Why I Choosed Steam Deck OLED and Never Looked Back

A Personal Story of Gaming Bliss.

I choose Steamdeck OLED, AI generated by Author

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming hardware, finding the perfect fit can feel like embarking on an odyssey. For me, the journey began with a quest for the ultimate PC gaming handheld (in Feb 2024). From the allure of the Streamdeck to the promises of the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, ONExPlayer 2 Pro, and ONExPlayer X1, each device offered tantalizing features. However, it was the Steam Deck OLED that captured my heart and transformed my gaming experience. Join me as I recount my personal story of gaming bliss and why the Steam Deck OLED reigns supreme.

Exploring the Options:

My quest began with high hopes and a thirst for the latest in gaming technology. Facing performance issues while attempting to play Granblue Fantasy: Relink on my ASUS Zenbook Duo, equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card, is ,indeed, be frustrating. Despite adjusting settings to their lowest configurations, the game fails to run smoothly, disrupting gaming experience. This dilemma prompts me to seek an alternative solution rather than investing in a new laptop, despite also owning a Macbook Air M1.

In contrast, the allure of a Gaming PC Handheld device, such as the Steamdeck, lies in its dedicated gaming-centric design and powerful hardware tailored to deliver smooth and immersive gaming experiences. By opting for a handheld gaming device, I can enjoy the convenience of gaming from the comfort on my own bed without compromising on performance.

Original Steamdeck

The Streamdeck caught my eye with its sleek design and promises of seamless PC gaming on the go. However, as I delved deeper into the realm of handheld gaming devices, other contenders emerged.

ASUS ROG Ally

The ASUS ROG Ally boasted impressive specifications and a loyal following, while the Lenovo Legion Go offered portability without compromise. The ONExPlayer 2 Pro and X1 dazzled with their innovative features, but none could quench my thirst for the perfect gaming companion.

1. Original Steamdeck: As the predecessor to the Steamdeck OLED, the Original Steamdeck laid the groundwork for portable PC gaming. It featured a compact design, a built-in controller, and customizable hardware options. However, its LCD display lacked the vibrancy and contrast of OLED technology, and some users reported issues with performance and compatibility.
2. ASUS ROG Ally: The ASUS ROG Ally aimed to cater to gamers with its premium design, high-resolution display, and powerful hardware. It boasted features like RGB lighting, customizable controls, and advanced cooling systems. However, its bulkier form factor and higher price point made it less appealing to users seeking a more portable and affordable option.
3. Lenovo Legion Go: Lenovo’s entry into the handheld gaming market, the Legion Go, offered a sleek design, decent performance, and a competitive price point. It aimed to strike a balance between portability and performance, featuring a compact form factor and a decent selection of ports. However, its display quality and gaming experience fell short compared to more premium offerings.
4. ONExPlayer 2 Pro: The ONExPlayer 2 Pro targeted gamers looking for a high-performance handheld gaming device. It boasted impressive specs, including a high-refresh-rate display, a powerful processor, and ample storage options. However, its bulkier design and limited availability outside of certain regions hindered its widespread adoption.
5. ONExPlayer X1: Similar to its Pro counterpart, the ONExPlayer X1 aimed to deliver a premium gaming experience on the go. It featured a sleek design, a high-resolution display, and support for a wide range of games. However, issues with build quality, software optimization, and compatibility plagued some users’ experiences.
6. Steamdeck OLED: With the introduction of OLED technology, the Steamdeck OLED elevated the handheld gaming experience to new heights. Its vibrant and immersive display offered deeper blacks, richer colors, and higher contrast ratios than traditional LCD displays. Combined with its powerful hardware, ergonomic design, and extensive library of games on Steam, the Steamdeck OLED emerged as a top contender in the handheld gaming market.

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Choosing Steam Deck OLED:

After much deliberation and hands-on testing, the Steam Deck OLED emerged as the clear winner. Its vibrant display, ergonomic design, and robust performance set it apart from the competition. With the power of SteamOS and access to my extensive gaming library, the Steam Deck OLED offered an unparalleled gaming experience.

The Steamdeck OLED boasts several notable advantages that set it apart as a premier handheld gaming device:

1. Vibrant OLED Display: The inclusion of an OLED display is a standout feature of the Steamdeck OLED. OLED technology offers superior contrast ratios, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to traditional LCD displays. This results in a visually stunning gaming experience with rich, lifelike imagery that enhances immersion and enjoyment.
2. High Fidelity Audio: In addition to its impressive visual capabilities, the Steamdeck OLED also delivers exceptional audio quality. With high-fidelity speakers and support for immersive audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, users can enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience with crisp, clear sound and spatial audio cues that enhance gameplay immersion.
3. Powerful Hardware: Under the hood, the Steamdeck OLED packs powerful hardware that rivals many gaming PCs. Equipped with a custom AMD APU featuring Zen 2 architecture and RDNA 2 graphics, the Steamdeck OLED delivers smooth performance and impressive graphical fidelity for a wide range of games. This ensures that even demanding titles can be enjoyed at high frame rates and resolutions.
4. Seamless Integration with Steam: As a device designed by Valve, the Steamdeck OLED offers seamless integration with the Steam platform. Users have access to their entire Steam library, including both native Linux titles and Windows games through the Proton compatibility layer. This vast library of games, coupled with features like cloud saves and automatic game updates, ensures that users can easily access and enjoy their favorite titles on the go.
5. Versatile Control Options: The Steamdeck OLED offers versatile control options to accommodate different gaming preferences. In addition to its built-in controls, which include thumbsticks, buttons, and triggers, the Steamdeck OLED also supports external controllers and peripherals via Bluetooth or USB connections. This flexibility allows users to customize their gaming setup to suit their preferences, whether they prefer traditional controller input or mouse and keyboard.
6. Portability and Battery Life: Despite its powerful hardware and feature-rich capabilities, the Steamdeck OLED remains highly portable, making it ideal for gaming on the go. Its compact form factor and built-in battery provide hours of uninterrupted gaming enjoyment, allowing users to take their favorite games with them wherever they go without being tethered to a power outlet.

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Steamdeck is running on Linux, SteamOS

Operating under the Linux-based SteamOS, the Steamdeck stands apart from its competitors, which often rely on more mainstream operating systems like Windows or proprietary software. Linux, a Unix-like operating system, offers users a robust and open-source platform renowned for its stability, security, and flexibility. SteamOS, a Linux distribution tailored specifically for gaming, optimizes performance and provides seamless integration with the Steam gaming platform.

Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux fosters a community-driven ecosystem where users have extensive control over their systems. This freedom extends to customization, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences. Moreover, Linux’s lightweight nature contributes to enhanced performance, making it an ideal choice for resource-intensive tasks such as gaming.

However, the adoption of Linux comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is compatibility, as not all games and software are natively supported on Linux. While tools like Proton aim to bridge this gap by enabling compatibility with Windows games, some titles may still encounter issues. Additionally, the relative scarcity of drivers and firmware updates compared to mainstream operating systems can occasionally pose compatibility challenges with certain hardware configurations.

Security is another area where Linux shines, with its stringent user permissions and centralized package management system reducing the risk of malware and unauthorized access. However, the smaller user base of Linux can sometimes result in delayed security updates or fewer resources dedicated to security research and development compared to more widely used operating systems.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of utilizing Linux and SteamOS on the Steamdeck are compelling. The streamlined integration with the Steam platform ensures a seamless gaming experience, while the customizable nature of Linux empowers users to tailor their devices to their unique preferences. As the Linux gaming ecosystem continues to evolve and gain traction, the Steamdeck’s choice of operating system positions it as a versatile and future-proof gaming handheld.

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Steamdeck is not that smooth but it 30 frame per second is enough compare to the Nintendo “Potato” Switch that I also have

Frame rate, measured in frames per second (fps), refers to the frequency at which consecutive images are displayed on a screen. In gaming, a higher frame rate typically results in smoother and more fluid motion, enhancing the overall visual experience and responsiveness of gameplay. Conversely, lower frame rates can lead to choppy motion and reduced responsiveness, detracting from immersion and gameplay enjoyment.

When comparing the frame rates of games on the Steamdeck and Nintendo Switch, it’s essential to consider the hardware capabilities of each device. While both platforms offer portable gaming experiences, they differ significantly in terms of processing power and graphical fidelity.

The Steamdeck, powered by a custom AMD APU, is capable of delivering performance comparable to entry-level gaming PCs. While it may not achieve the same frame rates as high-end gaming rigs, it still offers a respectable gaming experience with frame rates typically ranging from 30 to 60 fps. This level of performance is often sufficient for many games, providing smooth gameplay without sacrificing visual quality.

In contrast, the Nintendo Switch, affectionately dubbed the “Potato” Switch by some enthusiasts due to its relatively modest hardware specifications, typically targets a lower frame rate range. Many games on the Switch run at 30 fps or lower, with some titles struggling to maintain consistent frame rates, particularly in graphically demanding scenes or when played in handheld mode.

For example, a game like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” on the Nintendo Switch may run at around 30 fps, occasionally dipping below that threshold during intense moments or in densely populated areas. On the Steamdeck, a game like “Portal 2” can achieve a steady 60 fps, providing a smoother and more responsive experience.

While the Steamdeck may not always achieve the highest frame rates possible, its performance still surpasses that of the Nintendo Switch in many cases. Additionally, the Steamdeck’s hardware capabilities allow for more advanced graphical effects and higher resolutions, further enhancing the visual fidelity of games compared to the Switch.

Ultimately, while frame rate is an important factor in assessing gaming performance, it’s just one aspect of the overall gaming experience. Factors such as graphical fidelity, gameplay mechanics, and the quality of game optimization also play significant roles in determining the enjoyment and immersion of gaming on both the Steamdeck and Nintendo Switch.

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Embracing Gaming Bliss:

Since making the switch to the Steam Deck OLED, I’ve never looked back. Whether I’m immersing myself in AAA titles or enjoying indie gems, the Steam Deck OLED delivers on every front. Its versatility as a handheld device and compatibility with my existing Steam ecosystem make it a true game-changer.

The games that I target to play are: Granblue Fantasy: Relink, DJMAX RESPECT V, Horizon Zero Dawn, Monster Hunter: World, SCARLET NEXUS, Nier: Automata

1. Granblue Fantasy: Relink: This action role-playing game (ARPG) transports players to the fantastical world of Granblue Fantasy, known for its rich lore, engaging storytelling, and stunning visuals. As an ARPG, Relink offers fast-paced combat, immersive exploration, and a deep progression system. The Steamdeck OLED’s vibrant display brings the game’s vibrant environments and detailed character designs to life, enhancing the immersion of players as they embark on their epic adventures.
2. DJMAX RESPECT V: A rhythm game beloved by music enthusiasts, DJMAX RESPECT V features a vast library of songs spanning various genres and difficulty levels. Players tap, slide, and hold notes in time with the music, showcasing their reflexes and rhythm skills. The Steamdeck OLED’s responsive touchscreen and crisp audio output make it an ideal platform for enjoying the rhythm-based gameplay and pulsating beats of DJMAX RESPECT V on the go.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn: Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures, Horizon Zero Dawn combines open-world exploration with exhilarating combat and a captivating story. Players assume the role of Aloy, a skilled hunter seeking answers to the mysteries of her world. The Steamdeck OLED’s high-resolution display and powerful hardware ensure that players can experience the game’s breathtaking vistas, dynamic weather effects, and intense battles with stunning visual fidelity.
4. Monster Hunter: World: Renowned for its exhilarating monster-slaying action and cooperative multiplayer gameplay, Monster Hunter: World immerses players in a vast ecosystem teeming with formidable creatures to hunt and conquer. The Steamdeck OLED’s portability and robust performance make it an excellent platform for enjoying Monster Hunter: World’s seamless online multiplayer, deep crafting system, and thrilling encounters with towering monsters.
5. SCARLET NEXUS: Set in a futuristic world where humanity is threatened by mysterious creatures known as Others, SCARLET NEXUS combines fast-paced combat with a compelling story and memorable characters. Players control members of the OSF, an elite task force with psionic abilities, as they battle against the Other and uncover the secrets of their world. The Steamdeck OLED’s responsive controls and immersive display allow players to dive into the action-packed battles and unravel the mysteries of SCARLET NEXUS wherever they go.
6. Nier: Automata: A masterful blend of action, RPG, and existential storytelling, Nier: Automata takes players on a thought-provoking journey through a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by androids and machines. With its branching narrative, evocative soundtrack, and philosophical themes, Nier: Automata offers a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience. The Steamdeck OLED’s high-fidelity display and precise controls ensure that players can fully appreciate the game’s breathtaking visuals, haunting music, and thought-provoking storytelling on the go.

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Conclusion:

My journey through the world of PC gaming handhelds led me to discover the undeniable allure of the Steam Deck OLED. Its superior performance, ergonomic design, and seamless integration with the Steam platform make it the ultimate gaming companion. For anyone seeking gaming bliss on the go, look no further than the Steam Deck OLED — it’s a decision you won’t regret.