Valve isn’t rolling out a brand new Steam Deck model just yet, but they’re giving their popular gaming handheld a fresh twist. Soon, you’ll be able to get your hands on the Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White, which is set to hit the shelves.
This sleek, white version shares the same impressive specs as the 1TB model but comes with a small price bump, bringing the total to $679. Mark your calendars for its release next week, November 18.
In addition to its eye-catching white and gray casing, this limited edition package includes some handy extras — a matching white carrying case and a microfiber cloth to help keep it pristine.
Valve isn’t new to experimenting with styles. They previously launched a smoky translucent option for the Steam Deck OLED, which flew off the shelves despite some minor aesthetic issues. This time around, the white edition will be available in markets like the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, and the newly added Australia, as well as through partner Komodo in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Valve plans to distribute stock evenly across these regions.
To keep scalpers at bay, Valve has set a restriction of one white Steam Deck per account, and your Steam account needs to have at least one purchase before November 2024.
In a recent statement, Valve indicated they’re keen to gauge customer reactions to this color release as part of their strategy for future color options: “We’re eager to see the feedback and will use these insights for future color variation decisions.”
For those not willing to splurge on the Limited Edition White, there are alternatives. Companies like Jsaux and dbrand offer different backplates or skins that can give your Steam Deck a unique flair. But if you’re after the official version, now’s the time to snag it before it’s gone.
Looking ahead, Valve has teased more than just a palette swap, suggesting there are intriguing developments in the works for the Steam Deck and other hardware innovations.
From what I’ve seen, the design gives off a nostalgic Wii U and iPod vibe — a combination that’s appealing. It’ll be interesting to see if this new look draws in current Steam Deck owners for an upgrade.