The Steam Deck is a superb if imperfect system, with its display screen being one in all its most noticeable weak factors. Now, an organization by the identify of DeckHD is promising to enhance on Valve’s unique design with a 1200p display screen. Whereas this sounds good on paper, I’m not satisfied swapping out the inventory possibility is a good suggestion.
To be clear, I’m continuously looking out for brand spanking new additions to our greatest Steam Deck equipment information, together with a display screen improve. Nevertheless, I’m way more eager to see OLED choices materialize, so my perky moveable PC can really give the show on the Nintendo Change OLED a run for its cash. Valve itself has admitted that it desires to enhance this a part of its pocket rocket, which is able to possible arrive as a part of the Steam Deck 2.
Whereas substitute Steam Deck screens are already available so that you can swap out, upgrading to a distinct panel is one other matter solely.
That is the place is available in DeckHD, packing a 7-inch 1200p IPS panel that covers 74% of the AdobeRGB shade house for $99, with no launch date confirmed but. Elevated shade accuracy actually appeals to me, as does larger pixel density, however they’re not definitely worth the trade-offs I consider this new display screen might introduce.
Listed below are the DeckHD specs versus the Steam Deck:
DeckHD | Steam Deck | |
Decision | 1920 x 1200 | 1280 x 800 |
Measurement | 7-inch IPS | 7-inch IPS |
Coloration Accuracy | 74% AdobeRGB | 45% AdobeRGB |
Brightness | 400 nits | 400 nits |
Refresh Price | 60Hz | 60Hz |
Anti-Glare Coating | Sure | Solely on 512GB mannequin |
So, listed below are three causes I consider the DeckHD show isn’t the display screen the Steam Deck wants:
- Efficiency – The Zen 2 APU that powers the Steam Deck offers the PC sufficient juice to play most video games at 800p. Nevertheless, introducing a better decision show with none further horsepower will possible irrecoverably cripple body charges in already demanding video games.
- Battery Life – Extra pixels means extra energy being drawn from the system’s battery, which is already one other weak level for the Deck. Count on to see moveable playtime take a tumble with the DeckHD geared up.
- Guarantee – Whereas this disadvantage isn’t distinctive to the DeckHD, swapping out the inventory display screen for an aftermarket resolution will nearly actually break your guarantee. Moreover, truly changing the show isn’t any straightforward process, and also you run the chance of inflicting unintended harm in the event you’re not cautious.
The best means to enhance your moveable setup is by giving your Steam Deck a spot to relaxation after a protracted gaming session, so verify our greatest Steam Deck dock record for our suggestions.
When you’re after a better decision gaming expertise on the go, I’d counsel checking our Asus ROG Ally evaluation. The Steam Deck specs merely don’t lend themselves to 1200p gaming in lots of circumstances, and whereas I’m excited to see DeckHD in the actual world, I’m a agency skeptic for now.