Valve isn’t rushing out a true follow-up to the Steam Deck just yet, but the company has something exciting in store for fans. The widely acclaimed handheld console is about to get a fresh release with a special edition: the Steam Deck OLED, now in white.
This upcoming version, called the “Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White,” mirrors the specs of the current 1TB model. However, it comes with a slightly higher price tag of $679, adding a $30 premium. You’ll be able to snag this sleek, new edition starting next week, on Monday, November 18.
The revamped gadget not only sports a sophisticated white-and-gray look but comes with a bunch of cool extras like a matching white carrying case and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Valve has experimented with console colors before, releasing a limited run of the Steam Deck OLED with a smoky, translucent shell. It sold out fast, though there were reports of small aesthetic cracks. This time, Valve assures fans that the white model will be available wherever the Steam Deck currently sells, including regions like the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, and its newer markets in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, in collaboration with partner Komodo. Stock will be equitably distributed across these areas.
To thwart the efforts of resellers looking to make a quick buck, Valve has put some restrictions in place. Customers are allowed just one white Steam Deck per account, and to qualify, your Steam account needs to have had at least one purchase made before November 2024.
In a statement to the press, Valve mentioned that this second limited edition of the Steam Deck OLED would help gauge public reaction and guide their future decisions on releasing more color variations: “We’re eager to see the public response and plan to use this insight for future potential color variants.”
Although you don’t have to choose the Limited Edition White Steam Deck to enjoy this color scheme, as there are companies like Jsaux and dbrand that offer alternate backplates or skins, getting it directly from Valve ensures authenticity. This variant will be available until Valve exhausts its supply.
Looking ahead, Valve hinted at the continuing evolution of the Deck, not just in terms of color choices and software updates, but also in broader hardware developments.
From the promotional images, the new color scheme reminds me a bit of a fusion between a Wii U and an iPod. It’ll be interesting to see if this new look can tempt current Steam Deck owners into adding another to their collection.
