The Steam Deck OLED is out now and ready to ship immediately
Though expect the see-through Limited Edition to go quickly
Don’t mind me, just pressing my face through the bars of my Black Friday cell to bark a reminder that the Steam Deck OLED is on sale now via the Steam Store. Unlike with the original Steam Deck’s launch, Valve say the much-upgraded OLED version arrives with ample stock, so buyers can hopefully get theirs posted out without delay. The familiar reservation system is "ready to switch on", though, should demand overwhelm supply.
At least, it will be for the 'standard' 512GB and 1TB models. The flashier Steam Deck OLED Special Edition, which launches solely in the US and Canada, has a finite stock. When they’re gone, they’re gone, with no chance to reserve one for the future. So, North American friends who appreciate translucent plastic and extra splashes of orange on their handheld gaming PC, hope you’re quick on the draw.
The classic Steam Deck variants remain on sale at their newly discounted pricing, and it looks like the discontinued 64GB and 512GB models are still in stock, should they flare up anyone’s bargain-hunting instincts. Personally, I’m fully onboard with the Steam Deck OLED, as is former hardware ed Katharine. Even if the new display wasn’t brighter, faster, and more vibrant, its tasty battery life upgrade over the OG Deck makes it far more practical as a portable device. The grippier thumbsticks, quieter fan noise, and faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity don’t hurt either, and the addition of a 1TB option could save the need to pick up a microSD card as well.
Since we’re quite literally making shop talk, it’s worth noting that the Asus ROG Ally is currently down to £599 in the UK. That puts it within touching distance of the max-spec 1TB Steam Deck OLED, which is £569. Again, I think I’d sooner have the longer-lasting Deck OLED, but it’s your shout, assuming you’re even in the market for a gaming handheld in the first place. You might just be reading this for funsies, which must be nice. Me? I’ve been in this cell for six days.