Valve isn’t rushing to launch a brand-new version of its popular Steam Deck just yet, but fans have something exciting to look forward to. The gaming giant is rolling out a special edition version of its handheld device – the Steam Deck OLED – in a sleek white color.
This chic edition, known as the “Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White,” shares the same technical specifications as the current 1TB model. However, it comes with a slightly higher price tag of $679, which is $30 more than its predecessor. The system is set to hit shelves next week, specifically on Monday, November 18.
Accompanying this new release, the Limited Edition White Deck comes packaged with a matching white carrying case and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Valve has clearly been adventurous with colors before. Remember when they released the Steam Deck OLED in a limited edition smoky translucent shell? That version was popular and sold out quickly, although it did have some minor issues with aesthetic cracks. Fortunately, Valve has learned from past experiences and is ensuring the white version of the Deck will be available in all markets where the Steam Deck is sold. This includes regions such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, as well as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea through their partner Komodo, with stock being fairly distributed across these regions.
To thwart scalpers, Valve is being savvy with their sales approach. Purchases are limited to one white Steam Deck per account, and buyers need to have made at least one purchase on Steam before November 2024 to qualify.
In a press release, Valve mentioned that this second limited edition of the Steam Deck OLED is also an experiment. They want to gauge user reactions to inform future color options. “We’re curious to see what the response is,” Valve noted, “and will use what we learn to inform future decisions about any potential new color variants.”
If you’re not sold on waiting for Valve’s limited edition, there are other ways to customize your Steam Deck. Companies like Jsaux and dbrand offer alternative backplates and skins, giving you the option to revamp your Deck without having to wait for the official ones from Valve.
Valve has dropped hints about what’s to come for the Steam Deck. Aside from new colors and steady software updates, the company hinted at “ongoing work toward the future of Steam Deck and other hardware plans.”
From the images shared, the new white look gives off a nostalgic blend of Wii U and iPod aesthetics, which is bound to catch the eye of some existing owners and could be tempting enough to push them to grab the latest model. Let’s see if this new style will win over the hearts of gamers.
