What is the Difference Between Steam Deck Models?
The core difference between Steam Deck models primarily lies in their storage capacity and display technology. Initially, Valve offered three LCD models differentiated by storage: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The primary distinction here was not just the quantity of storage, but also the type of storage: the 64GB model used slower eMMC storage, while the 256GB and 512GB models used faster NVMe SSDs. More recently, Valve introduced the Steam Deck OLED, which features an OLED screen, and is offered in a 512GB model and a limited 1TB model. This addition marks a significant upgrade to the display, adding improved visuals, larger screen size, and HDR support. This is the crux of the comparison—storage type, storage size and display tech—and we will delve into each below.
Storage Differences: eMMC vs. NVMe SSD
eMMC Storage: The Budget Option
The original 64GB Steam Deck utilizes eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) storage. Think of eMMC as a soldered-in microSD card. It’s a compact, cost-effective storage solution, common in smartphones and budget devices. However, eMMC is significantly slower than NVMe SSDs, which impacts loading times, asset rendering, and general system responsiveness. If you opt for a Steam Deck with eMMC storage, you’ll likely notice longer load times in games and applications compared to NVMe models.
NVMe SSD: The Performance Boost
The original 256GB and 512GB Steam Decks come equipped with NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs. NVMe utilizes the PCIe interface, allowing for much faster data transfer rates compared to the slower eMMC storage. The difference is substantial. Games load quicker, in-game assets render more rapidly, and the overall user experience feels much smoother. This is a significant advantage if you play a lot of larger, demanding titles.
Why NVMe is Superior
NVMe SSDs connect directly to the motherboard via PCIe, resulting in reduced latency and increased bandwidth. This allows the CPU to access data much faster. eMMC, on the other hand, is inherently slower due to its architecture. Essentially, NVMe drives are up to 7 times faster than older SSD tech or eMMC. While you might not always perceive this speed difference in everyday use, you’ll certainly notice it when dealing with large game installations, loads, or in other intensive tasks.
Display Differences: LCD vs OLED
The Original LCD Display
The original Steam Decks featured an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen. While this was a decent display, the technology is inherently limited in contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles. This screen is a 7-inch display.
The New OLED Display
The Steam Deck OLED boasts a major improvement: an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen. OLED technology offers several benefits over LCD, including:
- Superior Black Levels: OLEDs can produce true blacks by turning off individual pixels, resulting in much higher contrast ratios and richer, more vibrant colors.
- Larger Screen: The OLED screen is 7.4 inches, making it 0.4 inches larger than the original Steam Deck display.
- HDR Support: The OLED screen supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which provides a broader color range and increased brightness, leading to a more dynamic and immersive visual experience.
- Improved Refresh Rate: The OLED screen has a smoother 90Hz refresh rate.
- Better Color: An OLED display provides richer color and wider color gamut than the original LCD Steam Deck.
- Improved Responsiveness: Faster pixel response on an OLED is better for fast motion gaming.
If you primarily play indoors, you might not notice the difference as much but if you are often in bright conditions the OLED is noticeably better. If you are an avid gamer, the OLED offers a significantly enhanced visual experience that most users will appreciate.
Steam Deck Model Overview
To recap:
- Original 64GB Steam Deck: Features a standard LCD display and slower eMMC storage.
- Original 256GB Steam Deck: Features a standard LCD display and faster NVMe SSD storage.
- Original 512GB Steam Deck: Features a standard LCD display, faster NVMe SSD storage, a premium anti-glare etched glass screen, and a premium carrying case.
- New 512GB Steam Deck OLED: Features a superior OLED display and faster NVMe SSD storage.
- Limited Edition 1TB Steam Deck OLED: Features a superior OLED display, faster NVMe SSD storage and a unique color.
The 64GB and 512GB Steam Deck LCD models are being phased out, so they will become increasingly difficult to purchase new from official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a performance difference between the Steam Decks besides storage speed?
Yes, but it’s relatively minor. The main performance difference stems from the NVMe SSD found in the 256GB, 512GB and both OLED models. The eMMC in the original 64GB model is noticeably slower. While they all share a custom AMD APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), the NVMe models offer quicker loading times and general responsiveness. The OLED versions include an improved, more efficient cooling solution which can affect sustained performance.
2. Is the 64GB Steam Deck worth it?
The original 64GB Steam Deck is the most affordable option. While it’s functional, its limited storage with the slower eMMC is its primary disadvantage. You will likely need to expand storage using a microSD card, which will be somewhat slower than NVMe. However, if budget is your primary concern and you are comfortable with a lower base storage, it is a very good starting point.
3. Can I upgrade the storage on my Steam Deck?
Yes, you can. Replacing the SSD in a Steam Deck is not for everyone, as it does involve opening the device. However, it is a fairly straightforward process with available guides online and is a popular mod for those looking to increase their storage.
4. Which is better: NVMe or eMMC?
NVMe is superior to eMMC in terms of speed and performance. NVMe offers much faster data transfer rates, quicker load times, and improved overall system responsiveness. eMMC is slower, more affordable, and suitable for budget devices where speed is not the top priority.
5. Is the OLED screen worth the upgrade?
Absolutely, if you value visual quality. The OLED display offers superior blacks, vibrant colors, increased brightness, HDR support, and a larger screen. If you primarily game indoors, you may not find it as revolutionary, but it is a very noticeable improvement when gaming in bright light.
6. What are the downsides of the Steam Deck?
Primary downsides include short battery life (2-8 hours depending on the game), the need to learn the OS, some game incompatibility, and the lack of an official 1TB model in the LCD variant. A common complaint is the relatively modest battery life.
7. Can I connect the Steam Deck to a TV?
Yes, you can connect the Steam Deck to a TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. This allows you to play games on a larger screen with ease.
8. How long does a Steam Deck battery last?
Battery life varies from 2 to 8 hours depending on the game and your settings. More graphically demanding games will deplete the battery faster.
9. Is a 1TB Steam Deck available?
Yes, there is a limited edition 1TB Steam Deck OLED available only in the United States and Canada. The 1TB version is currently only available in the OLED model.
10. Which Steam Deck tier is best overall?
The 512GB Steam Deck OLED is the best overall tier due to its superior OLED display and ample NVMe SSD storage that is good for most players. However, the 256GB model can be a more affordable option if you don’t mind the LCD screen and are comfortable expanding your storage with a micro-SD card.
11. How much storage do you need for a Steam Deck?
This depends on your gaming library and habits. If you intend to play a lot of large, modern games you will need at least 256GB of storage. A 512GB model will comfortably hold many games. You can also expand with microSD cards, which are very easy to install.
12. Should I choose an NVMe SSD or a standard SSD?
NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than standard SATA SSDs. If you have a choice, opt for an NVMe drive for faster transfer rates and lower latency.
13. Is microSD slower than eMMC?
Generally, eMMC storage is often faster than microSD cards in terms of sequential read/write speeds. However, this can vary significantly depending on the microSD card’s class and manufacturer.
14. Is the Steam Deck worth it in 2023?
The Steam Deck is a compelling handheld gaming PC that is still very popular. However, there are competing devices from other manufacturers that may offer better performance, such as the ROG Ally. That said, the Steam Deck has the advantage of running Steam OS.
15. Will there be a Steam Deck 2 anytime soon?
According to Valve, a successor to the Steam Deck is not expected for at least the next couple of years. So, the current Steam Deck models will likely remain the only option available for the near future.