Steam Deck OLED - Was it worth the upgrade from the LCD Model?

In this video we take a look at the Steam Deck OLED model and I'll give you some surface level impressions of the device. The biggest benefit of this video are my thoughts on whether the upgrade is worth it, if you're a first time owner what do you buy, if you're an LCD owner should you pay the extra money to upgrade. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy the video. Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and Comment.

[@phuonghoai9415]

In my opinion, if you already have sd, stick with it. Still good enough. If you are newbie in handheld, get oled version or asus rog ally z1e

[@itzdcx]

agreed

[@TheRedSully]

I got rid of my old steam deck after getting my ROG Ally. Being able to easily mod games and have access to all "gaming platforms" is just such an amazing deal plus it runs games like a beast

[@LunaRosalie]

The one thing that hurts the most imo is the extended battery life i bit the bullet and just upgraded because of it, getting 3 hours instead of 1 1/2 hours in games like cyberpunk is an insane game changer on road trips/traveling

[@StewdioGamer]

OLED is nice but the battery life was the best improvement.

[@archer201977]

I bought the LCD days before the OLED announcement (I didn't know the OLED is coming), I should have waited but oh well, I guess i will just live and be happy with the OG LCD version and wait for it to wear down, by the time it wears a newer higher-end model will be available and i can get that as an upgrade.

[@StewdioGamer]

The LCD is still a great handheld. My son primarily plays the LCD now but I still use it for testing and always surprised at how good the first model really was!

[@AKYLE315]

Didnt buy the first one now im definetly gonna get this one

[@StewdioGamer]

You’ll love it!

[@coxmar1999]

Adore my OLED, screen is beautiful, the fan is almost silent now, battery is at least 30% better and it never gets hot anymore, absolutely love it

[@itsquiwi8780]

Turn it to 15 watt and hear those fan SCREAM its still not close to being quiet

[@dio8070]

@@itsquiwi8780it’s not noticeable when you play games, unless if you play games that don’t have sound or play at really low volumes you won’t be hearing it ( it won’t bother you )

[@itsquiwi8780]

@@dio8070 it's noticeable with stronger headphones and when you turn the volume up you can 100% hear it

[@YouJGSousa]

People underestimate the heat factor .

[@adgeifc]

Depends on where you live

[@gmoney0987]

The answer is YES. I saved you all 11 minutes

[@DJ-ll9hv]

No you didn’t cause most folks want to know why

[@StewdioGamer]

If they already felt that way they probably wouldn’t click on the video. Everyone’s priority is different including my own 🤷‍♂️.

[@thefilmguy]

When playing games like GTA 5. Did you experience better battery life than with the LCD model. Reason I ask is I found when I was playing GTA 4 on my LCD model I would get maybe 2-3 hours of battery life and the fan was running nearly non stop.

[@StewdioGamer]

It depends on your settings on if you get better battery life. I run it at medium to high settings so my battery life is about 3-3.5 hours. The fan doesn’t bother me personally but it does get hot where the vent is after a long session.

[@dbww2234]

Quick question, was wondering about upgrading from LCD to OLED or should I keep the LCD and get the Legion Go, or Ally? Obvs going to cost me more to keep the current SD but don't think I'll get that much for it, as you say, market is flooded with the LCD version ATM.

[@StewdioGamer]

Personally, I’d go with an ally or legion go. Ally is more mature at this point but the bigger screen on the legion go is clutch. OLED is definitely a nice upgrade but the z1 extreme in the other two make a difference.

[@trey_dizzle4161]

Doesn't the ally have thermal issues?

[@MikeZablo]

I’ve lunch lcd base model and I’m getting oled 512 gb for exact reasons as well 👍🏻

[@Woot30]

1TB is plenty with a micro SD card, you don't need to have every single game installed on the deck. I only generally play 3-4 games at one time.

[@StewdioGamer]

You’d be surprised at how many people think you do though. I fill up the card, finish them, then reload with something else. Modern titles of over 100GB fill up fast!

[@who_else_but_dee2821]

I pulled the trigger on the lcd model I got it refurbished for about $260 and I plan to only play it in the house on the couch and just added remote play to the ps5 it was just to good of a deal to pass up on but a part of me wants the oled lmao

[@StewdioGamer]

LOL well I think it’s fine to have FOMO for the newest model. If you just got the LCD I’d just wait and see what else gets announced this year. You might see something else that you’re interested in. Look at the rog ally or legion go as well.

[@yasser2152]

Thank you for helping me choose my next handheld.

[@StewdioGamer]

You won’t regret it! Thanks for watching.

[@SPISheste]

I'm lucky I live in Denmark, so the demand & supply scene is vastly different - I scored 400$ for my old Deck 💪🏽

[@fabianrichburgh]

Was it the 1tb device?

[@SPISheste]

@@fabianrichburgh 64GB my guy

[@AlexTM44]

I love the Steam os on my Deck, I wish I could have the official Steam os on my main pc, sadly it seems that Steam have abandoned the idea of releasing it for regular desktop. For now I have to stick with the immutable version of Holo iso I'm planning on getting the OLED Deck as well, and I'll probably give the LCD one to my sister, it was the 64GB but I upgraded to 1TB and it's an amazing device

[@ShovelFighter12]

Only upgrading because I have a Launch Steam Deck, and only a few games run fine before hardware issues attack.

[@KikoBG12]

Got my lcd deck 512 gb + 512 gb samsung evo micro sd card for 330 $ ,what do you think? I think its a sick deal ive been enjoying it😊 keep up the deck content ill sub!

[@StewdioGamer]

Nice find! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It was a game changer for me. Thanks for watching!

[@mrb3991]

HI I have the Original Steam Deck, A Rog Ally, and A Legion Go , Can I justify the Steam Deck Oled ???

[@nuzlock2024]

Yes

[@StewdioGamer]

Well hell why not if you have all the other ones you must have the money to do it 😂

[@mrb3991]

HI I took your advice and thought why not its Christmas, the deck already says its been posted to Me in the UK. Merry Christmas thanks 👍👍

[@StewdioGamer]

@@mrb3991 congrats! You have quite the collection now.

[@fabrystyle7799]

​@mrb3991 Can you give me one, please?

[@animationmann6612]

It depends if youre a Person who uses it on the Way for the most time like beign a Pilot or Travel Job then its totally worth it if you can afford it. Other View would be youre a Couch/Bed Potato and using it 99% at home the new Steam Deck is not worth it if you only play Singleplayer Games. As a Person who plays Multiplayer Games and is one the go a lot its totally worth it and vice versa.

[@playnicegames]

New to your channel looking forward to the content

[@StewdioGamer]

Thanks for watching!

[@NetvoTV]

If I going to get the M3 Max 16 inches MacBook Pro which with the Mac Porting Toolkit can play a lot games I wanted already too, should I still get Steam Deck OLED which is more portable but I try not to get into digital content while outside and the screen still a small portable and won't perform as good if I want to plug it to TV to play like a home console which the MacBook Pro can?

[@StewdioGamer]

It sounds like you need the MacBook Pro for more than gaming anyways. Why don’t you purchase that first and see if it meets your needs? I think the steam deck OLED meets your gaming criteria but I’m not sure a MacBook Pro would.

[@cyberedge881]

The OLED Deck is amazing. The biggest improvements are the battery life, screen image quality, and the cooler/quieter operation. It's my favorite gaming device ever.

[@StewdioGamer]

The more time I spend with it the more I appreciate it. Great device glad you’re loving it!

[@malcolmhj1a]

Why does your Steamdeck seem weaker then deck wizards, he can run 90fps consistently on GTA meanwhile you get 50

[@StewdioGamer]

My settings are probably turned up higher than they have. I get between to 55-60fps most of the time which is enough.

[@viki2162]

I have the lcd steamdeck and am really torn between upgrading to the oled or just keeping my lcd version and getting the legion go! There’s so many mixed reviews on the legion go but it would be nice just to have 1 device that can play steam games and my Xbox in handheld mode since my family always occupies the tv and I’m the only gamer in the house.

[@StewdioGamer]

Personally, I’d keep the lcd and get either the rog ally or legion go. MSI supposedly is announcing a new gaming handheld this week at CES as well. If budget is a concern the rog ally can be had on sale or used frequently.

[@gallen4123]

I also got the new steam deck. It's really great. I highly recommend the anchor to try haolocm's ar screen protector, which can lower the reflection of the oled screen.

[@StewdioGamer]

Thanks for the recommendation. Glad you’re enjoying the device!

[@doctorcatmeowmeow9619]

i made a good decision of not getting the steam deck right after it was released...now i own the oled...and im pretty happy with it...same with playstation portal...im gonna wait until they fix the portals issues...like access to youtube compatible bluetooth full touch screen(which is ok if they dont fix it,but would be nice if its full touch screen) access to premium games not installed in the ps5...im fine paying for a more expensive portal as long as the issues are dealt with...

[@rgbmensch]

just use chiaki4deck on your deck, it‘s actually much better than a playstation portal and even supports hdr!

[@PC-ONE]

not good enough for me

[@StewdioGamer]

It’s not for everyone I get it.

[@august5062]

Same king new crown is a hard subtitle

[@StewdioGamer]

Hard means good? I thought it was clever LOL 😂

[@DJ-ll9hv]

Thanks for the informative video, picking up the OLED Jan 24 😄

[@StewdioGamer]

Congrats! I hope you love it. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@keepitshort4208]

Should wait for SD2 instead, although i don't even have the SD or the oled one

[@StewdioGamer]

LOL you got a year or two before that happens I think

[@keepitshort4208]

​@@StewdioGamer true😅 Just wanted to ask did they add the downloading in sleep mode because it will help in not causing any burn on screen ?

[@blanka4545]

So much better on screen and stuff great upgrade!!

[@ultimatesharpzgaming3186]

What does LCD model mean???

[@StewdioGamer]

Liquid Crystal Display. Valve has a LCD and OLED version now. OLED has the better colors and picture quality of the two.

[@waberoid]

I have been thinking of getting the OLED because my GF wants a steamdeck so I would just give her my LCD if I get the OLED. I use my steamdeck almost everyday, even when I am at my PC. It's just a different experience and feels good. For longer sessions it's PC gaming, if I am taking a break because I work from my computer it's great. I am also curious to see if Xbox is making one, I don't remember if they were rumors or it was announced but that would be cool too.

[@StewdioGamer]

There are rumors that xbox is looking into it but nothing definitive yet. Same with sony apparently. Glad you're enjoying the LCD but definitely the OLED will be a nice to have for the battery life and screen.

[@FRANKWHITE1996]

Thanks 😊

[@StewdioGamer]

Welcome 😊

[@javiermartinez8809]

Awesome content keep them coming

[@StewdioGamer]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind words.

[@ralph4lyf]

Your review was going fine until you said that it wasn't enough to upgrade from the regular LCD to an OLED and I don't understand y'all KZbinrs y'all get good money from here and you could afford it me but I can't afford it. I still find ways like selling my regular steam deck on Facebook Marketplace for $300 blind the 512gig GB OLED steam deck for $550 which means I basically paid 250 bucks for it plus tax. And now I'm enjoying the benefits of the OLED the 90 hertz the HDR on the same games which I have since I have a lot of Sony games. Since I don't have a PS5, I only have an Xbox Series X and it steamed it. It's insane that people are saying that it's not worth the upgrade. Yes it is. It's the definitive edition of what the SD should have been like so why not upgrade

[@StewdioGamer]

I think my review was just fine. It’s the way I feel about it and it’s okay that you don’t feel that way. If it was worth it to you congrats that’s great! I didn’t discredit the device or say it wasn’t an upgrade but these things are expensive. I also bought it with my own money not anything made from KZbin which is very very little.

[@itzdcx]

With an honest review it's a *slight upgrade* I dislike how people exaggerate this thing like brain-washed fanboys this is why I can't even trust reviews online anymore unless I buy a product for myself🤦🏽‍♂️

[@peacelove8395]

Have you owned both?

[@MetaMdad]

​@@peacelove8395I have and it is a slight upgrade, unless you count the battery. The battery life upgrade is pretty damn major.

[@abdulfooligan1395]

I've owned both and I'll say it's nothing slight about it when you're looking at both screens. On top of that, it's lighter, the battery is better and the fps is better by maybe 10%. The LCD was great, but the OLED is exceptional

[@itzdcx]

@@abdulfooligan1395 uh huh sure keep telling yourself that

[@itzdcx]

@@peacelove8395 YES I currently own both and I see people are exaggerating it's capabilities it's the *"Placebo effect"* yes the screen does look decently nicer and it has a slightly smaller bezels but that's about it the battery still sucks ass on Full brightness and full 90hz but lowering brightness and locking it to 40 to 60 does add extra Life and the performance is about the same though it doesn't stutter as much in some games this is a honest review if you already own a Steamdeck I don't see the need to upgrade unless you feel that your old Steamdeck has outlive it's use meaning of the battery life compacity has fallen below 80% but if you have money to upgrade and it's not and issue and you best quality you can get them by all means go for it

[@SomeJohndoe]

How much more grippy are the new thumb sticks? The lcd ones were just too slippery for me so i always had covers on them

[@MetaMdad]

They are more concave so you have a nice pit for your thumb to rest in.

[@sonicandroxas]

Owned both, the grip is way better. I can now roll in a 360 motion and my thumb doesn't slip compared to my LCD, where i had to cut mouse grips in a circle to then place on top the sticks bec they were that bad lol

[@andreamortati9913]

Buy a ROG Ally, at least u have a PC. Steam Deck with only a screen upgrade and with a CPU from 2019 and a GPU from 2020 is not worth the investment at all.

[@StewdioGamer]

Would love to try out the rog ally. I’ve read a lot on it. Maybe the next purchase will see

[@IvanTheTerrible77]

I have an lcd model, i was thinking of upgrading, but then the MSI Claw is looking really good, and it comes out really soon

[@StewdioGamer]

If you have the LCD model I’d just wait and see what else comes out this year. MSI Claw I’m not sold on yet. Would love to try it out once released though.

[@sirdzl7105]

Go still has a better screen. Hehe

[@dio8070]

Higher res huh.