Valve has just added a fresh twist to the Steam Deck lineup, revealing that the handheld console will soon be available in a sleek white color. However, if you want this new look, be prepared to dig a little deeper into your wallet.
Starting November 18 at 6 p.m. EST / 3 p.m. PST, the Steam Deck OLED: Limited Edition White will be up for grabs in all the regions where the console is currently sold. For Aussie gamers, the launch is timed for November 19 at 10 a.m. AEST, coinciding with the long-awaited arrival of the Steam Deck down under.
Now, if you’re already a proud owner of a Steam Deck, there’s no pressing reason to jump for the white version. The Limited Edition White sports the same specs as the current Steam Deck OLED 1TB model, showcasing a 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display and delivering a smooth experience with up to 90Hz refresh rate, promising anywhere from three to 12 hours of gaming on a single charge.
What sets the Limited Edition White apart is, quite simply, the aesthetics. It dons a stylish white and grey color scheme and ships with a matching white carry case, a refreshing change from the standard black one. Plus, it comes with a white microfiber cloth to keep your device spick and span.
The other noticeable difference? The price tag. The regular black 1TB Steam Deck is priced at $649, whereas the Limited Edition White will cost you $679, so that’s a $30 premium for the new look.
Feeling tempted? It’s wise to act fast. The white Steam Deck is a limited run, available in “limited quantities” with restricted availability across each region. Valve has made it clear that only one console per Steam account can be purchased, and once they’re gone, they’re really gone.
Valve stated, “As this is a limited edition release, we will not be making more of this particular design. Once we are sold out, we will be sold out.”
Looking to snag one? Here’s how: You can’t just casually add the Steam Deck to your cart on Amazon. It’s exclusively available through the Steam store, except in certain Asian areas where Komodo takes over sales. And there’s a catch — your Steam account must have spent at least $5 prior to this month, in a bid to filter out spammers and troublemakers.
Additionally, your account must be in good standing. Valve isn’t keen on selling their consoles to accounts dabbling in cheat programs. To check if you’re in the clear with Valve’s Anti-Cheat System (VAC), open the Steam app on your PC, click “Steam,” go to “Settings,” and then hit the “Learn More” button next to “VAC status.” You’ll get to know if you’re good to go or if past cheats are haunting your account.
These conditions also apply to purchasing the standard black Steam Deck; however, by now, regular users should have no problem meeting these requirements. Since the black version isn’t limited edition, you’ll have more opportunities if you can’t purchase it right now.
In short, whether you’re eyeing the aesthetic upgrade of the Limited Edition White or sticking with the classic black, make sure to check your account status and act fast if you want to grab the newly styled console.
