The Steam Deck OLED makes a great first impression, but there are a few nuanced changes that deserve a closer look.
Quick summary of the article
New fan, it's quieter than both of the previous fans. Will be a huge upgrade for Delta fan users.
Old SSD will work, so anyone with a larger SSD from their previous deck should be able to move the SSD with all their games over to the new deck.
While the deck is easier to open with the new screws, there is now a ribbon cable run on the outside of the heat shield over the SSD. This cable is glued in place, meaning it's required to disconnect the cable and carefully separate it from the adhesive. An unfortunate decrease in repairability for the device.
Most old accessories will work fine, with the exception of replaceable back plates. Even screen protectors should work, since most covered the bezel before.
Carrying case has several improvements on the larger model, including Velcro to hold it closed with the zipper closed, and a removable insert case that offers a slimmer, lower protection option.
The charging light on the deck is now multi-colored and can change color to let you know when the deck is fully charged.
I'm so tempted to upgrade but I know I'm going to want a Steam Deck 2 in a couple years. Instead of thinking about it as the LCD vs the OLED model I need to think of it as choosing between the LCD vs the SD2. It's the only way to stop myself.
Don't blame you. I'm thinking that I will but that's only because a buddy of mine has already offered to buy my current one. I wouldn't consider it without selling the old.
This is what I’m thinking of doing. It’s a steep price increase for that etched glass though. I really wish they had went with the limited version across the board too because I won’t be able to get it until those are long gone and I absolutely love the look.
The lcd will diminish by the time the 2 comes out since the oled will have been out for a while and is the better model. Even if it doesn’t you’re still losing a fair amount before resale