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Valve’s Steam Deck OLED already stood out as one of the most impressive portable gaming systems out there. And now, it will receive a new variant that might bring up mixed feelings into the heads of gamers: the Limited Edition White.
This new version replaces the old model available in translucent finish; it is a new, a snow-white design that makes it sleeker than ever. On the other hand, since everyone who has had a gadget in pure white knows, it is equal to looming danger of marks, scratches, and stains. Still, in case you are a fan of exclusive, high tech aesthetics, here is what you need.
White Hot Release: What You Need to Know
The Limited Edition Steam Deck OLED begins shipping on November 18th to every country where Valve already ships the Steam Deck, so no more North America-only restrictions. It will retail for £599 / $679 / €719, so it’s a little pricier than the standard 1TB Steam Deck OLED, but not by much. The same powerhouse device but all the features that make the OLED version so special–in other words, the magnificent quality of the screen and improved performance with a new face.
The white-and-grey design isn’t too far behind, presenting you with a rather fresh look compared to the darker tones of the standard model. This is an excellent opportunity if you have always dreamed of your Steam Deck matching your summer clothes or fitting in perfectly to your white desk setup. Included in the bundle is a white carrying case that matches up beautifully to create a uniform and sleek look for the whole package.
Of course, a warning: if you’re one of those humans who is a bit of a slob or somehow obsessed with needing things all neat and tidy, then maybe this white model isn’t for you. A white handheld is like a fingerprinted magnet, an invitation to the dirt and the scratches. Unless you plan on treating your new Steam Deck like the fine china, you can wager your anxiety levels are only going to rival the number of bad zen-master advice jokes: “Don’t touch the mattress, don’t touch the vase. Don’t breathe on the handhold.”.
Limited Edition, Time-Limited
That name tells you straight it is a Limited Edition model, and Valve lets everyone know this batch sells out; that is it, no restocks in the future, and no more white Steam Decks. Well, if you are dead-set on getting one, you will want to act fast. Launch time is 3 pm PST / 11 pm GMT on November 18th. As with previous Steam Deck launches, it is going to be a frenzy, so good luck securing a unit.
If you do miss out don’t worry too much Valve has let a few hints slip that success for this Limited Edition might pave the way for further more vibrant color variants in the future. While the company cannot yet determine how the white version will be received, they are paying close attention to interest and sales of the white Steam Deck. The company intends to make future color options based on that data. So, if you aren’t quite ready to take the leap into the world of the white aesthetic, chances are other exciting hues are on the horizon.
The Future of the Steam Deck: Not the Steam Deck 2, That’s Coming Later
And while those hoping the latest launch hints at a Steam Deck 2 should save their breath, Valve has confirmed that the company is still two to three years away from a major hardware overhaul. Engineers said they would prefer to wait for a significant leap in computing performance before they commit to creating a next-generation handheld. That essentially means that the current version of Steam Deck is not going away anytime soon. The company is perfecting and upgrading the already existing model, developing new characteristics such as color variants, rather than rushing into a completely new generation.
Not one to count out, however, is Valve, which remains actively working on improving both the Steam Deck as well as other hardware projects. Don’t expect generational upgrades anytime soon but incremental year-over-year upgrades. A true successor to the Steam Deck won’t come along till they can justify a generational leap in performance.
