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?
Materials and haptics. Had to relearn how to type on the trackpads, they’re so strong. The material is more grippy and tactile all around. That’s, alone, is worth it.
Got an LE, can’t confirm if the plastics are the same on the regular, but I would bet the haptics and buttons are, at least.
Can’t confirm that it’s identical to the LE, but can confirm that the materials and buttons are a solid improvement regardless. The old deck never felt cheap or anything, but the OLED definitely feels more premium.