I’ve been selling some stuff in order to break-even when buying a SD, and that same week they announce the OLED. It’s unfortunate that the base model for the OLED is €569,-. I would have loved it if there was a 256GB, for maybe a €100,- cheaper so I can afford it better and also later upgrade if I would want to.
This is the only reason why I’m still debating whether or not to buy a cheap LCD model, I mean it’s still the steam deck, just not OLED.
Do you guys think they should’ve gone with a cheaper base model?
There should never be a SKU with lower than 256GB of storage. Ever.
The original lineup was kind of strange. The top model was $320 CAD more than the entry Deck and the difference is a $50 drive you can replace yourself.
That’s where they were eating costs. On the low end. Now the premium models add a lot for that higher price. It was pretty awesome to save so much on the 64gb model and it would be cool to have that option for the oled, but I think this way makes a lot more sense.
I guess that the increased cost was not directly due to the storage, but also changes in production lines which add a fair amount of cost when you are setting up production for something for the first time.
That said I wish I went with the 64gb one at first since I ended up going for the sd card storage solution :/
Yeah I do too. I already have a 512GB drive from my original SD so that goes into the closet. I could use it for my rig I guess, there’s no such thing as too much SSD storage.
If you are going to use it as a desktop, as I am, the upgrades are very meh. Then you are already using an external screen which makes the OLED meaningless. Add to that that you are plugged in to a power outlet, which makes a bigger battery a moot point.
But if you intend to play hanheld, OLED all the way.
agree, OG LCD is great for anyone wanting to pick up a cheap ‘docked’ mini-pc, just pair with your fav display tech. while still being able to be super portable.
I never bought my steam deck with playing handheld as a priority, I just wanted a computer I could pack in a backpack and take some where else to plug into. being able to play around with a game handheld in a few specific scenarios is just a bonus
As much as it would be nice for a cheaper model, it’s ridiculously expensive to redesign a product and retool a factory. I’m not going to fault valve on that. I think the new 256 LCD base model comes from leftover parts on the last production run.
Valve already pretty much stated that the base model pricing was “painful” to get to US $399 when it launched but they had to do it to compete for the masses especially those comparing it to the Switch pricing. Considering the massive redesign for the SD OLED, I’m not surprised that they only relegated it to the midtier & up for the OLED upgrades. OLED panels also cost more to produce as well.
If you can barely afford the OLED but already have a steam deck, it’s honestly stupid to sacrifice storage in the name of an OLED screen, especially if you can barely afford it.
The oled screen doesn’t make that big of a difference. This is goofy.