PlatformsYou can now pay to have your Steam Deck screen upgraded, but I’m not sold on the ideaWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
PlatformsYou can now pay to have your Steam Deck screen upgraded, but I’m not sold on the ideaWhen 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: Future / Phil Hayton)
The fact there’s a 1200p Steam Deck screen out there isn’t news, but the company behind the upgrade is now offering an installation service. The amenity will naturally save you poking around inside the pricey portable yourself, all while still being able to ramp up visuals beyond full HD. However, testing the latest handhelds has convinced me this isn’t a foolproof idea, and it’s important to consider the caveats before laying down any cash.
Thebest gaming handheldbattlefield is anything but standardized, and the Steam Deck and its competition all boast different specs. There are some similarities to be found between contenders, like the fact they all for the most part feature an array of buttons surrounding some sort of touch screen. Naturally, that’s where the common ground ends, as portable PC guns for a different performance and resolution target, which ultimately affects how your games will look and feel on the go.
(Image credit: DeckHD)
Steam Deck specs are a balancing act
Just so we’re clear, I’m not here to outright tell you not to upgrade your Steam Deck screen. As someone who likes tinkering with hardware old and new, I completely get the appeal. What I do want to avoid is anyone thinking the upgrade will both come with no strings attached and magically giveValve’s handheld the same punch as theAyaneo 2SorAsus ROG Ally.
Ultimately, swapping your Steam Deck screen out for a 1200p panel is no different than pairing a modestgaming PCwith one of thebest 4K gaming monitors. Doing so won’t cause any inherent issues, not least until you try and actually run games at native resolution. Simply put, sticking with a display resolution that suits the rig attached matters, as you’ll otherwise have to deal with less-than-stellar performance and an additional inability to boost fps when required.
This is actually something I experienced recently during myLenovo Legion GO review, as I’d argue the handheld’s 1600p 144Hz display isn’t a great match. Don’t get me wrong, there are a bunch of older games out there that you’ll be able to run at QHD to make sure of the higher resolution, but for the most part, it felt like I had to scale things back to 800p to achieve an enjoyable level of performance.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Rather than trying to get the Steam Deck to perform tricks it wasn’t really designed for, I’d instead suggest picking up a portable that’s already capable. You only need to hook up Valve’s handheld to thebest Steam Deck dockto realize it doesn’t like venturing beyond 1080p in most recent games. Adding a beefier display to the device will also place more strain on its already limited battery life, in turn hampering portability to a hilarious degree.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
If you’re planning on solely playing some PC classics or low-spec indies on your Steam Deck, then opting for a DeckHD upgrade could still be worthwhile. After all, the panel also offers enhanced sRGB coverage and improved touch responsiveness. Otherwise, it’s best not to disrupt Valve’s carefully balanced specs, and there are plenty of alternatives out there for those of you craving to roam with higher resolutions in hand.
It’s worth hammering home that this screen is designed for the original Steam Deck LCD model. Not I can imagine anyone wanting to ditch the new OLED version’s punch panel for something that’s just higher res, but it’s worth touching on just in case.
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$469.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$469.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsLenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$469.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC deals
Lenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all pricesASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$469.99ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go
$549View
$549
$549
See all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS ROG Ally
$550$490View
$550$490
$490
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck 64GB$499$469.99ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 64GB$499$469.99ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 64GB
Valve Steam Deck 64GB
$499$469.99View
$499$469.99
$469.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Looking for something with a portable punch? Check out thebest gaming laptopfor a selection of powerhouse rigs.
See more Platform News
TOPICSValve
TOPICS
CATEGORIESHardware
CATEGORIES
More about platformsThis Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 lessI can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsLatest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
More about platformsThis Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 lessI can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsLatest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
More about platformsThis Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 lessI can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
More about platforms
This Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 lessI can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
This Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 less
This Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 less
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
Latest
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
See more latest►
Most Popular
Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind
Disney Plus' new Spider-Man show is no longer canon in the MCU because it was “not fun” to put limitations on its story
Master Chief’s absence from Halo Wars wasn’t Bungie’s fault, it was a move to make players “care about everybody else” in the RTS
One of Sonic 3’s writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: “We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity”
This nifty gadget turns any M.2 SSD into a portable drive, but it’s great for when you’re upgrading your PC too
League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane”
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming
James Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed”
Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digital
Escape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discount
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”