Steam Deck OLED - Best Handheld PC Gaming
Valve's Steam Deck OLED brings PC gaming on the go with a beautiful display and impressive performance in a handheld form factor.
- +Vibrant OLED display with HDR
- +Access to vast Steam library
- +Customizable controls and settings
- -Battery life limited for AAA games
- -Large and heavy for a handheld
- -Some games require tweaking
The Steam Deck OLED represents a significant upgrade over Valve's original handheld PC, featuring a gorgeous 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with perfect blacks and vibrant colors. This portable powerhouse allows access to thousands of Steam games, from indie darlings to AAA blockbusters, though performance varies by title. The custom AMD APU delivers surprising capability, able to run demanding games like Elden Ring at playable frame rates. Controls are comprehensive with trackpads, gyro aiming, and customizable back buttons. The OLED model improves battery life and reduces weight while adding Wi-Fi 6E support.
SteamOS provides a console-like interface while allowing PC-level customization for those who want it. While not all games are verified for the platform, many unverified titles work well with minor adjustments. The device can also run emulators and other PC software, making it incredibly versatile. However, the Deck remains bulky compared to traditional handhelds, and battery life drains quickly when pushing the hardware. For PC gamers who want to take their library anywhere, the Steam Deck OLED is the best portable solution available.