March 9, 2025, 9:31 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The Steam Deck from Valve offers a powerful handheld gaming experience and combines the flexibility of a PC with the mobility of a console. With a specially developed AMD APU, ergonomic controls, and, above all, full access to the Steam library, the Steam Deck is aimed at gamers who don’t want to miss out on their favorite titles while on the move. But what are the overall advantages and disadvantages of the Steam Deck?
Valve’s Steam Deck has become one of the most intriguing handheld consoles on the market. Its unique feature of accessing your Steam library anywhere distinguishes it from traditional consoles. With various storage and display options, the device is aimed at both price-conscious gamers and discerning players who value a high-quality OLED display. Thanks to the integrated touchscreen function, precise control with analog sticks and trackpads, and the optimized user interface, the Steam Deck offers a comfortable and versatile gaming experience. However, the question remains: Is upgrading to the OLED version worth it, or does the more affordable LCD model suffice?
What Can the Valve Steam Deck Do?
The Steam Deck, a portable handheld gaming PC, supports the full Steam library and caters to performance-intensive gaming. Its custom AMD Zen 2 / RDNA 2 APU ensures smooth performance, even with demanding games. Introduced later, the OLED models boast a high-contrast HDR display, enhanced refresh rate, and longer battery life.
Technical Data (Steam Deck OLED 1 TB):
- Display: 7.4-inch HDR OLED (1280 × 800), 90 Hz, up to 1000 nits brightness
- Processor: AMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4 – 3.5 GHz
- Graphics: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6 GHz
- Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5 (6400 MT/s)
- Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD, microSD card slot
- Battery: 50 Wh, 3—12 hours runtime
- Controls: Analog sticks with capacitive sensor, trackpads, gyroscope
- Operating system: SteamOS 3 (Arch-based)
Who Is the Valve Steam Deck Suitable for?
The Steam Deck targets PC gamers seeking to access their Steam library on the go without sacrificing device power. It presents a compelling alternative to laptops or other handhelds, particularly for gamers eager to play AAA titles while mobile. The OLED version is recommended for users who value a better display, longer battery life, and faster Wi-Fi connections. Those looking for a cheaper entry-level model, on the other hand, can save money with the LCD version (256 GB).
Models and Variants
The Steam Deck is available in three versions:
- Steam Deck LCD (256 GB): 7-inch LCD, 60 Hz, 40 Wh battery, WLAN 5
- Steam Deck OLED (512 GB): 7.4-inch HDR OLED, 90 Hz, 50 Wh battery, WLAN 6E
- Steam Deck OLED (1 TB): 7.4-inch HDR OLED with anti-reflective glass, 90 Hz, extended accessory options
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Steam Deck from Valve
Advantages
- Powerful hardware: Zen 2 APU for smooth gaming
- Full Steam access: all games from the library available on mobile
- High-quality controls: analog sticks, trackpads, and buttons optimally placed
- OLED display with HDR (on OLED models): Improved color reproduction and contrast
- Simple operation: User-friendly SteamOS with controller control
- Plenty of storage space: Up to 1 TB SSD and microSD expansion
Disadvantages
- Heavy and bulky: At approx. 640-669 g, not as handy as a Switch
- Limited battery life: Maximum runtime highly dependent on settings and game
- Not all PC games compatible: Some titles require workarounds
- Sometimes long loading times: Slower performance compared to gaming PCs
Customer Ratings
According to Idealo and Amazon reviews, the Steam Deck is praised for its versatility. Users primarily appreciate the ability to play their PC games on the go. The OLED model scores particularly highly with its improved display and longer battery life. The operating system, which is specially designed for handheld consoles, also impressed many.
There is some criticism of the weight and battery life when playing graphics-intensive games. You should also bear in mind that the Steam Deck is designed for the Steam platform. The device isn’t intended for playing games from other providers.
Comparison with Other Products
Compared to other handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally or the Lenovo Legion Go, the Steam Deck offers deeper Steam integration and better control via trackpads and a gyroscope. While the ROG Ally (and the more powerful X model) offers higher performance through a more powerful processor, the Steam Deck offers a more user-friendly interface and a more affordable price.
Ease of Repair
The Steam Deck offers good repairability. Spare parts for the LCD and OLED models are available via iFixit, meaning that the user can replace the battery, display, and analog sticks. This makes the console repairable by the user, at least to a certain extent.
Accessories
Numerous accessories are available for the Steam Deck:
- Steam Deck docking station: 89 euros, enables connection to monitors & peripherals
- Carrying cases: protect the device on the go
- MicroSD cards: memory expansion for additional games
- Spare parts from iFixit: replaceable analog sticks, display, and battery
FAQs About the Valve Steam Deck
1. Has anything changed in the LCD model with the OLED upgrade?
No, except for the price, the LCD model remains unchanged.
2. Are spare parts available?
Yes, iFixit offers repair kits for the OLED model.
3. Will my old accessories work with the OLED model?
Yes, all accessories are compatible with both variants.
4. How long does the battery last?
Depending on the game and settings, between 3 and 12 hours.
5. Is the Steam Deck suitable for all PC games?
Not all games run natively; some require customization or Proton support.
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Sources
- Valve Steam Deck product page
- Idealo customer reviews
- Amazon customer reviews
- iFixit spare parts information