When Valve announced the release of the Steam Deck OLED, many enthusiasts with tinkering souls couldn’t help but wonder if they could purchase the OLED screen separately from iFixit. After all, it is possible to buy the top LCD Steam Deck panel and replace it in the original Deck. Unfortunately, it appears that buying and swapping the OLED screen won’t be as straightforward. Although this won’t deter many from attempting the process, there are several factors that make it less worthwhile. In this article, we will explore the differences between the Steam Deck OLED and the Steam Deck LCD, and why swapping the screens may not be the best option.
The Steam Deck OLED is not simply a new panel that can be easily inserted into the standard machine. Valve took advantage of the thinner display that comes with OLED technology, allowing them to make various internal improvements to their handheld gaming PC. Unlike LCD panels, OLED screens do not require an LED backlight, which results in a thinner profile. This design change has paved the way for Valve to incorporate a 50Wh battery with greater capacity, a more substantial cooling fan that operates quieter, and enhanced heat pipe and heat exchanger systems. These alterations have contributed to what Lawrence Yang, a Deck developer, describes as “the definitive first-generation Steam Deck.”
Due to the substantial internal changes and improvements in the Steam Deck OLED, swapping screens between the OLED and LCD models is not a straightforward process. Yang explains that while Valve will continue to sell and make available all Steam Deck LCD internal parts for repairs and replacements, the extent of interchangeable components between the two versions is limited. The revamped internals, including the revised battery and cooling system, make it impractical to swap screens without severe limitations.
While it is likely that individuals will attempt to purchase the OLED module and install it in their existing Steam Deck, it may not yield satisfactory results. When considering the effort and potential complications involved, it becomes clear that the benefits may not outweigh the drawbacks. Although it is possible that the OLED module could be physically inserted into the Deck, it is unlikely to provide the same performance and functionality as a dedicated OLED Deck. In such cases, it would be more sensible to sell the old device and invest in a new OLED Deck instead.
Valve has not officially announced its partnership with iFixit for the distribution of new parts, but it is highly probable. Valve representative Yazan Aldehayyat states that the company has had a positive experience working with iFixit in the past for repairs and replacements. This collaboration would align with the philosophy of supporting the right to repair, allowing users to extend the lifespan of their devices by easily accessing necessary components.
While the idea of swapping the OLED screen into an existing Steam Deck may be appealing to some, the reality is that the internal changes and improvements in the Steam Deck OLED make it an impractical undertaking. Valve has taken advantage of the OLED technology to enhance battery capacity, cooling efficiency, and overall performance. Rather than struggling to swap screens, it is more sensible to consider purchasing a dedicated OLED Deck for the optimal gaming experience. With Valve likely to partner with iFixit for parts and repairs, users can continue to enjoy the right to repair and prolong the lifespan of their Steam Decks.
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