Valve isn’t quite ready to unveil a full-fledged successor to the Steam Deck just yet. However, fans of the popular gaming handheld have something to look forward to. Valve is rolling out a new special release: the Steam Deck OLED in a sleek, limited edition white variant.
Known as the “Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White,” this version maintains the specifications of the current 1TB model but comes with a $30 increase in price, bringing it to $679. Gamers eager to get their hands on this version should mark their calendars for Monday, November 18, when it officially becomes available.
In addition to sporting a fresh white and gray design, this Limited Edition package includes a matching white carrying case and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Valve has experimented with colors in the past, having previously launched a limited edition OLED model with a translucent smokey shell. Despite its appeal, this older version quickly sold out and suffered from minor aesthetic cracks. This time, Valve is taking a widespread approach. The white Steam Deck will be available wherever Steam Deck is sold, including in the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, and recently in Australia, as well as markets like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea through partnership with Komodo. The plan is to distribute the available stock “proportionally” across these regions.
To curb scalpers, Valve has implemented a restriction that limits orders to one per account. Moreover, each account must have made at least one purchase before November 2024 to qualify.
Valve shared in a press release that this second limited edition Steam Deck OLED is key to measuring consumer interest in different colors. The feedback will guide potential future releases: “We’re curious to see what the response is and will use what we learn to inform future decisions about any potential new color variants down the line,” they stated.
Although third-party companies like Jsaux and dbrand offer alternative backplates or skins for those interested in a different aesthetic, this is a chance to snag the official model in its limited run.
Additionally, Valve hinted at exciting prospects regarding the Steam Deck’s future, alluding to both hardware innovations and ongoing software updates: “Ongoing work towards the future of Steam Deck and other hardware plans” is in the pipeline.
From the glimpses we’ve seen, there’s a strong resemblance to the Wii U with a touch of iPod nostalgia. It’ll be fascinating to see if this enticing new look will compel current owners to upgrade their setups.
