Steam Deck OLED Review

The follow up to Valve's early 2022 handheld gaming PC, the Steam Deck, has been announced. Dubbed Steam Deck OLED, this new iteration to the Steam Deck family is more than what the name implies. In addition to the larger HDR OLED screen that's capable of a refresh rate of 90hz, the Steam Deck OLED comes with quite a bit of under-the-hood changes that may just make this new entry the definite version of Valve's handheld PC gaming lineup.
#IGN #Gaming

[@thomasbryans6547]

Wow… Valve is hitting homers with everything Steam Deck

[@buglyh]

@@TombRaider1996forever Stop Homer Simpson abuse

[@magnushue]

D'oh!

[@Thatsme1ogan]

Except in Australia

[@Angultra]

Why you little...!!

[@Hazemann]

Yes yes yes Steam Deck OLED with it's many improvements except APU. So we can waiting ROG Ally OLED with many improvements also except APU. And finally a Nintendo Switch 2. Oh boy, amazing times ❤❤❤

[@rodrigogirao8344]

Tip: anti-cheat shenanigans aside, most Windows games from Epic and GOG can be played via the Heroic Games Launcher.

[@BusinessMan1619]

Love my Steam Deck. I'm going to do my best to ignore this update until Steam Deck 2 arrives 😄

[@amy.in.amsterdam]

Same 😅

[@iceyriver1351]

​@@amy.in.amsterdamI literally just got mine like a month and a half ago to but it's alright not worth buying again but still awesome

[@akosiny6034]

me too 😊

[@shanil55]

Thoughts on when steam deck 2 might drop?

[@cringeusername9705]

@@shanil552025-26

[@user-oe6bk5uk4x]

The fact they went with 90hz which is divisible by 45 means AAA games locked to 45fps are going to look super smooth. Cyberpunk at 45fps lock 800p is already great on Deck and will only be better with OLED.

[@eternalbeing3339]

Yes. The response time will be better.

[@Ridku13]

You cant lock 45hz on the regular steam deck?

[@user-oe6bk5uk4x]

@Ridku13 locking 45hz on 90hz native panel is vastly different from locking 45hz on a 60hz native panel, especially if both panels lack VRR

[@ktcool4660]

@@Ridku13 40hz

[@biIl]

@@user-oe6bk5uk4x but even on the old model, you could easily change the refresh rate to 45hz if you wanted

[@kami3449]

A 66% in battery improvement is a massive W

[@Razear]

The battery performance improvement in one iteration with all the other upgrades without a price hike is pretty damn impressive. This will force the likes of ASUS And Lenovo to readjust the pricing of the Ally and Legion Go now that more people might be opting for the Deck OLED instead even if the APU performance remains the same.

[@corvacopia]

Especially given all the inflation since then

[@aethionr4478]

​@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist1No. You repent to Satan

[@MaggotAddict21]

@@butters_rtx Why do you feel the need to go out of your way to be mean to someone who going out for their way to show kindness even if you believe they are wrong? Is he harming you? Looking into yourself my friend.

[@mr_sn4k3s]

@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist1 no one asked

[@RelativelyAttractiveMan]

My main problem with the OG steam deck was the fact that you'd only get 1 - 1 1/2 hours of AAA gameplay. Now that it's 2 and a half is a huge game changer in my opinion. Might end up buying one after all.

[@martink5477]

lol which released this year AAA can the steam deck run 60+ fps? Better wait for deck 2

[@RationaLess]

@@martink5477 It's not that the steam deck can't handle those games. It's just that those games can't handle the steam deck

[@tgm.nabam101]

​@@martink5477given valves track record deck 2 will probably release 3+ years or more

[@emanuelarriaza3710]

Awe man dead space was like that

[@riccccccardo]

@@martink5477nerds always ruining things lol

[@Oubaitorii]

So much respect for Valve. Huge CS fan and the fact that they are able to keep the prices the same rather than raising it is great for the gaming community. Can’t wait to get my first SD now with the OLED screen 🔥

[@chrisahmed8660]

😂

[@Lonewolf-7577]

@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist1 Ur already goin astray by worshippin a prophet instead of the Creator lmao.

[@craniumjunglist8934]

​@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist1 repent my bum flaps smelly pants

[@metathanatos1]

valve kept the prices the same, the dickheads are the retailers, in our contry, the 512gb model is 50% more expensive

[@joeblack363]

​@@Lonewolf-7577 fairy tales and sky fairies are for children time to grow up

[@grahamcraqqa]

Oh wow, this is better than the ROG Ally in my eyes, 90hz is fairly similar to 120hz. The OLED upgrade is what really pushes it over the edge!

[@juliosalguero4638]

But still asus ally still has better performance.

[@HCAZS]

@@juliosalguero4638 True, but it runs windows.

[@21backwards78]

​@@juliosalguero4638fuck Asus ally their customer service is garbage steam deck OLED all they way

[@Realnamenogimmicksdude]

@@juliosalguero4638it has worse frametimes actually in some games, and windows

[@K-tw4wb]

​@@juliosalguero4638This is way cheaper, and you can dodge windows. Looks like a win for me at least

[@chrisadamec900]

Digital Foundry has shown there is actually even a performance upgrade in this OLED iteration.

[@Doppo69]

Only around 3-5 frames per second difference

[@leobonnes921]

@@Doppo6933 vs 28 feels pretty significant

[@cringeusername9705]

@@leobonnes921more like 30-31 vs 28. You have to focus on the percentage not the raw number of frames.

[@ForceInEvHorizon]

​@@cringeusername9705you do realize most Screen only supports 30hz. Below that Games will gonna start to stutter with 28-29fps and u can really feel the stutter more than the game fps so yes stable 30fps is important. Digital Foundry tested it with Plague Requiem and the OG steam deck stutters so much with its 27-29fps while the oled one has minimal stutter with almost stable 30fps

[@cringeusername9705]

@@ForceInEvHorizon Oh I’m aware. I’m just saying the raw fps difference isn’t as big as the comment above me said. Very few games are going to go from not locking to 30fps at lowest settings to locking because of the new OLED model. It’s more like you can use the same settings and fps limit and gain more stability, or bump up a setting or two.

[@randomcommenterurl]

They also added the ability to wake using a wireless controller, which is huge for those who use it in docked mode

[@gadrexxulier7452]

Is that for all steam decks? Is it for specific controllers?

[@randomcommenterurl]

@@gadrexxulier7452 Only the OLED models will have this feature, I’m not sure which controllers will support it

[@ant_mag]

You're kidding...this is the biggest omission for me right now. I've had my Deck for less than a year... dang

[@mushsoup]

amazing device and amazing review. will buy the new steam deck as soon as it will be available.

[@LaymanGamin]

Nov 16

[@distolerant1824]

Not in Europe

[@thetechnosaiyan]

​@@distolerant1824wrong

[@TheChris1369]

Have not even had mine a year hope they offer some kind of upgrade program the battery life alone is worth it.

[@manceirvin7068]

A moment of silence to all the people who bought a normal steam deck recently

[@MisterMister5893]

Valve will take it back if it's under a month.

[@manceirvin7068]

@@MisterMister5893 a moment of silence to those who bought a normal steam deck 32 days ago

[@ChaoSTrophicS]

@@MisterMister5893folks buying steam deck from different sellers who they themselves bought it from valve long time ago, so probably not gonna work for most people unfortunately 😂

[@Seanbo88]

An even-handed and very informative review. Well done, IGN.

[@scooter80stv]

How come ign hasn't reviewed the Lenovo Legion Go? But have reviewed the ayaneo kun and multiple videos of this new OLED steamdeck?

[@epineg1]

The side by side battery performance and temperature measurements are appreciated.

[@dekkard]

The first Version already was way beyond all my expectations 🤯 To imagine the Steam Deck being released in a far more improved version is quite insane to say the least! 🥳

[@casady6]

totally random question, but what do you use to get your audio backgrounds? Really love the songs.

[@williamjreed]

It's just recordings of the elevator music from IGN HQ

[@jackyzaizaio]

just search "luxury bryn boyce bliska" then you will get what you want

[@TiberiumPie]

Great review Bo, love your input on new hardware!

[@Spaceinvaderzim]

😂

[@i.am.noah.]

Definitely ordering this on the 16th. Thanks for a great review.

[@twistedcherrypop]

Was just thinking last night ‘hope steam deck does a new version too that has a better screen like oled, if they did id prob buy it’. Prayer's anwsered!

[@DowneyMax]

And it did more than just a better screen :D

[@millirabbit4331]

And they said our phones don't listen to our thoughts and conversations.

[@CaptainEffort]

Thank you!

[@mr.shplorb662]

​@@millirabbit4331what

[@localmadlad7714]

Dude Valve would amazing as a Console Maker.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Why is the entry point £450 in the Uk!?!

[@reignofswords6575]

Got my Oled 1tb coming. Had SD since launch and it's been amazing. Only valve understand in the handheld market thumb sticks need to be symmetrical.

[@riblet0127]

Did u order a screen protector with the etched glass

[@denizd.9080]

This is the way to go. Not increasing the price after 2 years like Sony and MS and everybody believes it cost more ofter time. NO, it doesnt. There is a significant pricedrop over time and Valve shows how much it is.

[@MrMark1]

They are hardly going to up prices when they hardly sell any as it is

[@SimonVaIe]

​@@MrMark1I wouldn't consider 2 million units sold (~ a billion in revenue) in a year and being sold out for a long time as hardly selling any. Sure they didn't produce enough and the sales volume is a lot lower than established console manufacturers, but can't say it isn't a massive success.

[@Underdrill]

​@@MrMark1It sold multiple millions and the new version sold out in my region very quickly. Stop the cap.

[@hovsep56]

They already got steam as their moneymaker, ofcourse they won't increase the price. The steam is just another way to acces steam.

[@denizd.9080]

@@hovsep56 selling games and peripherals is a moneymaker for Sony and they increased their prices. Same for nintendo. MS has some other moneymakers in the house, but each division of the company has to be successful, so to say Xbox as brand has to be profitable. And as you say, steam is their moneymaker so why should they go risky route with hardware (like past has shown some failures) if steam is save? Your argument isnt the best in conclusion.

[@DarkSoulBert]

Can you deregister your old Steam Deck when you upgrade to the newer model? Or does this register as a separate or new device?

[@Sharki33]

Wow what a product... STEAM on fire 🔥.

[@Nikoitsromanletsgobowling]

Review was fantastic! Great job, Moore!

[@jasonjlloyd]

I'm getting one but if you use the contrast mod on Decky it massively improves the screen on the original Deck. Anybody who has an original Deck you 100% have to try it if your intending on upgrading it might just swung it to keep your OG Deck.

[@TheMasterblaster32]

The 3.5 os update added valves own gamut settings so no need for vibrant deck now 😀.

[@10191927]

FINALLY! Now I’ll actually get a Steamdeck!

[@LaymanGamin]

Same

[@aspizak]

DF to the rescue: there's is actually marginal fps boost due to memory upgrade and gives a bigger chance to lock into 30fdps on games that are very demading. Even 4-6 frames.

[@spraynardkruger6426]

The guy on this video keeps going on about how performance is identical. Like, multiple times. The product page even states a smaller transistor. Maybe next time turn the product on for a little bit before reviewing it.

[@IceBlueLugia]

Yeah not sure what this guy in the video is talking about. Every other source I’ve seen says you should be able to get 3-4 more fps at least

[@yogainstructor4437]

The guy in the ign vid mentions they were within three frames per second of each other so it’s not like he said no improvement

[@tehehe5929]

This is half true. Reviewer's Steam Decks run SteamOS 3.5 that have newer GPU drivers and fix couploe of bugs around CPU in Deck so probably most of this speed up can be attributed to newer SteamOS (and will be applicable to older Deck as well) rather than memory speed update.

[@pancakespushups4318]

Can’t wait for steam deck 2 if Valve ever makes one.

[@lowammo]

Wait for steamdeck 2 OLED

[@Doppo69]

@@lowammothat’s going to be 3 years at least may as well get this one

[@jcc4543]

Can't wait to sell their Deck world wide😂😂😂

[@lucasmasarczyk3744]

Cant wait for Steam Deck 11 im waiting till this gets released

[@Kogami]

2 is gonna be the last Steam Deck because Valve can't count to 3 :(

[@Creeper_ofDoom]

Actually has significant upgrades than the Switch OLED back when it was revealed

[@davidm4677]

They need to make they spot on the market so there is more care where Nintendo doesn’t care about anything just money grabbing machine.

[@angelvillegas9604]

​@@davidm4677switch sold 132 million steam is barely relevant

[@babyjiren9676]

@@davidm4677 their

[@Camerooonify]

Only question now is whether upgrade now or wait for the steam deck 2. 😬 this is just too tempting. First steam deck is the greatest handheld I've ever owned by some margin.

[@kalenwick7628]

the oled runs better u only get a hour of straight gameplay

[@jdl9679]

The 2 version won’t be out for a few years

[@RobinB360]

Need it! 🔥 Hopefully it will be available in more regions soon….

[@Isengardtom]

Hope it’s available in belgium

[@leemanu94]

​@@Isengardtomhoping the same. Can't order yet

[@BurstieCS]

Samee

[@mackellyjandoc9993]

My wallet will take a beating again.

[@eSKAone-]

Handheld gaming is this decades gift 💟🌌☮️

[@hugopereira5640]

Yeah, the fact that we're able to play PC games on a handheld is crazy!

[@juanpcc5892]

Why the OLED have white reflexion in the crystal table?

[@spike178]

Will buy one, it's great timing have no handheld devices except my mobile phone and was looking to buy for Christmas. Oled Steam Deck for the WIN....

[@chadsmith7075]

this new SD makes sense to me to buy now. I'm about 10 years behind gaming due to going mobile. the legion would be nice but makes sense to just go laptop at this point. plus its cheaper going Sd than Go

[@babyjiren9676]

the Go is also severely unoptimized at the moment to the point that it performs worse in many games compared to SD despite superior hardware

[@7raulito10]

Wonder if Valve will have some sort if trade in program

[@danfuture4409]

Likewise.

[@cringeusername9705]

Nope

[@calibursoul9039]

based on the reviews Steamdeck performs very well at lower performance mode (probably better than other Win based models), that gives better battery life and thats exactly the point of handheld gaming. Valves nailed the point!

[@matthew15186]

Linux for the win 🏆

[@inspectorbuttons]

great review!

[@SirDiesel]

According to digital foundry you get a 2% to 9% performance boost

[@kaizel2264]

It can actually be 9-15% faster with a little undervolting

[@GreatContinentofAfrica]

was the volume up during that battery time check?

[@DocLegendary]

Looks like I’ll be upgrading my launch deck for an OLED. The battery life increase is a gamechanger.

[@lutzey1178]

I'll take your old one

[@DocLegendary]

@@lutzey1178 You may have to fight my kids over it haha. It's time to transition the older one from the switch to PC gaming :D

[@MisterMister5893]

Get a battery bank you philistine!

[@extremeking425]

an extra hour is a game changer?

[@thegamercls8983]

@@extremeking425yes

[@azozazoz9196]

Okay, but when's it going to be available in my region?

[@fastfiddler1625]

Those are really amazing prices for what that thing can do.

[@geedub2019]

Can the screen be upgraded from LCD to Oled?

[@Herculainn]

Even a trade in option would be great

[@cringeusername9705]

Nope

[@JA-mq9ti]

Just ordered mine, can’t wait!

[@drewsterrr]

How is it?

[@neilmallick20]

Did it really need a numerical score? What is there to even compare the number to?

[@Corusame]

Can you buy an extended battery for this for longer playtime?

[@Letsstarthobbying]

Will there be any way to just upgrade the screen and battery on our OG steam deck to this?

[@Codes_Comics]

According to DF, the improved apu actually did see an improvement in performance. Not drastically mind you but some games saw up to 8% better framerates Not something I’d call an upgrade for alone, but its still fascinating to see improvements like this even when not directly intended

[@Evanz111]

They already pretty much said that, with a 3-4fps difference in the games

[@gdpiscopo]

the 90hz screen is huge. Buying one 100%

[@eGamingable]

I'm ordering mine right now. You've convinced me.

[@charne94]

Wow great review thank you!

[@Prof856]

Just bought my steam deck a few weeks ago…. Damnit

[@EpochFitness]

Surely 30 day return policy applies. Look into it.

[@CandysChannel]

Valve will take it back if under a month

[@Marcelo83uk]

Tempted to get one now here in the uk

[@aggronidas2588]

ok but as long steam deck isnt able to download games/updates during standby it makes no sense for oled display because of burn in effect?

[@ridindrty]

What is the PWM of the screen?

[@encovers745]

Can’t wait for steam Deck 2 Pro Max

[@SwitchUpYt]

GeForce now removes a lot of the issues mentioned :)

[@benm1889]

What a pleasure to see you gents here! Love the channel!

[@eneahaemmerli8288]

Are the games the same as on the normal steam deck?

[@Itzwill2k1]

Might have to pick this up. Wow

[@tg2112]

They kinda released them this time in Australia but its still 350$ more when we convert from US to AU in currency !…

[@magnushue]

Gave back my OG Steam Deck due to fan noise. Better display & longer battery make this a buy for me.

[@nicolaservo2113]

amazing upgrade

[@stephencapillas1861]

So when will this roll out in Asia? I’m from the Philippines.

[@jada90]

"Exact same gaming performance". Not true. LTT found better performance (higher FPS) in OLED version. For. various reasons

[@CaptainEffort]

But it's very minimal, to the point where even Valve themselves said there wouldn't be a performance increase. Still happy to see it though.

[@jarcuuuble5819]

you gota give ign credit here. great in depth review

[@ricky865]

And just like with the original still not available to buy here in Puerto Rico even though we're USA territory. The only versions we can buy are the refurbish ones from gamestop's website.

[@tysonharrison2566]

enjoy that sloppy seconds commie boy!

[@onkaragarwal18]

THIS is how you do a refresh

[@trinex123]

What about oled burnin issues?

[@peres9559]

Oled is of course go to for battery life everywhere. It's just not brightning unwanted black pixels. Simple as that

[@basvh666]

when will it be released

[@redbahamut]

You forgot to mention the new dedicated sound cpu for better sound processing and less main cpu load

[@jptruth2372]

Been thinking of buying this. Im never at home and never get to enjoy time with my xbsx. THIS will give me that power, but also PS5 and PC games as well. The complete All in One.

[@ryanisright3559]

Let the handheld wars begin

[@Omar-cj7zw]

Just wish if that was available in my country, still using the Ally

[@joshuawalker7038]

How’s the controller vibration?

[@ManicSV3]

Is there an upgrade option for us that got duped into buying the LCD version?

[@MobileDecay]

Lmfao! 🤣

[@vengefulbrainiac1395]

we can only hope for a third party solution

[@barringtonmorris90]

I'm most definitely getting a steam deck now.

[@nickcabrera3982]

1:14 Devs stopped worrying about that a decade ago.

[@snowballandpals]

Time for me to finally pick one up

[@jocg9168]

Wow! Great update 👍🏼

[@Fibonacci_HoL]

This man looks like he's moments away from tears

[@moreuggaduggas]

Might get me that OLED special edition

[@anusmcgee4150]

No performance upgrade? Got it

[@keyboard_g]

Wifi 6e, not 6. The anti glare isn’t a coating. It’s etched glass.

[@the_hoborobo]

Will screen burn be an issue by having to keep the screen on while downloading large games?

[@yoosufh6370]

Please is this device better than rog ally for fifa 23 and EA24?

[@-Uranos-]

This will connect with my steam pc account and play all games from my steam library right?

[@synysterpain]

For the most part, yes

[@ciarancampbell6795]

I’m upgrading for sure

[@chalpua8802]

Baldurs Gate 3 does not run great on the Steam Deck, it’s borderline unplayable in later parts, drops into the teens on low settings.

[@matthewrezuke8130]

I'll wait for next generation hardware to release..

[@tysonharrison2566]

in 3 years?

[@sylvainalain4749]

Someone will have to try and make me understand what's the point in having 90~120~144hz screen refresh rates on devices that can barely run decent games at ±30fps... Your screen COULD run very fluid but your hardware power can't handle it... Isn't it a bit like having a racing grade clutch and transmission in a stock Hyundai Accent...

[@1986phippsy]

This. This with access to Gamepass and I'd be there like a shot!

[@sinom]

Even if you're watching on an OLED screen you won't be able to see the difference in this video because IGN did not film or upload it in HDR