Valve isn’t quite ready to launch a full-fledged successor to its Steam Deck, but fans of the handheld gaming device are in for a treat with an upcoming release. Soon, a special edition known as the Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White will hit the shelves.
This sleek white version offers the same technical specifications as the existing 1TB model yet commands a slightly higher price at $679—a $30 premium. Gamers can look forward to its release next Monday, November 18.
In addition to its eye-catching white and gray finish, the Limited Edition White Deck comes with a coordinating white carrying case and a microfiber cleaning cloth to keep things pristine. This isn’t Valve’s first foray into different colors for its gadgets; a previous limited edition with a smoky translucent shell was quickly snapped up, despite it having some minor aesthetic flaws. This time, Valve will ensure the new white Deck is distributed across all current markets where the Steam Deck is available. Fans in the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea through its partner Komodo, can all expect proportional allocations.
Valve is taking steps to curb scalping by limiting purchases to one per account. Additionally, your account must have a history of at least one purchase before November 2024.
In a statement to the press, Valve expressed their interest in using this limited edition release to gauge potential interest in different color variants: “We’re curious to see what the response is, and will use what we learn to inform future decisions about any potential new color variants down the line.”
Of course, if you’re keen on changing up your Deck’s look without opting for the limited edition, several third-party companies like Jsaux and dbrand offer alternate backplates or skins. However, for those wanting the authentic item, getting it directly from Valve is the way to go, at least until stocks run out.
Looking ahead, Valve also hinted at exciting developments for the Steam Deck line, beyond just color tweaks and ongoing software updates, with “ongoing work toward the future of Steam Deck and other hardware plans.”
From close-up photos, this new color scheme gives off a nostalgic vibe, somewhat reminiscent of a Wii U or an iPod, in the most appealing way. It’ll be interesting to see if this fresh look can entice current owners to consider an upgrade.
