Valve Unveils Limited Edition White Steam Deck OLED Model

Valve doesn’t plan on releasing an entirely new version of the Steam Deck anytime soon. However, enthusiasts of this beloved gaming handheld will soon see something fresh: the Steam Deck OLED in a limited edition white model.

This new variant, known as the “Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White,” mirrors the specifications of the current 1TB model but comes with a slight price increase, hitting the shelves at $679, which is $30 more than the regular version. Gamers will be able to get their hands on it starting Monday, November 18.

The white version isn’t just about a fresh coat; it comes packaged with a matching carrying case and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Valve has dabbled in color variations before. Remember the limited smoky translucent model? It sold like hotcakes, although it had some pesky cosmetic issues. The white version promises to be more widely available, reaching all current regions the Steam Deck is sold, like the US, UK, Europe, and now expanding into Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, thanks to Valve’s partner Komodo. Each area will receive a proportional share of stock to ensure fair availability.

To deter scalpers from snapping up units, Valve has implemented a restriction: one white Steam Deck per customer, and your account must have at least one purchase logged before November 2024.

Valve mentioned to media outlets that this second limited edition unit will play a role in shaping their choices for future color options. “We’re eager to see the market reaction, which will guide us in deciding on any upcoming color variants,” they noted.

If you’re not dead set on buying the limited edition directly from Valve, alternatives are available. Companies like Jsaux and dbrand offer backplates and skins in various colors, including white. But for purists who want the official release, act fast before they sell out.

Regarding the future direction of Steam Deck, Valve is keeping things exciting. Beyond the introduction of new colors and continued software tweaks, they’re hinting at ongoing projects that look at where Steam Deck technology will go next.

The new white colorway gives off a nostalgic Wii U meets iPod feel—definitely intriguing. It’ll be interesting to see if this new style prompts current Deck owners to consider upgrading to this latest model.