Valve has rolled out the Steam Deck OLED as part of its certified refurbished program, giving gamers a chance to snag this impressive device at a significantly reduced price. With these refurbished OLED models going for 20% less than their brand-new versions, it’s an enticing offer for those looking to enhance their gaming experience without breaking the bank.
In this program, you can choose between the 1TB and 512GB Steam Deck OLED models. The 1TB version is tagged at $519, while the 512GB comes in at $439. To give you a bit of perspective, a new 1TB model usually costs $649, and a new 512GB runs you about $549. That’s a neat discount of $120 for the 1TB and $110 off for the 512GB model. Interestingly, you can get the 1TB OLED refurbished for $30 less than a new 512GB OLED, making it a smart buy if you’re comparing costs closely.
At the moment, the only new Steam Deck model that’s cheaper than these refurbished OLED options is the 256GB LCD version, priced at $399. While Valve does offer certified refurbished versions of the LCD model in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, they’re currently all sold out. Plus, it’s worth noting that the 512GB and 64GB LCD models are no longer available as new purchases.
It’s easy to overlook just how significant the jump is from the LCD to the OLED version of the Steam Deck, especially since there’s more to it than just a screen upgrade. The OLED model boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, a slightly larger 7.4-inch screen offering HDR support, and peaks at an impressive 1000 nits in HDR mode, compared to the LCD’s 60Hz and 400 nits non-HDR display.
Underneath the sleek surface, the OLED version comes packed with a few more upgrades. The battery sees a bump from 40Whr to 50Whr, granting gamers between 3 to 12 hours of playtime based on the game, compared to the 2-8 hours on the regular LCD model. Additionally, the RAM has been enhanced from 5500MT/s LPDDR5 to a speedy 6400 MT/s LPDDR5, and the AMD APU benefits from an upgraded manufacturing process, moving from 7nm to 6nm.
Refurbished Steam Deck OLEDs are accessible in select regions, namely Canada, the EU, the UK, and the US. They come with a one-year warranty, similar to the brand-new units, and depending on your location, you might enjoy an even longer warranty period, making it a solid deal for potential buyers.
