is designed to be somewhat more user-friendly when it comes to repairs, encouraging the adventurous to upgrade the internal SSD to capacities of 2TB or greater with relative ease.
### Size and Weight
Despite the Steam Deck OLED featuring a marginally larger display due to reduced bezels, its dimensions are identical to the original model’s. When it comes to weight, Valve’s latest is noted to be **5% lighter** than its predecessor, which could potentially alleviate hand fatigue reported by some users during extended play sessions.
### Beyond Gameplay Experience
Battery life is a core aspect for any portable console. Valve has addressed this with the new OLED model by utilizing a screen that consumes less power and incorporating a larger 50Whr battery. The result is a device boasting **30-50% increased battery life**, estimated to range from 3 to 12 hours of gameplay depending on the game in question.
### Internal Components
While the internal architecture of the Steam Deck OLED remains similar to its original version, enthusiasts will welcome its slightly faster RAM. The most noteworthy internal upgrade, however, is the addition of a **Wi-Fi 6E module**, enabling faster download speeds that span the 6Ghz spectrum, contingent on your home network setup.
Conversely, the Nintendo Switch OLED lags behind with its aging NVIDIA Tegra X1 chipset. As more games struggle to maintain performance on Nintendo’s platform, Valve positions its Steam Deck OLED for those seeking a premium and up-to-date handheld PC gaming experience.
### Mark Your Calendars
For enthusiasts eager to get their hands on this latest gadget, the **Steam Deck OLED will hit the market on November 16**. Offering a refined blend of performance and portability, Valve’s new iteration is poised to be a game-changer in the handheld gaming landscape.
Valve’s ambition to push the boundaries of portable gaming shows no signs of slowing down with the introduction of the Steam Deck OLED—a promising device for gamers on the go.