Valve introduced the original Steam Deck a year ago, featuring a 7-inch LCD screen supplied by BOE. However, they recently unveiled the Steam Deck OLED, an updated version of their portable gaming device. The major improvement in this new model is the inclusion of an OLED display, which enhances the gaming experience.
Initially, there were speculations that Valve would continue to work with BOE for the OLED panels of the Steam Deck OLED. BOE, known for its aggressive pricing strategy to compete with Samsung Display, seemed like a strong contender. However, Samsung's legal action against BOE is likely to hinder BOE's ability to fulfill orders for Steam Deck OLED panels.
Samsung filed a case against BOE with the US International Trade Commission, accusing BOE of infringing on Samsung's patents for OLED display modules and components, as well as engaging in unfair competition practices. This legal battle could potentially disrupt the supply agreement between BOE and Valve for the Steam Deck OLED displays.
In terms of specifications, the latest Steam Deck OLED boasts a resolution of 1280 x 800, an upgrade from its predecessor. The refresh rate has also been improved from 60Hz to 90Hz, resulting in smoother gameplay. Additionally, the device features AMD's 6nm accelerated processing unit, weighs 30 grams less than the previous model, and supports the latest Wi-Fi version.
With the exclusive supply agreement with Samsung, Valve is expected to benefit from a reliable source of OLED panels for the Steam Deck OLED. This partnership ensures that no other competitors will be able to secure a share of the anticipated sales of the new Steam Deck systems this year.
Overall, the introduction of the Steam Deck OLED with its OLED display marks a significant upgrade for Valve's portable gaming device. While the legal dispute between Samsung and BOE may impact the supply of OLED panels, Valve has secured an exclusive agreement with Samsung, ensuring a steady supply for their highly anticipated gaming gadget.
