Valve isn’t rolling out a brand-new version of the Steam Deck just yet, but their popular handheld gaming device is about to get an exciting update. Coming soon, gamers can look forward to a sleek, limited edition white version of the Steam Deck OLED.
This special edition, officially called the “Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White,” will boast the same impressive specs as the existing 1TB model. However, it will come with a slightly higher price tag of $679—a $30 increase. Mark your calendars, as this exclusive device will be available for purchase starting Monday, November 18.
Accompanying the distinctive white and gray design, the limited edition package includes a white carrying case and a microfiber cleaning cloth. This isn’t Valve’s first foray into experimenting with colors; they previously launched a smoky translucent model of the Steam Deck OLED, which, despite its eye-catching appeal, experienced some minor aesthetic cracking issues. With the white version, Valve ensures global availability across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the recently added regions of Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea through their partner, Komodo. The distribution will be balanced proportionately among these markets.
To keep scalpers at bay, Valve has smartly limited the purchase to one per account, and buyers must have made at least one transaction on their Steam account before November 2024.
Valve indicated that this second limited edition offering is a bit of a testing ground: “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.”
For those who love the white Steam Deck look but are unwilling to chase down the limited edition, options for customization exist. Companies like Jsaux and dbrand offer various backplates and skins that allow for personalization. However, if you prefer the authentic Valve version, you might want to act fast before they sell out.
Looking ahead, Valve has also hinted at ongoing developments beyond just color variants and software updates, with potential plans for the future of the Steam Deck and other hardware.
Judging by the photos, this new white Steam Deck offers a delightful blend of the nostalgic feel of a Wii U and the sleek minimalism of an iPod—a combo that could certainly tempt current owners to upgrade.