While the Steam Deck is an impressive piece of hardware, its display has been a subject of criticism for some users. But that may be about to change. Enter the DeckHD, a third-party screen replacement that promises a significant upgrade in resolution, color accuracy, and overall visual quality. With a higher resolution of 1920×1200 and a wider color gamut, the DeckHD aims to elevate the gaming experience on Valve’s handheld console. Note that this is relevant to the LCD model, not the OLED.
While the prospect of a superior screen is undoubtedly exciting, there are challenges to consider. Installing the DeckHD requires disassembling the Steam Deck, a process that can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with hardware repairs. Additionally, the company behind the product has faced criticism for order delays and communication issues.
DeckHD acknowledged by Valve
However, there’s a glimmer of hope for potential buyers. Recent developments suggest that Valve is starting to recognize the DeckHD as a legitimate upgrade. The inclusion of DeckHD references in the Gamescope compositor indicates that better software support is on the horizon. This could mean full HD gameplay, improved compatibility, and potentially even additional features tailored to the higher-resolution display.
It’s worth keeping in mind that the DeckHD will set you back $99. Considering that making the jump from LCD to OLED (along with the other improvements the latter brings) is not too far outside of that range, it makes for an interesting debate. Below we’ve compared the displays of the three versions:
| Display specification | Original Steam Deck (LCD) | DeckHD | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 | 1920 x 1200 | 1280 x 800 |
| Screen size | 7″ | 7″ | 7.4″ |
| Display type | IPS | IPS | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | up to 90Hz |
| Color gamut | 67% sRGB | 87% sRGB | 110% P3 |
| Brightness | 400 nits typical | 400 nits typical | 600 nits SDR / 1000 nits HDR peak |
| Coating | Anti-Glare Coating on Highest-end Model Only | Anti-Glare Coating | Glossy |
| Anti-flicker | Display Flicker on Lower Refresh Rates | Flicker-Free on all refresh rates | Display Flicker on Lower Refresh Rates |
| Touch screen | Yes | “Improved Touch Panel Responsiveness” | “High performance touch” |
While the DeckHD offers a tempting proposition for those seeking a visual overhaul of their Steam Deck, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential challenges. The installation process, potential delays, and the lack of official Valve support are factors to consider. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on individual priorities and comfort level with hardware modifications.
On top of that, the newer OLED version offers a slightly larger screen, up to 90Hz, and a stunning OLED panel with the best color accuracy of the three. Yes, you miss out on the higher res, but we’d argue it’s not necessary for a 7″ handheld like the Deck, especially since it means worse performance when playing at native resolution.