Speaking of which, the OLED model swaps out the originalsAMDAerith APU for a new 6nm Sephiroth chip.

Using the touchpads now feels pretty tactile, with vibrations helping create rolling and clicking sensations that feel authentic.

Again, hardly surprising since were talking about the same RDNA 2 specs.

Phil Hayton holding Steam Deck

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

That said, we’re technically talking about a machine that’s a generation behind those rivals.

The faster refresh rate makes everything feel that much slicker, even at lower frame rates.

Should you buy the Steam Deck OLED?

Steam Deck OLED next to original LCD launch model on woodgrain table

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

For more information on how we test handhelds and other portable devices, check out ourGamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Looking for something with more oomph?

Check out thebest gaming laptopsandbest gaming PCsfor a selection of powerhouse rigs.

Phil Hayton holding Steam Deck with back of handheld facing forward

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Alternatively, swing by thebest gaming monitorsfor the perfect panel to match your system.

Close up of red Steam Deck OLED power button

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Close up of Steam Deck OLED left thumb stick and trackpad

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Closeup of SteamOS settings sidebar with performance menu in view

Steam Deck OLED with Cyberpunk 2077 on screen with sign saying “real water” in view

Steam Deck OLED vs LCD model graph with average frame rates for Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider

(Image credit: Future)

Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion GO benchmarks in black and orange bargraph

(Image credit: Future)

Steam Deck OLED running Dishonored with sign in view that reads “The boldest measures are the safest”

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Steam Deck OLED running Tomb Raider 2 Remastered with Lara standing in bedroom

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Steam Deck OLED sitting on woodgrain table on top of docking station

ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Gaming…

Lenovo Legion Go Handheld…

VALVE Steam Deck OLED 512GB…

Steam Deck 256gb

VALVE Steam Deck OLED 512GB…

Prime

Lenovo Legion Go S with FlyKnight gameplay on screen featuring player character holding bow and arrow with enemy ant in backdrop.

Steam Deck OLED with a Ayaneo 2S sitting above, Green Game Boy Color sitting to the left, and Super Pocket sitting to the right on dark woodgrain desk

BenQ Steam Deck dock next to handheld on woodgrain desk

Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet on a wooden desk with white controller

Holding the Nintendo Switch 2

Razer Handheld Dock with Steam Deck sitting on cradle, pink and yellow RGB lighting on, and Alienware monitor in background with Tomb Raider Trilogy gameplay on screen.

A sprite sheet for Hollow Knight Silksong

Borderlands 4 vault hunter characters standing

Oblivion Remastered at night

Oblivion Remastered

a halo screenshot put on a nintendo switch 2 screen

Hollow Knight: Silksong

A T-Force A440 Lite being held by a reviewer

Articulate! box, board, tokens, and timer on a wooden table, against a black background

The Logitech Z407 speaker and control puck

2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop on a wooden desk

Logan Kim as Hershel and Lauren Cohan as Maggie in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2

King of Tokyo components, box, and cards on a wooden table against a black background

Articulate box, cards, board, and tokens on a wooden table

The cast of Thunderbolts standing in an elevator during the trailer for the upcoming Marvel Phase 5 movie.