As was reported, the Steam Deck OLED comes with SteamOS 3.5 preinstalled, while the stable channel is still on 3.4.
This means if reviewers didn’t take care to properly match the software versions on the OLED and LCD models, they might not compare apples to apples. The effect is probably small, but so is the reported performance and power draw difference between the models. Also SteamOS 3.5 introduces the saturation slider which in its default setting tries to emulate sRGB more, and could affect screen comparisons.
See for example Taki Udon’s first video, where clearly it is visible that MangoHUD is an older version on the LCD model https://youtu.be/3C6ekDyO18s?t=807
So unless it is explicitly mentioned or shown otherwise, assume that part of the differences might be due to different software versions.
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for one clip in Digital Foundry’s video they show the overlay proving their LCD was running 3.4. I made a post about this earlier and got downvoted saying I was wrong and they could never make a mistake like that. glad to see this post got traction.
Would I need to upgrade to 3.5 before taking out my 1tb ssd with all my games on, and putting it into the new oled deck ?
To be safe - yes. Presuming you’re talking about the SSD inside the Deck and not an external drive, that’s where the operating system is kept!
Theoretically you could move it and then update. But just in case there are drivers or settings on 3.5 that the OLED needs you should do it before moving it. It’s a tiny risk, but since it’s the same amount of work (just in a slightly different order) there’s no reason not to update before moving the drive.
Is it that simple? Just popping in the SSD from my old deck in the new deck and play?
I would for sure upgrade first
most likely 3.5 will release as the same time as the oled model
So possibly this Thursday? Man I really hope so, I’ve been waiting for so long
what are you looking forward to most on 3.5?
Newer Mesa version so shader caching can be turned off and save space.
Would that come at a performance or fidelity hit?
Yes, it seems unlikely that Valve would advertise their new Steam Deck OLED device with HDR, which SteamOS 3.4 does not support, and then have that not working on release day.
I remember first hearing about how it’s coming soon in February or March. Something like that.
Meh
Doing the lords work right here.
The LCD can literally only cover 70% of the very basic sRGB color gamut. The saturation slider in SteamOS 3.5 does not “correct” this problem. The OLED screen is not better because the saturation slider is cranked up. It’s better because it covers 100% of sRGB, 97% of DCI-P3, is capable of 600 nits in SDR, and 1000 nits in HDR. It has per pixel dimming allowing it to have infinite contrast. OLED pixels transition between colors effectively instantaneously for the purposes of a gaming discussion.
These two things are simply incomparable regardless of the version of SteamOS running. The LCD appears pale to the eye without the Decky Loader plugin because it cannot generate the necessary colors. Cranking up the saturation makes the colors it can generate appear more vibrant but wildly inaccurate.
Jokes on you, I’m colorblind
I think OLED is still gonna make a substantial difference considering the LCD panel they chose only covers like 60% of sRGB, but I too am curious what build # came with the review units
This may be why the first Gamers Nexus video was a tear down. They’re working on an in depth review
I have been interested in a steam deck for quite some time now. The 350 dollar 256gb LCD is very affordable, but I was wondering which model I should go with as a beginner. Does the Oled warrant the extra 250$?
Most of the reviewers have installed 3.5 from main or beta chanel already.
Waiting for 3.5 as well. I had installed it before, but reverted back because of some input issues. The color change makes it so much better. Was hoping it was already in beta, but looks like it is still not there yet.
The power differences and performance are all based on changes in hardware. Do not expect an appreciable difference. Not to mention 3.5 is available to everyone here on the respective channel, and has been for a while.
As another comment pointed out, the SMT bug is also fixed in 3.5.
The move to faster memory definitely helps performance, as was shown by those who overclocked the LPDDR5 on their launch models.
But the effect of both is game dependent, you can’t say it is all one or the other.
tests are currently showing that the new chip is actually less efficient at lower wattages despite being 6nm
iirc the SMT bug is also only fixed with 3.5
I’ve only seen LTTs video, was their deck upto date ?
I would love the OLED but since I already have a deck, gonna just wait for the deck 2 in a few years. Gotta stop spending money on small upgrades like I did with the Switch.