Steam Deck OLED: Unmissable Discount Opportunity for Gamers
Valve is reportedly preparing to launch refurbished Steam Deck OLED models, a move that could excite PC gaming enthusiasts. This marks the first time the company integrates an OLED version into its refurbishment program, offering gamers the chance to snag used Steam Decks at a more affordable price.
The Steam Deck OLED has rapidly earned its spot as one of the top handheld gaming devices on the market. Although competitors may outshine it in raw performance, the Steam Deck stands out for its exceptional user experience, thanks to its exclusive SteamOS platform.
A Refurbished Steam Deck OLED on the Horizon?
The first hint of a refurbished Steam Deck OLED was uncovered by Brad Lynch, a keen observer of Valve’s activities. He shared a screenshot showing updates to the refurbished Steam Deck listing on Steam, with the addition of two mysterious “packs” linked to the listing.
Industry watchers speculate that Valve might officially announce the refurbished OLED program during the upcoming Steam Winter Sale on December 19. The company introduced refurbished LCD versions back in August 2023, which quickly became a hit with gamers due to their significant price cuts. For instance, the 512GB LCD model dropped from $649 to $519, and even further reductions followed. If this trend continues, the 512GB OLED model, priced at $549, could see similarly impressive discounts.
Rising Competition in the Handheld Gaming Market
As the handheld gaming market becomes increasingly competitive, Valve appears to be solidifying its leadership. Recent leaks suggest the company is not only working on expanding SteamOS to other handhelds and mini PCs but also planning for more powerful hardware featuring the “Powered by SteamOS” badge.
However, Valve is committed to ensuring the next Steam Deck iteration launches only after a substantial performance boost. Meanwhile, if you’re curious about the future of portable gaming, check out our guide to the best mini gaming PCs, where you’ll find compact devices equipped with AMD CPUs and integrated GPUs—similar to the technology powering today’s handheld gaming systems.
This new era of handheld gaming offers gamers an exciting blend of performance, innovation, and affordability. Could this be the perfect time to jump aboard the Steam Deck OLED bandwagon? Stay tuned!