Valve is offering big discounts on the entry-level (LCD) Steam Deck, with 25% off the 512GB model and 15% off the 64GB model, bringing them down to $336.75 and $296.65, respectively. The sale will run through September 26th while supplies last on the two models that are being phased out.
The 512GB (NVMe SSD) LCD Steam Deck was originally priced at $449, so this sale shaves over $112 off the MSRP. For reference, the OLED version with the same storage costs $549. The sale on this LCD version (which is a lower grade, but still high quality) makes it a great opportunity to get into handheld PC gaming on the cheap.
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The LCD Steam Deck has a 7-inch display (1200 x 800) with a 60Hz refresh rate and 400 nits of brightness. The 512GB model adds anti-reflective etched glass that the 64GB lacks, so if your budget allows for both, it’s easy to upgrade to the 512GB for just an extra $40.
Both models are equipped with a 40Wh battery, giving a theoretical runtime of eight hours, but in our testing we found that we averaged around 4.5 hours with normal use. (You can get longer by lowering the brightness and refresh rate if you like.) Each model comes with a standard carrying case.
In Engadget’s 2023 LCD Steam Deck re-review, Jessica Conditt concluded that the entry-level model offers a “great return on investment,” even when compared to its premium OLED sibling. Most mainstream games released today are classified as verified or playable on Steam Deck, and most gamepad-enabled games will work flawlessly on the handheld.
Bottom line: While it’s worth upgrading to an OLED model if it fits your budget, this LCD model is a great entry-level portable gaming device that offers a slightly inferior experience compared to (much more expensive) higher-end models, especially when you cut down by up to 25%.
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