Valve has released an updated Steam Deck OLED: the console has impressive features

Valve has announced exciting news for game lovers! A year after the introduction of portable gaming PCs, the company has released the next Steam Deck model.

On November 16, Steam Deck OLED made its grand debut. This upgraded model boasts an improved OLED display, enhanced sound quality, and a number of other game quality improvements. In addition, it promises a significant increase in battery life: according to Valve, by 30-50 percent compared to the original version.

Gamers have two memory options to choose from: 512 GB and 1 TB at $549 and $649, respectively. Just like its predecessor, Steam Deck OLED has a microSD card slot for expanding storage capacity.

A special feature of Steam Deck OLED is a 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen, which is slightly larger than the seven-inch display of the original model. This change is due to thinner bezels that support the portability of the device while offering a more immersive visual experience.

Valve has also made a significant improvement by introducing a new 50Wh battery that replaces the 40Wh version that was in the original version. This update is crucial, especially considering that battery performance was a common complaint during Steam Deck's initial launch. Valve claims that the new battery is not only more durable, but also charges faster.

Despite these impressive upgrades, it's worth noting that the Steam Deck's OLED screen doesn't offer a better gaming experience. Although the OLED screen offers a higher refresh rate of 90 Hz, the native resolution remains at 1280×800.

In terms of connectivity, the Steam Deck OLED now includes a Wi-Fi 6E module that promises up to three times faster download speeds and better performance in online games. Of course, actual performance will depend on your internet connection and router.

To clarify, this release is not the long-awaited Steam Deck 2. Valve has previously stated that a true successor to the Steam Deck will not appear until at least 2025. Nevertheless, this updated model brings some much-needed improvements to the Steam Deck gaming space.

In terms of form factor, the Steam Deck OLED retains the size of its predecessor while losing about 30 grams of weight, making it even more comfortable for long gaming sessions.