The gaming community is buzzing with the recent announcement of the Steam Deck OLED model, which is set to debut on November 16th. Valve's new handheld console iteration brings enhancements such as an OLED display, superior audio, and various quality-of-life features, including an impressive battery life improvement of 30% to 50%.

Available in two storage options, 512GB and 1TB, priced at $549 and $649 respectively, the Steam Deck OLED also continues to offer a microSD card slot for storage expansion. Pre-orders for the device are expected to begin next week.

Despite excitement for the new model, questions regarding the development of Steam Deck 2 remain. Valve's Steam Deck designer, Jay Shaw, indicated that while the idea of Steam Deck 2 is always on their minds, there isn't a set date for its creation as the team is very satisfied with the current OLED model. Shaw adds that the development of a second generation would depend on technological advancements and the team's desire to pursue them.

The announcement reflects Valve's long-term view, suggesting that Steam Deck 2, while on the horizon, is still several years away. Valve had previously hinted at a potential sequel to the original Steam Deck, confirming that it was a possibility but advising that it wouldn't arrive for at least a few more years.

As gamers anticipate the release of the Steam Deck OLED, comparisons between this new model, its predecessor, and the Nintendo Switch OLED are underway, helping to highlight the upgrades and changes that this new iteration offers.