I was convinced for me it would be the 90hz refresh rate, or the improved touchscreen/haptics - but the moment I picked up the new OLED I knew my answer straight away:
The 30g they removed from the weight.
I’m sure that sounded minimal and inconsequential for a lot of us when we heard about it, but when you pick it up, you feel it immediately.
The original steam deck was always a bit too heavy for me to hold comfortably. Especially as I struggle with a disability which makes me pretty weak in general.
Now the device is so much more comfortable to hold. I can actually pick it up and hold it with one hand now, whereas before it would always overbalance and I could never keep it straight.
What’s the best upgrade from your experience so far, if any of you are lucky enough to have an OLED now?
The weight or the thumb sticks.
The weight was immediately obvious, and shocking at how big of a deal it was for me. The device is only 5% less, but makes a world of difference.
The sticks are a close second. I find the rubber to be much grippier and way easier to hold onto based on my grip on the device.
Honestly, I can’t say I’d recommend spending money to upgrade for those who really need to consider the money. But had any friends purchased the oled prior to me, and I held onto it for 5 seconds, I’d have made the upgrade myself.