I honestly didn’t think the Steam Deck OLED would ever be a thing, but now that I’ve got my hands on one, I’m glad it exists. I don’t want to say the latest version of Valve’s handheld makes the 2022 model feel like a prototype, as I adore the original portable powerhouse. However, this variant absolutely solidifies the developer’s claim to the handheld PC throne, not to mention it has successfully distracted me from thinking about more powerful rivals.
Not to lean into clichés, but the best gaming handheld scene has changed a lot since the Steam Deck made its debut. Fierce rivals like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion GO are out to steal the portable PC’s lunch money, and new contenders will inevitably arrive to join the pile on. With that in mind, it makes sense that Valve would want to refine its baby and arm it with an edge, one that I reckon will help it defend itself in the schoolyard until the Steam Deck 2 eventually comes along.
