What reviews didn't say about the Steam Deck OLED

Fubarberry@sopuli.xyzmod to Steam Deck@sopuli.xyz – 270 points – What reviews didn't say about the Steam Deck OLED | Digital Trends
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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.

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This is the first time I've heard about gluing a cable to the heat shield cover. Oof.

Yeah, that's kind of a major detail for anyone worried about reparability. Surprising choice. Not a deal breaker, but definitely a step in the wrong direction in terms of design (overshadowed by other good choices).

What's weird is Valve has been so good about repairability. Can't help but think there's a solid reason for the change.

The LCD decks m.2 slot is a slower PCI lane, I wonder if the OLED version has a faster lane and generates more heat. That or their changes to air flow requires it.

Yeah. I wish they had mentioned it actually. They went to the trouble of mentioning that they improved the battery adhesive situation.

I have to wonder if it's possible to keep the ribbon cable glued to the heat shield cover, and just remove the heat shield cover to open up access to the SSD.

It's not worth risking tearing the cable, it'll take you forever to order a replacement. Pick up a bottle of 99% iso alcohol at the pharmacy.

That's pretty sad that Valve made a repairability downgrade like that. They had to have done that intentionally, right? Is there even any reason to glue down the cable?

I'm really amazed in what valve did with the new steam deck. They really did a good job addressing many of the little pain points, while keeping most of the equipment compatible.

However, I am very happy with the current steam deck and will only replace it if a true next-gen deck arrives.

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.

Why not both?

They’re not cheap enough to building a collection of them lol

You can sell an original for 200 - 300 now. You will be able to sell the OLED for that much when the SD2 comes out.

Trading in both will cost the same as riding the value of your original into the ground.

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

I’m just so bummed Valve never seems to reach Norway with their products. With the Link and Controller I didn’t mind importing, but the Deck is pricy as it is and with import costs, tax and such the pricing ends up 20% more expensive than a PS5. I think 2 stores have them listed, but its specialty import and prices reflect that. I wish they would ship to a wider set of countries, would love one myself.

Just join the EU and you'll get it. Share some of that sweet, sweet oil money.

That's the normal price difference though? In the US a 1TB PS5 is $499. A 1TB Steam Deck is $649.

Right now, cursory search tells me I can get a PS5 for 5890 NOK, that’s the 1tb variant I believe although it’s listed as 825gb. Next listing is at 6400 NOK.

The 1tb Deck is listed at 10183 NOK if I buy from one of the shops that imported.

A 64gb Switch OLED 2021 variant is listed at 3990 NOK.

The deck is unreasonably expensive due to import stuff when it comes to Norway. We could use remotebuyer services, but they need their cuts too so we’re back to obscene prices. I just want Valve to establish a presence here so we get better prices :(

Yeah I feel you there, wish they'd expand a bit more. Maybe more like Japan, partnering with retail stores and whatnot.

Sincerely, a Brazilian who had to shell out basically a whole other deck in ridiculous import fees. In my case I'd be fucked either way though, unless they magically decided to start assembling them here or something lol.

I've worked for a brand that sold Europe wide and sorry to say but logistics to sell into Norway were kind of a nightmare. In fact I kind of got a promotion off the back of moving from DDU to DDP for Norway and it took months to get this seemingly simple transition done. Then there was the whole reverse logistics side of it which was even worse. I think the company reverted back to DDU now after I left lol.

I’m planning on ordering one when they’re available, it’ll be my first, so find it quite exciting reading about all the small improvements they’ve made.

I'm so happy with my Stream Deck. The improvements are so nice, but I'm not going to upgrade. But it means you get an even better version. So you'll love it, I'm sure.

Everyone I’ve spoke to about it have said the same.

Same here. I'm just a bit scared that it will be sold out to quickly for me to grab one. :/

Did you manage to get one? The checkout errors were stressful but I got my order in.

Hey :D. Yeah, I had been trying to get one for half an hour but I kept getting that error. I honestly gave up and went to walk the dog. When I came back I tried again and immediately got one. I'm expecting it now by next week. How about you, did you get yours as well?

Congratulations! Yep, I got mine. I was hitting all the checkout errors as well but managed to get my order through after 30mins of trying. I’m expecting similar delivery, 3-5 days, so I’m pretty excited now!

Yeah I’m little worried about that as well. Apparently Valve are trying to prevent scalping by limiting purchases to 1 a week, so I still remain hopeful for us.

Amazing device--but only if you don't already have a Steam Deck. I still use my original Vita all of the time because the OLED screen looks amazing.

I have a vita, too! If you own the Deck as well, which one is better? What kind of games do you play? I'm thinking of getting the OLED Deck for my Steam Indie library, but I still have a bunch of vita games to finish, so not sure if it's worth it.

I have one currently but am absolutely getting another! The kids or wife can use the old one which still works perfectly fine!

Yeah, I'm really tempted to gift my LCD one to one of my kids for Christmas.

The new chip is supposed to be more efficient, so quieter fan makes sense.

Is the new hardware saving valve money?

There's more device integration reducing part count on the board, which generally improves assembly and inspection. Who knows if the BOM is cheaper, but improvements to reliability and reparability will save money. It's easier to repair and turn around broken screens & broken shoulder buttons. Fewer Decks are going to come back because the overheating charge controller exploded, thank god.

If nothing else it shows dedication to the product, as I think this is the first time they've revised hardware rather than releasing a new product. I know there was some grumbling when it came out that they move from one product to the next, so this could be them trying to prove that they're serious about Steam Deck slash the investment is worth following.