Quick summary of the article
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New fan, it’s quieter than both of the previous fans. Will be a huge upgrade for Delta fan users.
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Old SSD will work, so anyone with a larger SSD from their previous deck should be able to move the SSD with all their games over to the new deck.
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While the deck is easier to open with the new screws, there is now a ribbon cable run on the outside of the heat shield over the SSD. This cable is glued in place, meaning it’s required to disconnect the cable and carefully separate it from the adhesive. An unfortunate decrease in repairability for the device.
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Most old accessories will work fine, with the exception of replaceable back plates. Even screen protectors should work, since most covered the bezel before.
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Carrying case has several improvements on the larger model, including Velcro to hold it closed with the zipper closed, and a removable insert case that offers a slimmer, lower protection option.
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The charging light on the deck is now multi-colored and can change color to let you know when the deck is fully charged.
Gamers Nexus They Changed Everything: Valve Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD Tear-Down points out WAY more changes, they refreshed A LOT of the components. Completely new main board etc.
Yeah, that video is really good and very indepth.
Same for the digital foundry video, it has a long list of changes.
This is the first time I’ve heard about gluing a cable to the heat shield cover. Oof.
Yeah, that’s kind of a major detail for anyone worried about reparability. Surprising choice. Not a deal breaker, but definitely a step in the wrong direction in terms of design (overshadowed by other good choices).
I have to wonder if it’s possible to keep the ribbon cable glued to the heat shield cover, and just remove the heat shield cover to open up access to the SSD.
It’s not worth risking tearing the cable, it’ll take you forever to order a replacement. Pick up a bottle of 99% iso alcohol at the pharmacy.
That’s pretty sad that Valve made a repairability downgrade like that. They had to have done that intentionally, right? Is there even any reason to glue down the cable?
Amazing device–but only if you don’t already have a Steam Deck. I still use my original Vita all of the time because the OLED screen looks amazing.
I have a vita, too! If you own the Deck as well, which one is better? What kind of games do you play? I’m thinking of getting the OLED Deck for my Steam Indie library, but I still have a bunch of vita games to finish, so not sure if it’s worth it.
I’m really amazed in what valve did with the new steam deck. They really did a good job addressing many of the little pain points, while keeping most of the equipment compatible.
However, I am very happy with the current steam deck and will only replace it if a true next-gen deck arrives.
I have one currently but am absolutely getting another! The kids or wife can use the old one which still works perfectly fine!
Yeah, I’m really tempted to gift my LCD one to one of my kids for Christmas.
