Valve has put a big discount on the entry-level (LCD) Steam Deck. You can get 25 percent off the 512GB model or 15 percent off the 64GB model, bringing their prices down to $336.75 and $296.65, respectively. The sale runs until September 26, while supplies last for the two phased-out models.
The 512GB (NVMe SSD) LCD Steam Deck had a starting price of $449, so the sale knocks more than $112 off its MSRP. For some perspective, the OLED version with the same storage costs $549. This deal on the (lower-end but still high-quality) LCD variant is a great chance to get started with handheld PC gaming on the cheap.
The LCD Steam Deck has a seven-inch display (1200 x 800) with a 60Hz refresh rate and 400 nits of brightness. The 512GB model features anti-glare etched glass, which the 64GB doesn’t, so – if both fall within your budget – the former is a great upgrade for just $40 extra.
Both variants have a 40Wh battery that’s supposed to last up to eight hours in theory, but our tests found they averaged 4.5 hours with regular use. (If necessary, you can eke out more time by lowering the brightness and refresh rate.) Each model includes a standard carrying case.
In Engadget’s 2023 re-review of the LCD Steam Deck, Jessica Condit concluded that the entry-level model offers a “great return on investment,” even compared to its premium OLED sibling. Most mainstream games launching today are classified as verified or playable on the Steam Deck, and most gamepad-friendly games will perform well with the handheld.
Conclusion: While the OLED model is worth the upgrade if it fits within your budget, this LCD model – especially after a 25 percent discount – is still a fantastic entry-level handheld gaming device that offers only a slightly compromised experience compared to the (much more expensive) high-end ones.