Quick summary of the article
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New fan, it’s quieter than both of the previous fans. Will be a huge upgrade for Delta fan users.
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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.
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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.
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Most old accessories will work fine, with the exception of replaceable back plates. Even screen protectors should work, since most covered the bezel before.
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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.
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The charging light on the deck is now multi-colored and can change color to let you know when the deck is fully charged.
Gamers Nexus They Changed Everything: Valve Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD Tear-Down points out WAY more changes, they refreshed A LOT of the components. Completely new main board etc.
Same for the digital foundry video, it has a long list of changes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
