Steam Deck OLED" Review, the hottest portable gaming PC! The world's most popular FPS movement is also depicted well!

Slightly larger display and easy to hold without feeling heavy

The Steam Deck OLED is an upgraded version of the original Steam Deck LCD model, which began shipping in Japan in December 2022. As the name suggests, it features a 7.4-inch (1280 x 800) OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display. Since the "Steam Deck" had a 7-inch (1280 x 800) LCD display, the screen is slightly larger. Two storage capacities are available, 512GB and 1TB, with the 512GB model priced at 84,800 yen and the 1TB model at 99,800 yen (both including tax) on the official website. Both models are priced at 84,800 yen for the 512GB model and 99,800 yen for the 1TB model (both tax included).

The 7.4-inch screen size is quite imposing when you see it. As the name suggests, the display uses OLED (organic light-emitting diode).

The device measures 298 (W) x 117 (H) x 49 (D) mm and weighs approximately 640 g, about 30 grams lighter than the Steam Deck LCD model. The volume is there when viewed as a portable gaming device, but when you actually hold it and play games with it, it does not feel that heavy. It also feels very easy to hold, thanks in part to the grips placed on the left and right backs.

The top of the device is equipped with a power button, volume control button, and USB-C port for charging. In addition to the left and right sticks, cross keys, four buttons, and one touch pad on each side, the front of the device can be used to control various types of games.

Streamlined controls and improved specifications

The Steam Deck OLED is easy to hold, thanks in part to its appropriately positioned controls. The controls include a cross key on the left side, four buttons on the right side, one stick on each side (for L3 and R3 buttons), and a trackpad.

The controls are appropriately placed in a compact space. There is absolutely no waste, yet it does not feel cramped at all.

The L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons are located on the top edge. In addition, there are L4, L5, R4, and R5 buttons on the back. As a portable gaming PC, there is not a lot of space to spare, but the abundant input systems are arranged without waste, allowing for comfortable game play.

On the top surface, L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons are located on the left and right sides. They are shaped and sized for easy immediate touch with the index finger.

In addition, the left and right L4/L5 and R4/R5 buttons are located on the back. These buttons can be used to register frequently used game commands.

One of the features of the Steam Deck OLED is its high refresh rate. The original Steam Deck LCD model had a maximum refresh rate of only 60Hz, but the latest Steam Deck OLED model has been improved to a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz.

The higher refresh rate has a positive impact on the smoothness and visibility of images, and is expected to improve performance, especially in competitive action games. Compared to the previous model, the "Steam Deck OLED" is now even more suitable for playing fighting games and FPS.

The processor used in the Steam Deck OLED is AMD's 6nm APU. The process rule has been fine-tuned from the 7nm APU used in the Steam Deck OLED, which is thought to have improved power efficiency.

To measure the actual processing power, we actually played a Steam game below.

Playing the Western sword fighting game "Hellish Quart

First, let's try the Western sword fighting game "Hellish Quart. This fighting action game features a world champion of ancient fencing as a motion actor and realistic character behavior.
The recommended specifications listed on the Steam store page are as follows

The game is characterized by a clear difference in how heavy or light the game is depending on the stage selected.

For example, stages such as gymnasiums and fitness clubs are very light, probably due to the lack of background objects, and can be enjoyed even on an entry-level gaming notebook PC. However, stages with many background objects, such as snowfields and grasslands, become heavy as if you were playing a different game.

So what about the "Steam Deck OLED"?

On the gymnasium and fitness club stages, the game performed almost as well as it does on a gaming PC, and the advanced slashing combat unique to "Hellish Quart" was fully realized on the 7.4-inch display, beyond the ability of the naked eye to keep up. I would rate this as an unquestionable performance. However, on stages with many objects (such as the snowfield and grassland mentioned above), movement inevitably slows down. In this area, the performance is on par with that of an entry-level gaming PC.

The input commands for this game are quite complex and varied compared to other gaming titles. However, the Steam Deck OLED is equipped with a large number of buttons, making it possible to perform all actions with relative ease, which is another high point.

Playing the popular FPS "Apex Legends

The next game we played was "Apex Legends. This title is now a staple of e-sports. Recommended specifications are as follows

Apex Legends is an FPS that can be played with a mouse and keyboard or with a controller. Some people are particular about whether they prefer to play with a keyboard or a controller, and there is a kind of faction as to which way they prefer to play.
In this respect, the Steam Deck OLED is sure to be a great product for controller-oriented "Apex Legends" players.

As far as the internet connection is concerned, I had no problems playing the game. However, the button layout requires some getting used to, and depending on your dominant hand and finger length, you may want to customize the buttons for reloading and opening doors and supply boxes to make it easier for you to play. Nevertheless, it is nice to know that the buttons on the "Steam Deck OLED" are enough to cover the action.
The four buttons located on the back of the "Steam Deck OLED" are especially beneficial. By assigning each character's abilities to the buttons on the back, beginners in particular will be able to avoid "pressing the wrong button" as much as possible. By customizing the game in this way, players may be able to go one step beyond casual play.

Ease of access to the Steam library

Another point we would like to emphasize is the "ease of use of SteamOS.
The process of booting up the Steam Deck OLED right out of the box, logging into your Steam account, and installing games is extremely smooth. This would not be the case if this were a standard gaming PC. First you have to enter your Microsoft account, install the Steam app, and then go to ......, which is a long and tedious process. The ability to shortcut such a hassle is another point that we recommend this machine.

In this way, the "Steam Deck OLED" is a device that allows users to enjoy Steam games comfortably and in earnest.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Steam Deck OLED will be restocked on March 8, and is currently the best device for easily playing various games distributed by Steam, regardless of location.

Specifications

Product Information

• 512GB Steam Deck OLED
• Price: 84,800 yen
• Estimated arrival date: March 8
• Official website: ##