HardwareHandheldsSteam Deck OLEDThere’s a white Steam Deck OLED in town, and it reminds me of silly light side Darth Vader fan artWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsSteam Deck OLEDThere’s a white Steam Deck OLED in town, and it reminds me of silly light side Darth Vader fan artWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Valve)
If you’ve been holding out for a new Steam Deck, you’re sort of in luck, asValvejust unveiled a new white OLED model. No, it isn’t going to run your PC games any faster, meaning you’ll have to wait for a handheld sequel if you’re looking for a performance bump. But, if you’ve been holding off on buying a portable PC in general, this limited edition $679 variant could entice you to the bandwagon.
Scheduled to arrive November 18, 2024, the white version of theSteam Deck OLEDis a bit of a looker. Dressed in a more clinical shell and accessorized with grey-tone buttons,Valve saysmodel is effectively the same as thebest gaming handheldcontender we’ve all come to love on the inside. That means you’re getting an 800p 90Hz screen with an etched anti-glare coating, a 1TB SSD, and a 50Whr battery, alongside the same
Again, the draw here is that it’s a new Steam Deck colorway, and one that could sway some players away from rivals like theAsusROG Ally. I’m not saying there are tons of people out there who’d pick up the Windows handheld solely because it’s white, but I personally know enough PC enthusiasts who who care about things like devices matching their rooms. Am I one of those people? Sort of, but I am a bit too distracted laughing at how the new Deck looks like Light Side Darth Vader (this figuremakes for a good reference.)
Should you buy the white Steam Deck OLED?
Image1of4(Image credit: Valve)(Image credit: Valve)(Image credit: Valve)(Image credit: Valve)
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(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
(Image credit: Valve)
WithBlack Friday Steam Deck dealson the horizon, it feels like a good time to work out which handheld you should actually go for. Valve’s new white version will no doubt throw a spanner into your decision making works, and the fact it’s limited edition might be enough reason to splash out $679. I am slightly grumpy at the fact it’s $30 more than the Black OLED handheld, but hey, it comes with a white carry case, and that’s neat. Now all we need is a matching officialSteam Deck dockto round things off nicely.
Naturally, if you’re aiming to save money on a portable PC, aiming for a reduced original Steam Deck LCD is wiser. At the moment, you can still grab the 256GB version for $399, but you’ll be making do with less storage space and standard screen specs. If you’re open to picking up alternative handhelds, you’ll also want to watch out for ROG Ally deals, as the cheapest model should drop back to $399 at Best Buy during the sale.
(Image credit: Future / Tabitha Baker)
That Z1 model doesn’t quite have the same oomph as the one featured in our Asus ROG Ally review, but both handhelds do boast a 1080p 120Hz screen and access to more than just Steam via Windows 11. The portable’s choice of OS is admittedly a bit of an Achilles heel, and one that makes a case for opting for the console-like abilities of SteamOS. That said, if you’re looking for an Xbox Game Pass machine or a way to play your pile of free Epic Game Store downloads, you’ll want to strongly consider an Ally.
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) |$499.99$439 at AmazonSave $60 -Ideally, you’ll want to jump on the Ryzen Z1 handheld when it’s $399, as that’ll make it a great alternative to the Steam Deck LCD. Effectively, you’ll be getting white portable PC with beefy specs and better PC gaming versatility thanks to to Windows 11.Buy it if:✅ You want easy Game Pass access✅ You play lots of Indie games✅ You aren’t fussed about frame ratesDon’t buy it if:❌ You’d rather just play Steam games❌ You’re looking to run the latest releasesPrice Check:Walmart (out of stock)|Best Buy $499.99View Deal
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) |$499.99$439 at AmazonSave $60 -Ideally, you’ll want to jump on the Ryzen Z1 handheld when it’s $399, as that’ll make it a great alternative to the Steam Deck LCD. Effectively, you’ll be getting white portable PC with beefy specs and better PC gaming versatility thanks to to Windows 11.Buy it if:✅ You want easy Game Pass access✅ You play lots of Indie games✅ You aren’t fussed about frame ratesDon’t buy it if:❌ You’d rather just play Steam games❌ You’re looking to run the latest releasesPrice Check:Walmart (out of stock)|Best Buy $499.99View Deal
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) |$499.99$439 at AmazonSave $60 -Ideally, you’ll want to jump on the Ryzen Z1 handheld when it’s $399, as that’ll make it a great alternative to the Steam Deck LCD. Effectively, you’ll be getting white portable PC with beefy specs and better PC gaming versatility thanks to to Windows 11.Buy it if:✅ You want easy Game Pass access✅ You play lots of Indie games✅ You aren’t fussed about frame ratesDon’t buy it if:❌ You’d rather just play Steam games❌ You’re looking to run the latest releasesPrice Check:Walmart (out of stock)|Best Buy $499.99View Deal
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) |$499.99$439 at AmazonSave $60 -Ideally, you’ll want to jump on the Ryzen Z1 handheld when it’s $399, as that’ll make it a great alternative to the Steam Deck LCD. Effectively, you’ll be getting white portable PC with beefy specs and better PC gaming versatility thanks to to Windows 11.Buy it if:✅ You want easy Game Pass access✅ You play lots of Indie games✅ You aren’t fussed about frame ratesDon’t buy it if:❌ You’d rather just play Steam games❌ You’re looking to run the latest releasesPrice Check:Walmart (out of stock)|Best Buy $499.99
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) |$499.99$439 at AmazonSave $60 -Ideally, you’ll want to jump on the Ryzen Z1 handheld when it’s $399, as that’ll make it a great alternative to the Steam Deck LCD. Effectively, you’ll be getting white portable PC with beefy specs and better PC gaming versatility thanks to to Windows 11.Buy it if:✅ You want easy Game Pass access✅ You play lots of Indie games✅ You aren’t fussed about frame ratesDon’t buy it if:❌ You’d rather just play Steam games❌ You’re looking to run the latest releasesPrice Check:Walmart (out of stock)|Best Buy $499.99
Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) |$499.99$439 at AmazonSave $60 -Ideally, you’ll want to jump on the Ryzen Z1 handheld when it’s $399, as that’ll make it a great alternative to the Steam Deck LCD. Effectively, you’ll be getting white portable PC with beefy specs and better PC gaming versatility thanks to to Windows 11.
Buy it if:
✅ You want easy Game Pass access✅ You play lots of Indie games✅ You aren’t fussed about frame rates
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’d rather just play Steam games❌ You’re looking to run the latest releases
Price Check:Walmart (out of stock)|Best Buy $499.99
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
I’m fully expecting to see plenty of other handhelds amongBlack Friday gaming deals too, like theLenovoLegion Go and perhaps even the beefyAsus ROG Ally X. At full price, you’re talking about more than the white Steam Deck OLED, but I’d like to think even the most expensive options will drop under $600. Even the monstrous Ayaneo KUN could come off its $999 price perch now that it’s listedat Best Buy, so it’s worth keeping your options open if you care more about performance than aesthetics.
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Make your own white Steam Deck
Yes, I know, some of you will be sitting crying into your OG Steam Deck wishing you had the new fancy white version. I get it, but if you’re open to a little bit of modding, you can actually dress up your Deck with any shell that takes your fancy for relatively cheap. Over at Amazon, you can pick up a white Jsaux replacement housing kitfor $29.99using a $6 off coupon, and while you’ll be using the handheld black buttons and touchpads, it’s an easy way to combat any new version FOMO.
My LCD model is currently wearing its original black shell, but I have actually installed Jsaux shells in the past. The replacement housings and back panels are decent quality, and make for a nice way to keep your portable feeling fresh when you’re tired of the goth look. I don’t think picking up one of these kits remotely makes the white Steam Deck OLED redundant, but it’s a DIY project that may excite a few of you who can’t justify a new handheld.
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More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
More about handhelds
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
Latest
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”