After much anticipation, Australian gamers can now officially purchase Valve’s Steam Deck starting this November, a full two and a half years after the handheld gaming PC made its global debut. This long-awaited launch aligns Australia with countries like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where the device had previously been available for around a year. While some might view the delay as a setback, it builds a sense of excitement for the handheld’s entry into this competitive market.
Valve will offer the Steam Deck in three configurations: a 256GB version of the original LCD model, along with 512GB and 1TB variants of the newer OLED model. Pricing is set at AUD $649, $899, and $1,049, respectively. Although the OLED version commands a higher price—about AUD $250 more—those who prioritize quality will find the enhancements like a vibrant screen, improved battery life, and other key upgrades justify the investment.
By the time the Steam Deck reaches Australia, the OLED model will already be a year old. However, it continues to hold its ground as a formidable choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Currently, there are no handheld devices running Windows that come close to the Steam Deck’s usability for everyday gaming, despite some models boasting superior performance metrics. The Asus ROG Ally X, for instance, could outperform the Steam Deck in terms of AAA gaming battery life, yet it struggles to match the streamlined experience Valve’s offering provides.
One of the hallmarks of the Steam Deck is its user-friendly interface powered by SteamOS, an operating system tailored specifically to suit gaming needs. As Valve stands poised to extend this operating system’s compatibility to rival devices like the Asus ROG Ally X, the landscape for handheld gaming will undoubtedly grow even more exciting. Early users have already begun experimenting with alternative versions of SteamOS tailored for different devices, such as Bazzite’s version on the Ally X, offering a glimpse into a more integrated handheld gaming future.
For those eager to get hands-on with Valve’s latest innovation, this weekend’s PAX Australia event in Melbourne will host a dedicated booth showcasing the Steam Deck. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience its capabilities firsthand, allowing them to fully grasp what this handheld gaming device has to offer. Such events serve not only as promotional platforms but also as community gatherings where gamers can share experiences, feedback, and excitement surrounding newly launched technologies.
As Australia opens its doors to the Steam Deck, the timing seems ripe for the device to make significant waves in the gaming landscape. With compelling options available and the possibility for Valve to further innovate with SteamOS, the future looks bright for both the Steam Deck and the handheld gaming market in general.