I bought the 64 GB based on this video. Love it with Batocera v37! BUT isn't the D-pad on the 64 GB unig degraded / much worse than the 512? I was surprised yesterday when I compared the rather bad D-pad on my 64 GB unit Deck to one a 512 GB unit. The D-pad on the old Steam Deck is WAY better! It's much harder to run in a rhombus form on my new 64 GB model's D-pad than on the 512 GB unit. Or could Valve really have cost-optimized the D-pads in general after the first batch making the new D-pads much worse just to save money?
Most people aren’t gonna have the opportunity to compare two Decks side-by-side. If you have to scrutinize them that closely to see the difference I would argue that there’s practically no difference. Just be happy with whatever one you ordered. Have fun and don’t over think it!
@@scorpiomelancholia1559 maybe. Depends on what you can afford. A 64GB Deck is fine if it’s all you can afford. Adding extra storage via an SD card is trivial once you can afford it.
My biggest complaint with using my Switch was seeing my ugly mug reflected in the screen. The etched glass on my Steam Deck has been a godsend in that regard.
I have no regrets with picking up the 64GB model. I picked up a 256GB SD card for it and things work perfectly. I've mainly been using it for emulation and I'm happy with that
I ordered the 64 gb too, with a 512 gb sd card, as that was all I could afford. Might get a 2nd 512 gb sd card. One for emulation, one for my steam games.
I originally reserved the 256GB when it was announced and got my email last May. I bought it and almost immediately changed my mind and asked for a refund* and reserved a 64 GB instead. I should have it by later today and have a bigger SSD ready with a hub and nvme enclosure. *I could’ve resold it instead but at the moment I didn’t feel like going through the whole process.
I got the 256gb one. I wasn't planning on opening it up and replacing the M.2 storage. This was before I realised that the microSD expansion is pretty comparable to the internal drive. I ended up getting a good 512Gb microsd card and I'm happy wityh everything I've tried so far. Thanks for the video
I got the 64gb one for 560 Canadian after taxes/shipping. Bought a 512gb microSD A2 150ms Samsung expansion for 55 with taxes/shipping 80 Canada. For 640 Canadian i got a 576gb Steam Deck. Steam is selling there 512gb deck for 820 Canadian before taxes/shipping. If i need more space just buy another 512gb microSD and swap them in and out. Get a gas for the cards put a number on them. Then write all the games on the cards on a piece of paper. You just created your own hard copy's of those games. My ideal for my steam deck is to download all my backlogged RPGs/JRPGs onto it. Like TALES series, Yakuza series, Neptunia series, Persona 4, Sword Art Online series, Atelier series. Most of those games i haven't played or beaten. I picked them up on sale. Like grabbing Yakuza 3,4,5 for under 30 Canadian.
Thank you for making this comparison video, I'm committed to getting the 64gb version now. You can get a 1tb 2230 ssd (granted it's pricy) and an anti-glare screen protector that fits the deck, could even pop in a 1tb micro SD card for added storage and get 2tb of games out of it. That's practically my entire steam library :)
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about! Both models share the same screen. What he's comparing is different screen manufacturers that Steam used regardless of the model because of supply chain issues.
I got the 512GB version. I like that I didn’t have to take it apart to install the new drive but I’m not opposed to it either to get a 1TB SSD in it either. Tbh any version is great, it’s an amazing handheld with tons of potential
That's what these videos never seem to truly consider. Most people don't want to break open their Steam Deck, figure out which NVMEs are compatible with the Deck, install it correctly, and then hope you didn't damage the system in some way by opening up the Deck. Not only is that more work, especially for someone unfamiliar with installing hardware, but you're always taking a chance that you might screw something up, even if it's something as small as messing with the internal system's build integrity. I'm NOT saying that people shouldn't upgrade their systems. All I'm saying is these things need to be considered and a $488 to $649 direct comparison is not a good comparison.
That wouldn’t be a good test as valve would use different models as production changes They won’t be using the same supplier all the time therefore the test wouldn’t be representative
Considering I plan to use this as a desktop for the most part, but still need portability on occasion, you've convinced me to just go with the 64 gb model I was already planning on upgrading to at least a full terabyte of storage and all manner of other add-ons. The money I save here could easily go into making an actual complete build instead of the not-done it ships as
One good thing about this system is that you can always buy a larger SD card later on down the line. I’m planning on getting the 256gb model bc it’s a nice middle ground and planning on storing steam games on the internal and emulations on an SD card.
😂my wife just came in the house with mines. Couldn’t decide if I wanted the new one or the old version since it was on sale. I don’t really care about the upgrades on the newer version after I watch a few reviews . She got it for $300 512 GB and threw in $20 for him to hold it until she got to him. She even got me a 512 Samsung Evo card ($29 Amazon) a kit that comes with a case, thumb caps, grip sticks, touch protectors ($6 Amazon) and a skin ($15 Amazon) to apply on my deck. She just made my day!
The Steam Deck has to be the most elusive handheld to get this year aside from the Odin. Sure we'd all be happy to get either at this point. Matte screens usually dim the brightness and vibrancy of colors compared to their glossy counterparts. Solid comparison overall Russ, thanks! Pretty interesting to see the colors more vibrant on the matte panel this time around as it's usually the opposite.
Agreed, but that's only because the Valve Steam Deck is so value for money. Demand far outweighs supply. I'm willing to say it has higher demand, proportionally, than the Nintendo Switch, PS5, or Xbox series X. The best version of the VSD to get is actually the cheapest model. Keep the SteamOS on the built-in emmc (64gb) module, and install a 1TB m.2 drive. Then install a screen protector for the glass, one that lowers glare so it can be used better outdoors and in the sun/bright lighting conditions. The travel case, even if it is not the premium one, is still a neat bonus you get for free. Here's hoping this turns from a niche, to a mainstream console, where the big AAA-Game Studios begin to port their next-gen titles specifically to (Linux/APU) the hardware. The community can handle the rest such as; Porting older titles, Making Game Mods work, Emulation, Alternate OS, and other compatibility.
@@GGriffeyIII Completely agree but if you didn't order it in the first hour I'm pretty sure a lot of us are gonna be waiting for awhile yet. Solid preorder system just not enough to go around with how much demand valve has seen for the deck.
I pre-ordered the 64GB one. Simply because you can add not only an SSD, but also a memory card. So for around about the same money as the top tier one, you can get a 1TB SSD, a 1TB memory card, in addition to the 64GB eMMC storage. I understand some people just don't want to fool with upgrading, but if you're ok with it, it's a great way to go about it.
I feel like the etched anti-glare glass won't make too much of a difference if you are planning to use a screen protector anyways. I mean the fuzziness of the etched glass will be there no matter what, but if you get the cheaper one, you can probably get etching or anti-glare on the screen protector for the cheaper deck if you think you might want it.
Yeh but with the screen protector it's even better man. I picked one of the 512gb's up off a guy for about 500$. I've had it three days now and I'm already using it with the internal OS replaced with windows and all the drivers and stuff hooked up so I can use it for video editing, music production and other things than just steamOS capability
@@DeeKnow a la versión de 512gb le pusiste protector de pantalla? Estoy pensando en ponerle alguno pero el brillante haría perder el amti deslumbramiento y si le coloco uno mate temo que se vería peor la pantalla
Thank you so much for this video. Other comparisons have them being waved around under a direct light, and in those conditions the 512 looks super washed out. Your take shows us what we’re actually going to be looking at. Going with the 512 for those colors.
I ordered the 512 version and don’t regret it. Especially since I can swap versions, I already waited almost a year…. I’m not waiting 2 😅 1. I saw someone on RUclips talk about their experience with the anti glare on a hike & he explained that it was a great experience. 2. Seeing this video demonstrate the reflection of your own face doesn’t pop up makes me confident that I made the right decision 3. 512 GB is a lot and I can store 80% of my library on it alone so that made the difference for me. To have most my games stored on the device soley is amazing. I will play this 90% of my time on the couch in the morning / bed at night.
I have to try really hard to see a difference in the sharpness. Even then I’m doubting if I’m really seeing it. So for me at least, there isn’t a glaring difference between the two. I do notice a bit brighter image on the 64gb and the ever slight colour difference. I think these would not be noticeable to me during gaming.
I got the 512 gb. It will be here friday (2 more days!!) and im really excited. I, like most gamers, don't do the "outside" very often. That mixed with the fact im a bio-chem/pre-med, i spend all my time in a lab or some similar room. The anti-glare is what sold me. Even just being on my phone, the glare of those super florescent lights of labs is so distracting. For me, the clarity of the device is going to be the thing that impacts me the most on a day-to-day basis.
I've been on the fence for a while now. I'm leaning towards the 64 GB version and a 512 GB card. I'm looking forward to exploring all the potential this platform has. Besides gaming, there's streaming videos and tons of other things to do.
@@foxtrot8858 Sorry, this is the third time I've tried to write this. My mouse keeps locking up and messing everything up. I got the 64GB version with a 1TB SanDisk card. I set it up and installed No Man's Sky, Skyrim, Mass Effect Legendary, and Spiderman. Everything ran great. I highly recommend the Steam Deck to anyone that likes and uses handheld devices. My problem was getting used to the controls. I am used to using a KB/mouse while sitting in a recliner 4ft from a 66 inch tv. After a couple of weeks trying to adapt to it I just put it on a shelf. It's just not for me.
@@maciej_zieba Yes I could but I already have a very good gaming PC hooked up to a 65 inch TV. The Steam Deck is an outstanding device but it's not for me. I gave it to my nephew. He loves it. Oh, I did stream the SD to my TV and it was flawless. If you haven't tried that, it's great.
@@NotaVampyre111 ahh okay. That's good as was looking into something like that. I have a pc but it's mid range and don't play that much games so don't want to invest a lot into it. So thought I might have a look at steam deck and just seeing how it is. Just would like to play a few games like red dead which would not run on my pc😆 Though it's between this and a ps5. Thanks for the reply, appreciate it😁👍🏻
First off, loved the video. I've been watching steam deck content and reviews sporadically since before they shipped and none have given me such a good look at the screen experiences. Most also brush over the cases with not much detail. Much appreciated for the insight even though I've already committed to the 512 😅 Here's a summary with my loose price estimates: Storage upgrade (assuming same price): $95 after tax Case upgrade: $30 screen upgrade (I prefer the color quality over sharpness on this small of a screen and hate the reflective glare): $30 for the etched glass (can probably find a similar adhesive screen) $30 for the color quality -$10 for the lack of brightness (though it seems to oversaturate the image on the 64gb). $50 total All in all that comes to $175. However, if you aren't experienced with tech repair/modifications like me you gotta factor in upgrade labor. I'm gonna put that at a conservative $50 and another $20 for the risk of frying your device. $245. Which puts it right about equal! I live in a campervan and rely on solar most of the time, so I've been looking for a low power draw PC gaming experience but didn't want to have to learn to deal with the 3rd party PC handhelds and their jank and clunk. Steam deck showed up at the perfect time. I wish the industry were making competitive products in the energy efficient category because they've been reaching severe diminishing returns with power draw to hardware strength for a while now. I doubt steam had any of that in mind when designing the deck. It was definitely just the restraints of a portable device at this price point. Nonetheless, it's perfect for my situation. I really like the extremely competitive pricing that steam chose. The $400 dollar model is outstanding value per dollar. I'm really excited to see how this impacts the industry. I don't consider it in competition with the switch, completely different types of gamers, but a successful steam deck would show the risk averse megacorps that it's possible if done correctly.
I will say about the 64 gig mainly because I had in mind as a tester. When I purchased it. My head was like one console to rule them all and I wanted to make sure that the steam deck did just that. As of right now I will say I am not disappointed. It is absolutely done exactly what I thought it would do. That. Also being said, I would have preferred to pick up the high-end model. In hindsight. The updates alone have blown out my 64 gig. I'm already looking at possible storage expansion and I've only had it for less than a year.
I got the 256GB model. I wanted the 512, but knew I was going to put a screen protector on it. The only good quality screen protector is the Dbrand, which is glossy. Adding a glossy screen protector to a non-glare screen would defeat it's purpose.
"The only good quality screen protector is Dbrand" bruh this is so stupidly false lol Kudos to DBrands marketing team for making you dummies believe this
I reserved the 256 GB Version. I don't feel safe installing a SSD myself, but i don't wanna miss out on one either. Having said that, most games run perfectly fine from a SD Card aswell. I Don't think i will notice the Screen reflections either. So i'm happy with my choice.
I got the 512 GB model. I wanted the etched glass, and it's nice to have a good bit of storage right out of the box. Also, prices for these SSDs were different a year ago. The demand went up by an insane amount because of the steam deck, and so production of them also ramped up. The maximum capacity for that size SSD when the steam deck was announced was only 512gb, but now manufacturers are making 2TB SSDs of that form factor. It wasn't a technical challenge or anything, it's just that the demand was extremely low. The prices were also higher for these SSDs when the steam deck was announced than they are now. Another reason that I'm not too opposed to buying the 512GB one is that Valve has razor thin margins on these systems, and is likely losing money on the 64GB model. I'm happy to spend a bit extra, since it will be supporting the steam deck project and valve's development of Proton, and likely encourage them to release future revisions of the Steam Deck. Valve's development of Proton benefits everyone, not just steam deck owners. As a Linux gamer, it is what allowed me to completely remove Windows from my system. Without their development of Proton, I would still be locked into the Windows ecosystem for gaming. I'm happy to say, that I have not touched a Windows install in months.
So they started making 2TB 2230 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD ? I didn't find these online yet. It's good to know, it would be the perfect size for me. The max I did find in 2230 format is 1TB. Edit : I saw that it started being available on eBay.
For me I have the 64 gb and honestly it's the most fun I ever had with the system in a long time and usually I just use an SD card that has the most storage
@@wwe682 what’s a sad card also which sad card is recommended also I am stuck on which steam deck version to buy because I want the anti glare screen so idk what version 😢please help me decide
@@wwe682 which sd card is it ? Also which steam deck version is worth getting can you explain the 64gb towards the highest price steam deck anti hate screen
If I could go back I’d probably order the $399 version but I’m happy to stick with the 512. I don’t want to give up my place in line just to save some money
@@pingus9934 I ordered mine the day preorders went live about 1 hour and 40 minutes after they went live. Sadly your probably gonna have to wait a while. 😕
@@christophersullivan7273 my fake hope is like I don't mind waiting till the end of the year, but it comes next year I'm probably gonna forget about it till then lmfao
Good comparison on the screen and storage case. I was hoping to see a comparison on the impact of difference between different storage like game load times, etc. Maybe that could be a video you could do.
I picked the 64Gb version for the insane price/performance and got it two weeks ago. I’m definitely not regretting it. I’m using a 512Gb SD Card for my games and for me it works great 👍
I know its been a while since you made this comment, but it would be extremely helpful if you could tell me what brand of SD card you got. I think I will also get the 64gb one but need to ensure proper storage so yeah
@@odd_ball just saw your question. I grabbed the Samsung Evo 512gb because it got better writing speed than the cheap SanDisk it’s still cheap. Also grabbed a 1TB Amazon branded recently and it’s okay while playing games from it also but slower than the Samsung while downloading/writing
i think it's worth mentioning that the internal storage on the 64GB model is not NVMe, its eMMC which is a bit slower. So boot up times and game load times will be slower compared to the larger storage models.
is that something that would be fixed by replacing the drive like he described at the start, or would the speed of the new drive be slower because of the actual board of the 64GB deck
@@dihydrogenmonoxide2878 There's no evidence Valve did change anything about the models other than upgrade to quadro-sized NVMe between lowest and mid-tier and double NVMe size plus change to etched screen to the highest. The 256 GB model is arguably better in any way except for the price and the 512 GB is preference due to the change in screens. Since Valve now includes PCIe 3.0 x2 drives in some poor fellas (luckily not mine despite late Q2) higher-tier models, I'd bet that the eMMC is just limited to PCIe 2.0 x2 even though the interface can still do 3.0 x4.
@@dihydrogenmonoxide2878 eMMC drives are soldered onto the board itself so it is not replaceable. I'm not sure if the 64GB model has an empty NVMe slot or not. if it does, you should be able to put in a compatible NVMe drive.
I play a lot on the switch... So if I could deal with those load times, I think I could handle these load times. 😂 I am HUGE handheld fan. I like to put a show on in the background while I play a game on a handheld, so this thing is a must buy for me. Mine ships in q3 and I can't wait to get it.
I do prefer the saturation, however I decided to stick to a budget and buy the 64gb model, BUT due tot he fact I can't really do crap with 64gb of space (thanks shader cache \o/) I actually ended up buying a 256gb module for cheap. slapping it in there, and using my 512GB SD card for some games too. Mainly it came down to FF14 and warframe, both of which would not patch on the 64gb model EVEN though they are installed on the SD card, now that I upgraded, oddly enough even though they are still on the SD card, they work fine, which it could have been just a storage issue overall, but meh. I'm happy either way.
I preordered the 512 model, and it's finally shipping. I don't have any regrets on ordering the 512 model, as I placed the order for the etched glass, along with the initial 512gb storage. The etched glass was just such a huge selling point for me, and everything I've seen so far, I'm glad I did.
Do you recall how long it was between reserving and shipping? I reserved one recently knowing I have to wait a bit but I'm just curious what people's wait times have been.
The etched glass is affecting the sharpness and brightness. BUT you also probably don't have to crank it up as high to overcome ambient reflections. SO...YAY trade-offs.
Thanks for the comparison. The 64 gb version is exactly what I need. A replacement drive and a matte film will make it better and way cheaper than the 512 gb version. The ccarry ase I couldn't care less about. More money for upgrades that matter (sticks, fan etc)
I want a non etched screen. I want to use a screen protector. Possibly an etched one, possibly not. But the money is just a big deal for storage and etching. Great video
Got my 256gb model today. Running some grim dawn on it. It was the sweet spot for me since these are pricey. Whatever you pick, it’s a great piece of hardware.
I also got the 256gb model. The 512gb was too expensive and I couldn't deal with the 64gb only being able to hold a single large game and that slower transfer speed. And there's no way I'm opening up my steam deck to install something.
@@xenos_n. I got the 512 GB, received it yesterday. When I placed the reservation I was thinking the same, there is no way I'm opening my steam deck to install a bigger m.2, but after watching many videos and seeing that the process doesn't really look that complicated, I'm tempted in selling my 512GB and place a new reservation for the 64GB and just replace the m.2 for a 1 TB which are going for $120 in Amazon, still cheaper than buying the 512GB.
@@kotta8kritter see I appreciate theses kind of feedback. I want value. Steam makes enough money through developers selling on their platform to need my support to buy a 512GB model, which is what it really is, help supplement the R&D costs.
@@PWCDN I sold my 512 GB model and my new 64GB model is schedule for delivery tomorrow. I'm still unsure about open it and replacing the SSD, so for now I got a 1 TB Sandisk Extreme micro SD card to have enough room for my games. I was using about 400 GB in the 512 GB.
I got a 256 middle tier deck. I was never into handhelds before. I just didn’t think the screen and extras of the 512 were worth it. But I didn’t want to be saddled with only 64. I found your channel for the Retroarch guides and I am super glad I did. I’m traveling a lot more for business and this channel has helped keep up with my gaming. Lol! Keep up the good work!
@@BroskiPlays No, it has the 64 gb case. The only difference between the 64 gb and 512 gb is the storage and some extra keyboard themes and a profile theme.
we are talking a small amount of money for not having to open your device. not only that he has it backwards the 64 is unplayable in almost any amount of light. I'm happily paying the extra $ for a easier/better overall stock experience. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.
Especially for retro games and emulation in general i prefer my sharp 64GB display to the expensive 512GB model. I don't see the color difference as a problem. The reflective glass can be easily fixed with a protective film if it is very annoying.
@@nagekun that is true, but when it comes to non-crt, it's better for them to be sharp, at least imo. i like how retro games looked on crt back in the days, but if i'm not playing them on crt now, then i prefer the sharpest, i disable all blur and softness effects, crt scanlines filters and so on. the sharper the pixel on a lcd, the better.
Looking at getting one of these versions. Thanks for the comparison. As of this date, all three versions are on sale on the Steam Summer Sale. 10%-20% off!
More color saturation =/= more accurate colors And if both the lights and darks are dimmer on the 512GB, then it seems you might get a similar result just turning down the brightness a notch on the 64GB, thus saving a bit of battery.
I don't think he said that though. He said that the colours were more saturated He also said that he felt the colours were more accurate. That's != =/=. That's 2 separate statements.
The biggest difference is that the 256 and 512gb versions have a pci gen 3 and the 64gb just a pci gen 2 slot ssd slot. That means the cheepest one is also the slowest one in terms of loading times.
Yes, the storage is faster on the 256GB and 512GB models, but even the eMMC storage on the 64GB is fast enough for games currently. Heck, reviewers haven't even found a noticeable difference running games off the microSD, so eMMC is just fine. However, I am interested in what's going to come from the eventual use of DirectStorage by games in the future. It's not even clear if the Steam Deck will support it when it does arrive (unless you dial boot Windows), but if it does, it'll be interesting to see what effect that has on storage choice for games and the difference in storage speed between the base model and the others.
the thing arrived on my birthday lol i have literally no use for it other than playing games in bed. i dont know why i asked for it. but i still love it. to be honest i dont feel too sure about anything at all right now.
I bought the 64gb version and found a 512gb ssd for 40 bucks so I saved quite a bit lol also I ended up buying another case on Amazon for 15 bucks that fits my charger, my Samsung buds, a mini Bluetooth keyboard with built in track pad, and my external nvme and multiple slots for SD cards.
@@Jezza_One can you even get an entry level CPU and GPU for under $250 each these days? That's before adding the case, power supply, storage, motherboard, RAM, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Plus the cost of the OS if you're going with windows.
@@thaddeusk The 512 model is £596 add the price of a good 512gb memory card and you are talking around £700 which can get you a reasonable low end desk top system which is what this device is.
I do enjoy the colour richness, it makes games feel that much more atmospheric but I've had some difficulty reading text or making icons on certain games. The less reflective screen has actually been a huge plus. I'm not someone who would have been comfortable opening mine up so I love my current one!
Si lo puse y leei tu comentario,mi duda es que tengo la versión de 512gb pero me gustaría protegerla con un protector sin perder el amtideslumbramiento y nose si colocarle un protector mate o arruinaría la visión de la pantalla
I'm actually pretty impressed with the performance of gaming from an SD card. I have a Sandisk Extreme 1TB and the load times seem pretty reasonable. You could also just get a fast USB-C drive if you don't want to risk damaging your unit but want more performance than an SD card. Write speed on the SD card is pretty bad, though, so installations can take a while.
As an owner of the 512GB model, I don't like the etched screen. It is more difficult to clean, like, if you have a bunch of finger smudges, you can't just wipe them off like a glossy screen. It also really isn't much better when it comes to reflections; playing outdoors, or in a bright room is still difficult to impossible at times. I'd say, save your money, buy a lower tier model, and use the savings for a large SD card, and/or games. Also, an FYI, if you have a protective case, your Deck isn't going to fit into the new dock. So that's annoying.
I have the mid 256 model. It has the 64 case inside with an all white raised logo with the power adapter bag. Just got a 1tb sd card too, so I’m set for a while. LOVING it.
Im confused with the different card names. Theres ssd card, SD card, and microSD card. Did you buy a 1tb microSD card and insert it into the outlet under the deck?
I don't know if it's youtube compression but when talking about the colour saturation and sharpness, I sat here like, "they literally look the same to me." I have the 512 GB model and I'm happy with it. It's tempting to install a higher SSD but I might just add a 512GB SD card later if I really need it (I have a 128GB right now).
I ordered the 64GB model. I'm happy with that one since I see absolutely no difference at all in your video. Well except for the reflection but I'm sure a cheap screen protector can fix that. By the time I get my steam deck I'm sure we will have the second gen coming out anyway :P
Today I was finally able to buy mine after months of waiting. Retrospecitvely I should not have bought the 256 gb version, because if you are willing to install a new drive, then there is no difference between that and the 64 gb version. I could have probably bought a 64 gb version and modded it to 512 gb for less than the 256 costed. Nonetheless I am still excited and cannot wait to see what it can do.
This is the exact reason why companies always provide a middle version. It's just to nudge you to get that expensive option a la apple. It didn't work on you but I'm sure a lot of people bought the 512gb with your exact reasoning
IFixit is selling the 512 screen replacement for $99….so if you don’t mind doing some modding you can actually get the full 512GB experience for about $600.
I went cheap and bought the 64GB. I bought a 128GB SSD to replace the eMMC but it's looking like I might not have to. Most everything, even Proton, can be run from the SD card and I have just the OS and one other runtime install on there. If I ever dual boot, then I'll upgrade. That said, SD Cards are notorious for dying over time and mine runs hot, so I think I'll wait for a 1TB before upgrading. I'll have enough space to dual boot and install my library. Any overflow can go to whatever SD card I have installed at that time.
While yes the 64GB model does get brighter, if you are outside, the anti-glare glass the 512GB model has might compensate for it. It would be nice to see a comparison outside, while in sunlight. Although it may be hard to record, it would be nice to see how much the anti-glare glass actually affects the need for higher brightness.
thanks for doing this. I went mid tier, specifically as I didn't like what the 512 model did to the glass. Down the road, I might try a screen protector on it with anti glare, see if that makes a difference, and also will add an SSD and Micro SD :-)
You say the 512GB version looks not as sharp but in my opinion, it more so just looks less pixelated. Yes, slightly less definition, but it gives a similar effect to anti-aliasing where those pixels around the edges of things look better when they're softened out and sort of "blended" together, rather than having jagged edges. Plus, that means you're less likely to be feeling you need anti aliasing in games too and saving some performance and power for other things.
I bought the 256gb and regretted it as soon as Valve said the 64gb would have an NVME slot. If you put a screen protector on the etched glass it's just going to glare again while an etched glass screen protector would look really washed on on the 512 model. The best bet would be a 64gb model, 1tb SSD upgrade for $170 on NewEgg, an etched glass screen protector from Amazon for $7 some kind of case upgrade that can also hold an external battery, usb hub, usb nvme (storage) drive, an hdmi cable, etc... This would be ideal.
I went with the 64gb and then installed a 512gb micro sd card. After watching this I am glad I did. It is one of the few times that I actually don't regret picking up the lower cost version instead of the higher one.
Great video! This was exactly what I was looking for. I actually went back after watching your EmuDeck Guide as I'm actually thinking of pulling the trigger on a Steam Deck purchase. It just seems like such an amazing device for all your gaming needs! Even after this video, I'm still on the fence about which one to get. I'll most likely get one with an additional dock to view on a monitor so not sure the Deck's screen is too much of a concern. Thanks for all of these handy reviews and guides!
As someone who has a hard time fitting all my games onto my laptop I went for the most storage with possibility of expanding it even more. I have quite a bit of games on steam and I bounce around a lot between games so more storage is the way I went
I bought the 512 GB model and it's arriving tomorrow! I'm so excited! I'm happy with my purchase, especially after watching this video as the differences are so minute that they're practically nonexistent (I'm paraphrasing what someone else commented).
If you get the 64GB version be aware that even though you store your games on an external SD Card all the shaders for your games download to the internal memory, that internal memory after downloading about 512GB of games goes down to about 10GB. So you are limited to how many games you can download as the shaders consistantly download and i've heard there can be issues if you run out of internal memory. Also to free up space for shaders on your internal memory you will have to delete games.
Quite the valuable details, thank you. I just reserved the 512gb, and the main factor was the internal storage, considering how big games can fet these days I wouldn't like to have just a couple of them downloaded before I run out of room. But I did not consider the shader conundrum.
@@Drose12335 it seems unlikely because shaders load faster from the internal storage. If you got your 64gb Deck, I guess you have to play the games from mSD to leave room for shaders on the internal. If you just reserved it, you'd be better off to cancel your 64gb reservation and pay a bit extra for one of the other two options, which will benefit you greatly in the long run.
I see some people avoiding the 512 specifically because of the etched glass fuzziness, though it is a little sad to be losing out on the nicer carrying case. Still, for the price difference, you can spring for a 1TB micro SD and come out ahead on cost, so it feels like the right decision by a long shot.
When you get a screen protector, it's gonna glare either way.. But the sharpness of the 64 GB version , Definitely better for people who Might need reading glasses.. mainly age related site problems.. as you get older it gets more difficult to read It starts around 40 years old gets worse every five years for people who don't know what I'm talking about. Happens to everybody, some alittle sooner than others some a little later than others. I am 48. I don't need glasses yet, but sometimes If the screen is not sharp anof , it's hard to make out really fine fine detail.. And I play and read at normal arms length normal comfortable reading Distance.. The 64 GB version looks good enough to me ,I don't like things Blurred The higher gigabyte version definitely looks blurred more..
Finally a video about the Steam Deck that really helps with the purchase decision. I will (have to) buy the large version because I want to play on the terrace more often in the summer. Many thanks says Michael from Germany!
I bought the 512 as I've always been a fan of anti-reflective screens - and I thought maybe I'd get it faster having stumped up 'premium cash' In the end (I believe as the 512 sold way better than expected) I only just got mine a week or so back, right at the end of 'my quarter'. Also, whilst waiting, I realized I'd probably want to put a screen protector on it - so would have made more sense to get a flat/gloss screen, and then add textured protector (I presuming using gloss protector will give me a reflective screen, and matte protector will make it very blurry) So - if I was doing it all again - probably the 64 and then upgrade the SSD. Can't say I have any regrets though. I bought it expecting "some limitations" as Valve's skunkworks project. Reality is everything I've tried with it works really well - it's all my PC games in my hand. I'd assumed if it 'took off' some devs might check their games work on it. Hadn't anticipated quite how good proton would be at taking any random game I had, and it 'just working'.
The two cars shown at 5:13 match pixel for pixel, the only difference between them is the shade of the color at each pixel. The 512gb model looks like it's better saturated though. You can check this by eye by picking a random pixel anywhere on the car and look for that corresponding pixel in the other picture. Do this a few times close together in 2 or 3 clumps and you'll find that those cars are a pixel for pixel match(thus, one cannot be softer than the other; no extra feathering done by the etched glass).
They are, but the 512 clearly has softer less defined pixel edges.i.e. the feathering is not big enough to bleed notably pixel to pixel, but does soften individual pixels.
@@silverdragonslair Not saying you are wrong but I viewed this on a 49 inch 4k display and saw none of that. Edit: Just to be clear, I'm in no way saying my display is better than silverdragonslair's display. At 49 inches, my pixel density is about the same as 1080p on a 24 inch monitor which isn't that great given the current display technology.
@@kefler187 It's subtle, but definitely there to my eyes on that zoom in. In any case, I have a 512 already and happy enough with it. Though the extra cost is slightly hard to justify.. but that's ever the way with upgrades at purchase.
@@kefler187 Honestly not really compared to sd card much yet, but I've had no notable complaints loading wise, mostly play forza horizon 5 on it so far and that runs fairly ok.
THX, I bought the 64 GB version and screwed in 1TB, I also treated myself to a 512GB Micro SD right away, bulletproof glass that is a little milky for anti-reflective coating, a bag that fits 2 controllers PS5 or XBox and a dock, for everything together I just paid 690€. thanks again for the video.
![NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nulvWqYUM8k/mqdefault.jpg)
Updated EmuDeck guide: ruclips.net/video/rs9jDHIDKkU/видео.html
I bought the 64 GB based on this video. Love it with Batocera v37!
BUT isn't the D-pad on the 64 GB unig degraded / much worse than the 512?
I was surprised yesterday when I compared the rather bad D-pad on my 64 GB unit Deck to one a 512 GB unit.
The D-pad on the old Steam Deck is WAY better!
It's much harder to run in a rhombus form on my new 64 GB model's D-pad than on the 512 GB unit.
Or could Valve really have cost-optimized the D-pads in general after the first batch making the new D-pads much worse just to save money?
why is your voice all f!%ked up?
why do you keep creepily trailing off into a disgusting whisper like that?
is there something wrong with you?
Most people aren’t gonna have the opportunity to compare two Decks side-by-side. If you have to scrutinize them that closely to see the difference I would argue that there’s practically no difference. Just be happy with whatever one you ordered. Have fun and don’t over think it!
I respect that comment, so true
this comment made me realize maybe overthinking is the cause of many human's worries... ^^
The difference is the storage
No matter what
Too much storage is better than too little
@@scorpiomelancholia1559 maybe. Depends on what you can afford. A 64GB Deck is fine if it’s all you can afford. Adding extra storage via an SD card is trivial once you can afford it.
My biggest complaint with using my Switch was seeing my ugly mug reflected in the screen. The etched glass on my Steam Deck has been a godsend in that regard.
64gb version is great for Horror games because your reflection can occasionally give you a jumpscare.
HAHAHAHAHA
Hahahaha turns out the real monster is the one staring back at you.
Getting scared my one's own ugly face
FYI, you can use a matte glass screen protector to achieve the same thing as the glass in the 512gb model
just make sure you dont get one that washes out the colors
@@rennie8063 And reduce the definition?
SORTA. But Not really. Nothing compares to a matte protector on the etched glass man.
Good luck with that.
Yep, came here to say the same. It will reduce clarity initially, but then you'll forget it's there eventually haha
I have no regrets with picking up the 64GB model. I picked up a 256GB SD card for it and things work perfectly. I've mainly been using it for emulation and I'm happy with that
See that's what I was going to do I was just wondering if it would work as good as replacing the internal SD on the inside
I ordered the 64 gb too, with a 512 gb sd card, as that was all I could afford. Might get a 2nd 512 gb sd card. One for emulation, one for my steam games.
Same, got a 64gb and 512gb sd card! I have a pc, laptop, switch and Xbox, I don’t think MORE storage is really necessary.
I originally reserved the 256GB when it was announced and got my email last May. I bought it and almost immediately changed my mind and asked for a refund* and reserved a 64 GB instead. I should have it by later today and have a bigger SSD ready with a hub and nvme enclosure.
*I could’ve resold it instead but at the moment I didn’t feel like going through the whole process.
theyre the same
I got the 256gb one. I wasn't planning on opening it up and replacing the M.2 storage. This was before I realised that the microSD expansion is pretty comparable to the internal drive. I ended up getting a good 512Gb microsd card and I'm happy wityh everything I've tried so far. Thanks for the video
Do u have any suggestions for 512 gb sd card? I’m trying to get one, but I don’t want to get a wrong one
@@blur.14045 sandisk
I got the 64gb one for 560 Canadian after taxes/shipping. Bought a 512gb microSD A2 150ms Samsung expansion for 55 with taxes/shipping 80 Canada. For 640 Canadian i got a 576gb Steam Deck. Steam is selling there 512gb deck for 820 Canadian before taxes/shipping.
If i need more space just buy another 512gb microSD and swap them in and out. Get a gas for the cards put a number on them. Then write all the games on the cards on a piece of paper. You just created your own hard copy's of those games.
My ideal for my steam deck is to download all my backlogged RPGs/JRPGs onto it. Like TALES series, Yakuza series, Neptunia series, Persona 4, Sword Art Online series, Atelier series. Most of those games i haven't played or beaten. I picked them up on sale. Like grabbing Yakuza 3,4,5 for under 30 Canadian.
Thank you for making this comparison video, I'm committed to getting the 64gb version now. You can get a 1tb 2230 ssd (granted it's pricy) and an anti-glare screen protector that fits the deck, could even pop in a 1tb micro SD card for added storage and get 2tb of games out of it. That's practically my entire steam library :)
Sounds like a great setup!
Me too
Same with me!
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about! Both models share the same screen. What he's comparing is different screen manufacturers that Steam used regardless of the model because of supply chain issues.
@@snowshoes5942 good to know, thank you. Probably still wouldn't hurt to invest in some screen protection though
I got the 512GB version. I like that I didn’t have to take it apart to install the new drive but I’m not opposed to it either to get a 1TB SSD in it either. Tbh any version is great, it’s an amazing handheld with tons of potential
That's what these videos never seem to truly consider. Most people don't want to break open their Steam Deck, figure out which NVMEs are compatible with the Deck, install it correctly, and then hope you didn't damage the system in some way by opening up the Deck. Not only is that more work, especially for someone unfamiliar with installing hardware, but you're always taking a chance that you might screw something up, even if it's something as small as messing with the internal system's build integrity. I'm NOT saying that people shouldn't upgrade their systems. All I'm saying is these things need to be considered and a $488 to $649 direct comparison is not a good comparison.
@@dontworry7440 You can just put a 512GB micro SD card in the 64GB version. No screwdriver needed
@@officialnucky wont be fast enough for some games. most will work fine
@Mister Black It's not just about how much storage. It's also about how fast that storage is.
Just get a 512gb sd card for 60 bucks
Would have been nice to see a speed comparison between the new SSD you dropped in vs the one that comes with the 512GB
YES
The most important change and he didnt cover it...
Podrían decirme que tal es el cambio ?
That wouldn’t be a good test as valve would use different models as production changes
They won’t be using the same supplier all the time therefore the test wouldn’t be representative
@@patron8831apenas perceptible.
As a CRT-TV user, I really liked this video, how you showed closeups of the sharp vs blended pixels. 512 model it is for me!
I have a 512gb and it looks great for old school games.
@@Shelboooooo As someone who plays retro just as, if not more often as modern games, this is very encouraging as I have reserved the 512 model.
@@anogredoctor Awesome. Retro looks great on it, throw on a scanline filter when playing PS2 games looks great as well.
god shut up
Thank you ! You're one of the first to compare egualy these 2 versions
Considering I plan to use this as a desktop for the most part, but still need portability on occasion, you've convinced me to just go with the 64 gb model
I was already planning on upgrading to at least a full terabyte of storage and all manner of other add-ons. The money I save here could easily go into making an actual complete build instead of the not-done it ships as
One good thing about this system is that you can always buy a larger SD card later on down the line. I’m planning on getting the 256gb model bc it’s a nice middle ground and planning on storing steam games on the internal and emulations on an SD card.
Just bought the 512 version. Super excited with the purchase.
😂my wife just came in the house with mines.
Couldn’t decide if I wanted the new one or the old version since it was on sale.
I don’t really care about the upgrades on the newer version after I watch a few reviews .
She got it for $300 512 GB and threw in $20 for him to hold it until she got to him.
She even got me a 512 Samsung Evo card ($29 Amazon) a kit that comes with a case, thumb caps, grip sticks, touch protectors ($6 Amazon) and a skin ($15 Amazon) to apply on my deck.
She just made my day!
Finally a whole video about the screen difference. Thanks a ton!
The Steam Deck has to be the most elusive handheld to get this year aside from the Odin. Sure we'd all be happy to get either at this point. Matte screens usually dim the brightness and vibrancy of colors compared to their glossy counterparts. Solid comparison overall Russ, thanks! Pretty interesting to see the colors more vibrant on the matte panel this time around as it's usually the opposite.
i got mine yesterday.....I still cannot get a damn ps5 i have given up.
I wouldn't say elusive. The reserve system is leagues better than everyone else
@@-RAYZ- yeah I won't buy the PS5 or XSX because it was not worth the hunt at all
Agreed, but that's only because the Valve Steam Deck is so value for money. Demand far outweighs supply. I'm willing to say it has higher demand, proportionally, than the Nintendo Switch, PS5, or Xbox series X.
The best version of the VSD to get is actually the cheapest model. Keep the SteamOS on the built-in emmc (64gb) module, and install a 1TB m.2 drive. Then install a screen protector for the glass, one that lowers glare so it can be used better outdoors and in the sun/bright lighting conditions. The travel case, even if it is not the premium one, is still a neat bonus you get for free.
Here's hoping this turns from a niche, to a mainstream console, where the big AAA-Game Studios begin to port their next-gen titles specifically to (Linux/APU) the hardware. The community can handle the rest such as; Porting older titles, Making Game Mods work, Emulation, Alternate OS, and other compatibility.
@@GGriffeyIII Completely agree but if you didn't order it in the first hour I'm pretty sure a lot of us are gonna be waiting for awhile yet. Solid preorder system just not enough to go around with how much demand valve has seen for the deck.
I pre-ordered the 64GB one. Simply because you can add not only an SSD, but also a memory card. So for around about the same money as the top tier one, you can get a 1TB SSD, a 1TB memory card, in addition to the 64GB eMMC storage. I understand some people just don't want to fool with upgrading, but if you're ok with it, it's a great way to go about it.
Have you thought about installing the Anti glare screen Ifixit has for the Steam Deck on your 64GB model? I'm wanting to do that when I get mine
You can also plug on a external drive using a dongle if you really want to go nuts with storage.
Are you satisfied with the steam deck? I'm thinking about buying for emulation but I'm still not sure if it's worth the price.
Loving the new intro music, this one in particular is, quite nice.
I feel like the etched anti-glare glass won't make too much of a difference if you are planning to use a screen protector anyways. I mean the fuzziness of the etched glass will be there no matter what, but if you get the cheaper one, you can probably get etching or anti-glare on the screen protector for the cheaper deck if you think you might want it.
Yeh but with the screen protector it's even better man. I picked one of the 512gb's up off a guy for about 500$. I've had it three days now and I'm already using it with the internal OS replaced with windows and all the drivers and stuff hooked up so I can use it for video editing, music production and other things than just steamOS capability
@@DeeKnow a la versión de 512gb le pusiste protector de pantalla? Estoy pensando en ponerle alguno pero el brillante haría perder el amti deslumbramiento y si le coloco uno mate temo que se vería peor la pantalla
@@chispasalou Matte looks fine.
@@DeeKnow te refieres a ponerle protector de pantalla mate se ve bien ?
@@DeeKnow o sin el protector?
Thank you so much for this video. Other comparisons have them being waved around under a direct light, and in those conditions the 512 looks super washed out. Your take shows us what we’re actually going to be looking at. Going with the 512 for those colors.
This is exactly the comparison I've been wanting to see. Thank you!
I ordered the 512 version and don’t regret it.
Especially since I can swap versions, I already waited almost a year…. I’m not waiting 2 😅
1. I saw someone on RUclips talk about their experience with the anti glare on a hike & he explained that it was a great experience.
2. Seeing this video demonstrate the reflection of your own face doesn’t pop up makes me confident that I made the right decision
3. 512 GB is a lot and I can store 80% of my library on it alone so that made the difference for me. To have most my games stored on the device soley is amazing.
I will play this 90% of my time on the couch in the morning / bed at night.
I have to try really hard to see a difference in the sharpness. Even then I’m doubting if I’m really seeing it. So for me at least, there isn’t a glaring difference between the two. I do notice a bit brighter image on the 64gb and the ever slight colour difference. I think these would not be noticeable to me during gaming.
I got the 512 gb. It will be here friday (2 more days!!) and im really excited. I, like most gamers, don't do the "outside" very often. That mixed with the fact im a bio-chem/pre-med, i spend all my time in a lab or some similar room. The anti-glare is what sold me. Even just being on my phone, the glare of those super florescent lights of labs is so distracting. For me, the clarity of the device is going to be the thing that impacts me the most on a day-to-day basis.
remember that with 512 model, u cannot use tempered glass(removes anti-glare effect)
If i were to buy a deck i would buy the 512gb as well. No glare is super important to me.
Thank you for doing the comparisons. The 64GB and adding your own drive is the say to go for sure.
get the 256 its still better to have the NVME that is on the board.
@@NoSuRReNDeR001 When he said adding his own drive he will swap that 64 GB out for an NVME himself and save about $100.
I've been on the fence for a while now. I'm leaning towards the 64 GB version and a 512 GB card. I'm looking forward to exploring all the potential this platform has. Besides gaming, there's streaming videos and tons of other things to do.
any updates on this dude? did you end up buying the 64 gb version?
@@foxtrot8858 Sorry, this is the third time I've tried to write this. My mouse keeps locking up and messing everything up.
I got the 64GB version with a 1TB SanDisk card. I set it up and installed No Man's Sky, Skyrim, Mass Effect Legendary, and Spiderman. Everything ran great. I highly recommend the Steam Deck to anyone that likes and uses handheld devices.
My problem was getting used to the controls. I am used to using a KB/mouse while sitting in a recliner 4ft from a 66 inch tv. After a couple of weeks trying to adapt to it I just put it on a shelf. It's just not for me.
@@NotaVampyre111 can't you connect it to the TV and use keyboard and mouse...like using the steam deck as a steam desktop pc?🤔
@@maciej_zieba Yes I could but I already have a very good gaming PC hooked up to a 65 inch TV.
The Steam Deck is an outstanding device but it's not for me. I gave it to my nephew. He loves it.
Oh, I did stream the SD to my TV and it was flawless. If you haven't tried that, it's great.
@@NotaVampyre111 ahh okay. That's good as was looking into something like that. I have a pc but it's mid range and don't play that much games so don't want to invest a lot into it. So thought I might have a look at steam deck and just seeing how it is. Just would like to play a few games like red dead which would not run on my pc😆
Though it's between this and a ps5. Thanks for the reply, appreciate it😁👍🏻
First off, loved the video. I've been watching steam deck content and reviews sporadically since before they shipped and none have given me such a good look at the screen experiences. Most also brush over the cases with not much detail. Much appreciated for the insight even though I've already committed to the 512 😅
Here's a summary with my loose price estimates:
Storage upgrade (assuming same price): $95 after tax
Case upgrade: $30
screen upgrade (I prefer the color quality over sharpness on this small of a screen and hate the reflective glare):
$30 for the etched glass (can probably find a similar adhesive screen)
$30 for the color quality
-$10 for the lack of brightness (though it seems to oversaturate the image on the 64gb). $50 total
All in all that comes to $175. However, if you aren't experienced with tech repair/modifications like me you gotta factor in upgrade labor. I'm gonna put that at a conservative $50 and another $20 for the risk of frying your device.
$245. Which puts it right about equal!
I live in a campervan and rely on solar most of the time, so I've been looking for a low power draw PC gaming experience but didn't want to have to learn to deal with the 3rd party PC handhelds and their jank and clunk. Steam deck showed up at the perfect time.
I wish the industry were making competitive products in the energy efficient category because they've been reaching severe diminishing returns with power draw to hardware strength for a while now. I doubt steam had any of that in mind when designing the deck. It was definitely just the restraints of a portable device at this price point. Nonetheless, it's perfect for my situation.
I really like the extremely competitive pricing that steam chose. The $400 dollar model is outstanding value per dollar. I'm really excited to see how this impacts the industry. I don't consider it in competition with the switch, completely different types of gamers, but a successful steam deck would show the risk averse megacorps that it's possible if done correctly.
Did you convince yourself?
@@GabrielSchlaefer oh yeah 🤙
@@_skudhow’re u enjoying it and which model did u pick
I will say about the 64 gig mainly because I had in mind as a tester. When I purchased it. My head was like one console to rule them all and I wanted to make sure that the steam deck did just that. As of right now I will say I am not disappointed. It is absolutely done exactly what I thought it would do. That. Also being said, I would have preferred to pick up the high-end model. In hindsight. The updates alone have blown out my 64 gig. I'm already looking at possible storage expansion and I've only had it for less than a year.
@aaaaqqq
I got the 256GB model. I wanted the 512, but knew I was going to put a screen protector on it. The only good quality screen protector is the Dbrand, which is glossy. Adding a glossy screen protector to a non-glare screen would defeat it's purpose.
"The only good quality screen protector is Dbrand" bruh this is so stupidly false lol Kudos to DBrands marketing team for making you dummies believe this
So who makes a non-glare screen protector?
@@gregoryvoutsas7903 Magglass makes an anit-glare glass protector.
@@terrorvizyn1043 Thank you!!!
@@gibiati8295 who hurt you
I reserved the 256 GB Version. I don't feel safe installing a SSD myself, but i don't wanna miss out on one either. Having said that, most games run perfectly fine from a SD Card aswell. I Don't think i will notice the Screen reflections either. So i'm happy with my choice.
256 Gb is the sweet spot for me too.
I think that also feels right to get and I wil consider!
Great video! I wouldnt have minded the etched glass, but didnt want to pay even more for it. 256gb gang
Have had all 3, settled on the 256. Didn't like the anti-glare of the 512 and the 64gb was noticeably slower when comparing them for me.
I got the 512 GB model. I wanted the etched glass, and it's nice to have a good bit of storage right out of the box. Also, prices for these SSDs were different a year ago. The demand went up by an insane amount because of the steam deck, and so production of them also ramped up. The maximum capacity for that size SSD when the steam deck was announced was only 512gb, but now manufacturers are making 2TB SSDs of that form factor. It wasn't a technical challenge or anything, it's just that the demand was extremely low. The prices were also higher for these SSDs when the steam deck was announced than they are now.
Another reason that I'm not too opposed to buying the 512GB one is that Valve has razor thin margins on these systems, and is likely losing money on the 64GB model. I'm happy to spend a bit extra, since it will be supporting the steam deck project and valve's development of Proton, and likely encourage them to release future revisions of the Steam Deck. Valve's development of Proton benefits everyone, not just steam deck owners. As a Linux gamer, it is what allowed me to completely remove Windows from my system. Without their development of Proton, I would still be locked into the Windows ecosystem for gaming. I'm happy to say, that I have not touched a Windows install in months.
So they started making 2TB 2230 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD ? I didn't find these online yet. It's good to know, it would be the perfect size for me. The max I did find in 2230 format is 1TB.
Edit : I saw that it started being available on eBay.
@@Gamex99999 linus tech tips has a video about it, go look up "making the ultimate steam deck" then skip to the SSD part
@@youreyesarebleeding1368 I see. It's not a thing yet. They got an engineering sample from Micron.
Edit : It's a thing now, at least for Micron.
@@Gamex99999 ah fair enough, i just thought it would already be out by now, or rather quickly at least. We'll see it soon though which is exciting
Yeah... poor Valve... lets give them as much money as we can...
For me I have the 64 gb and honestly it's the most fun I ever had with the system in a long time and usually I just use an SD card that has the most storage
The Steam Deck requires a micro SD card, right? You just insert it into the Deck, install games on the SD card and play?
@@boristheblade9496 yessir
@@wwe682 what’s a sad card also which sad card is recommended also I am stuck on which steam deck version to buy because I want the anti glare screen so idk what version 😢please help me decide
@@troymoviemadness7130 well now I use a 400 GB SD card so if your backlog is pretty decent that could be a good way to use
@@wwe682 which sd card is it ? Also which steam deck version is worth getting can you explain the 64gb towards the highest price steam deck anti hate screen
If I could go back I’d probably order the $399 version but I’m happy to stick with the 512. I don’t want to give up my place in line just to save some money
It’s been 80 years…..
When did you reserve yours? I reserved mine in May and I'm in after q3 and honestly I'm just desperate to get it lmao
@@pingus9934 I ordered mine the day preorders went live about 1 hour and 40 minutes after they went live. Sadly your probably gonna have to wait a while. 😕
@@christophersullivan7273 my fake hope is like I don't mind waiting till the end of the year, but it comes next year I'm probably gonna forget about it till then lmfao
I did the SD calculator and only 2.5-3.0% of orders have been shipped. They have shipped the first 3 hours of pre orders. FML.
Thanks for letting us know about the drive upgrade
Good comparison on the screen and storage case. I was hoping to see a comparison on the impact of difference between different storage like game load times, etc. Maybe that could be a video you could do.
This video answered my questions that for some reason I couldn't find elsewhere 👍👍 Now I'm at ease with buying one.
I picked the 64Gb version for the insane price/performance and got it two weeks ago. I’m definitely not regretting it. I’m using a 512Gb SD Card for my games and for me it works great 👍
I know its been a while since you made this comment, but it would be extremely helpful if you could tell me what brand of SD card you got. I think I will also get the 64gb one but need to ensure proper storage so yeah
@@odd_ball just saw your question. I grabbed the Samsung Evo 512gb because it got better writing speed than the cheap SanDisk it’s still cheap. Also grabbed a 1TB Amazon branded recently and it’s okay while playing games from it also but slower than the Samsung while downloading/writing
@@Thunderhawk8472 thank you so much
thanks man, this guide gave me a lot of info on which one to buy
i think it's worth mentioning that the internal storage on the 64GB model is not NVMe, its eMMC which is a bit slower. So boot up times and game load times will be slower compared to the larger storage models.
is that something that would be fixed by replacing the drive like he described at the start, or would the speed of the new drive be slower because of the actual board of the 64GB deck
@@dihydrogenmonoxide2878 There's no evidence Valve did change anything about the models other than upgrade to quadro-sized NVMe between lowest and mid-tier and double NVMe size plus change to etched screen to the highest. The 256 GB model is arguably better in any way except for the price and the 512 GB is preference due to the change in screens.
Since Valve now includes PCIe 3.0 x2 drives in some poor fellas (luckily not mine despite late Q2) higher-tier models, I'd bet that the eMMC is just limited to PCIe 2.0 x2 even though the interface can still do 3.0 x4.
@@dihydrogenmonoxide2878 eMMC drives are soldered onto the board itself so it is not replaceable. I'm not sure if the 64GB model has an empty NVMe slot or not. if it does, you should be able to put in a compatible NVMe drive.
I play a lot on the switch... So if I could deal with those load times, I think I could handle these load times. 😂
I am HUGE handheld fan. I like to put a show on in the background while I play a game on a handheld, so this thing is a must buy for me. Mine ships in q3 and I can't wait to get it.
@@redfin382 I'm a switch gamer myself & games I play load pretty quick. What version of SteamDeck did you get ?
Now the ultimate test: glossy screen protector (on 512GB model) versus matte screen protector (on 64GB model) 😁
That would actually be interesting. I want to see if the screen protector ruins the etched screen
I accidentally got regular protectors instead of matte. I had it on for a few weeks, got sick of the glare and took it off. Came off clean fyi
@@ronvonson2227 does the matte screen protector take away from the anti glare etching do you know?
@@GameTimeWhy matte is anti glare, I don't imagine it'll be much different. If it's worse enough to notice or better I'll let you know.
@@ronvonson2227 awesome thank you.
I do prefer the saturation, however I decided to stick to a budget and buy the 64gb model, BUT due tot he fact I can't really do crap with 64gb of space (thanks shader cache \o/) I actually ended up buying a 256gb module for cheap. slapping it in there, and using my 512GB SD card for some games too.
Mainly it came down to FF14 and warframe, both of which would not patch on the 64gb model EVEN though they are installed on the SD card, now that I upgraded, oddly enough even though they are still on the SD card, they work fine, which it could have been just a storage issue overall, but meh. I'm happy either way.
I preordered the 512 model, and it's finally shipping. I don't have any regrets on ordering the 512 model, as I placed the order for the etched glass, along with the initial 512gb storage. The etched glass was just such a huge selling point for me, and everything I've seen so far, I'm glad I did.
Do you recall how long it was between reserving and shipping?
I reserved one recently knowing I have to wait a bit but I'm just curious what people's wait times have been.
@@iyeetsecurity922 I paid for my Deck on Thursday the 7th of July. My Deck was delivered on Friday the 15th of July.
@@spencerb8149 When did you reserve it though? Did you have to wait a month or more before the _"Pay up sucka!"_ email got to you?
The etched glass is affecting the sharpness and brightness. BUT you also probably don't have to crank it up as high to overcome ambient reflections. SO...YAY trade-offs.
I really appreciate your reviews on the Steam Deck. They've been very helpful.
Thanks for the comparison. The 64 gb version is exactly what I need. A replacement drive and a matte film will make it better and way cheaper than the 512 gb version. The ccarry ase I couldn't care less about. More money for upgrades that matter (sticks, fan etc)
Did you buy
@@ogditelton4751 not yet, waiting for black friday or xmas prices. no rush
I want a non etched screen. I want to use a screen protector. Possibly an etched one, possibly not. But the money is just a big deal for storage and etching.
Great video
Got my 256gb model today. Running some grim dawn on it. It was the sweet spot for me since these are pricey. Whatever you pick, it’s a great piece of hardware.
I also got the 256gb model. The 512gb was too expensive and I couldn't deal with the 64gb only being able to hold a single large game and that slower transfer speed. And there's no way I'm opening up my steam deck to install something.
@@xenos_n. I got the 512 GB, received it yesterday. When I placed the reservation I was thinking the same, there is no way I'm opening my steam deck to install a bigger m.2, but after watching many videos and seeing that the process doesn't really look that complicated, I'm tempted in selling my 512GB and place a new reservation for the 64GB and just replace the m.2 for a 1 TB which are going for $120 in Amazon, still cheaper than buying the 512GB.
@@kotta8kritter see I appreciate theses kind of feedback. I want value. Steam makes enough money through developers selling on their platform to need my support to buy a 512GB model, which is what it really is, help supplement the R&D costs.
@@PWCDN I sold my 512 GB model and my new 64GB model is schedule for delivery tomorrow. I'm still unsure about open it and replacing the SSD, so for now I got a 1 TB Sandisk Extreme micro SD card to have enough room for my games. I was using about 400 GB in the 512 GB.
@@kotta8kritter I'm thinking about the same thing. Order the 64 with 1tb Sandisk Extreme. What are your findings so far?
Thanks a lot! This help me so much in deciding on which steam deck I should buy.
10/10 great video
I got a 256 middle tier deck. I was never into handhelds before. I just didn’t think the screen and extras of the 512 were worth it. But I didn’t want to be saddled with only 64. I found your channel for the Retroarch guides and I am super glad I did. I’m traveling a lot more for business and this channel has helped keep up with my gaming. Lol! Keep up the good work!
Do you have the improved traveling case?
@@BroskiPlays No, it has the 64 gb case. The only difference between the 64 gb and 512 gb is the storage and some extra keyboard themes and a profile theme.
we are talking a small amount of money for not having to open your device. not only that he has it backwards the 64 is unplayable in almost any amount of light. I'm happily paying the extra $ for a easier/better overall stock experience. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.
Especially for retro games and emulation in general i prefer my sharp 64GB display to the expensive 512GB model. I don't see the color difference as a problem. The reflective glass can be easily fixed with a protective film if it is very annoying.
The protective film will remove the clarity...
And with the protective film you mentioned, you lose the benefits of the reflective screen haha
retro games look better on crt aka not sharp pixels
@@nagekun that is true, but when it comes to non-crt, it's better for them to be sharp, at least imo.
i like how retro games looked on crt back in the days, but if i'm not playing them on crt now, then i prefer the sharpest, i disable all blur and softness effects, crt scanlines filters and so on. the sharper the pixel on a lcd, the better.
Looking at getting one of these versions. Thanks for the comparison. As of this date, all three versions are on sale on the Steam Summer Sale. 10%-20% off!
Just sold some rust skins for an extra 100 towards the deck
I got the 512gb. Just dont want to mess with my deck. Im happy with it and loading on a microSD card is just as quick compared to internal
i bought the 64gb model and bought a 1tb ssd for it for only $150. i'm very happy
More color saturation =/= more accurate colors
And if both the lights and darks are dimmer on the 512GB, then it seems you might get a similar result just turning down the brightness a notch on the 64GB, thus saving a bit of battery.
I don't think he said that though.
He said that the colours were more saturated
He also said that he felt the colours were more accurate.
That's != =/=. That's 2 separate statements.
Fantastic review! Thanks for taking the time.
The biggest difference is that the 256 and 512gb versions have a pci gen 3 and the 64gb just a pci gen 2 slot ssd slot. That means the cheepest one is also the slowest one in terms of loading times.
This comment makes me feel better for switching my pre order to the 256 from the 64 way back when lol
Yes, the storage is faster on the 256GB and 512GB models, but even the eMMC storage on the 64GB is fast enough for games currently. Heck, reviewers haven't even found a noticeable difference running games off the microSD, so eMMC is just fine. However, I am interested in what's going to come from the eventual use of DirectStorage by games in the future. It's not even clear if the Steam Deck will support it when it does arrive (unless you dial boot Windows), but if it does, it'll be interesting to see what effect that has on storage choice for games and the difference in storage speed between the base model and the others.
the thing arrived on my birthday lol
i have literally no use for it other than playing games in bed. i dont know why i asked for it. but i still love it. to be honest i dont feel too sure about anything at all right now.
I bought the 64gb version and found a 512gb ssd for 40 bucks so I saved quite a bit lol also I ended up buying another case on Amazon for 15 bucks that fits my charger, my Samsung buds, a mini Bluetooth keyboard with built in track pad, and my external nvme and multiple slots for SD cards.
Can you link the case please ?
Yeah can you link it for other people who are interested?
I bought the 512GB last June, just got it yesterday. I haven't even had time to open it yet but I'm pretty freakin pumped! Thanks for the insights!
512 is where it's at! Though, you can't go wrong with any of the steam decks. They are all nice!
The 512 model is approaching the same price as an acceptable PC gaming rig. Its just too expensive.
@@Jezza_One can you even get an entry level CPU and GPU for under $250 each these days? That's before adding the case, power supply, storage, motherboard, RAM, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Plus the cost of the OS if you're going with windows.
@@thaddeusk The 512 model is £596 add the price of a good 512gb memory card and you are talking around £700 which can get you a reasonable low end desk top system which is what this device is.
@@Jezza_One yeah, but you can't take your rig with you wherever you go
I do enjoy the colour richness, it makes games feel that much more atmospheric but I've had some difficulty reading text or making icons on certain games. The less reflective screen has actually been a huge plus. I'm not someone who would have been comfortable opening mine up so I love my current one!
Le pusiste protector de pantalla?
@@chispasalou Le pusiste google translate?
Si lo puse y leei tu comentario,mi duda es que tengo la versión de 512gb pero me gustaría protegerla con un protector sin perder el amtideslumbramiento y nose si colocarle un protector mate o arruinaría la visión de la pantalla
I'm actually pretty impressed with the performance of gaming from an SD card. I have a Sandisk Extreme 1TB and the load times seem pretty reasonable. You could also just get a fast USB-C drive if you don't want to risk damaging your unit but want more performance than an SD card. Write speed on the SD card is pretty bad, though, so installations can take a while.
or just replace the SSD
I am glad I ordered the 512GB model the colors are much nicer.
me too
Which model ultimately has better graphics ?
I got the 256. I didn't want to spend much more than that and I could easily get a screen protector anti glare on the cheap.
As an owner of the 512GB model, I don't like the etched screen. It is more difficult to clean, like, if you have a bunch of finger smudges, you can't just wipe them off like a glossy screen. It also really isn't much better when it comes to reflections; playing outdoors, or in a bright room is still difficult to impossible at times.
I'd say, save your money, buy a lower tier model, and use the savings for a large SD card, and/or games.
Also, an FYI, if you have a protective case, your Deck isn't going to fit into the new dock. So that's annoying.
I have the mid 256 model. It has the 64 case inside with an all white raised logo with the power adapter bag. Just got a 1tb sd card too, so I’m set for a while. LOVING it.
So it does support 1tb card? That's good to hear. I'm waiting for my 256GB model.
Which micro SD card you got? SanDisk Extreme?
@@123ftw1 Yup. It will support 1T. I think I went with Sandisk.
Im confused with the different card names. Theres ssd card, SD card, and microSD card. Did you buy a 1tb microSD card and insert it into the outlet under the deck?
I don't know if it's youtube compression but when talking about the colour saturation and sharpness, I sat here like, "they literally look the same to me."
I have the 512 GB model and I'm happy with it. It's tempting to install a higher SSD but I might just add a 512GB SD card later if I really need it (I have a 128GB right now).
I ordered the 64GB model. I'm happy with that one since I see absolutely no difference at all in your video. Well except for the reflection but I'm sure a cheap screen protector can fix that. By the time I get my steam deck I'm sure we will have the second gen coming out anyway :P
@ Brittany P you were so wrong on so many levels
Somehow you seem to cover every single thing i am interested in on your channel. It's pretty rad. Thanks, man
Today I was finally able to buy mine after months of waiting. Retrospecitvely I should not have bought the 256 gb version, because if you are willing to install a new drive, then there is no difference between that and the 64 gb version. I could have probably bought a 64 gb version and modded it to 512 gb for less than the 256 costed. Nonetheless I am still excited and cannot wait to see what it can do.
This is the exact reason why companies always provide a middle version. It's just to nudge you to get that expensive option a la apple. It didn't work on you but I'm sure a lot of people bought the 512gb with your exact reasoning
IFixit is selling the 512 screen replacement for $99….so if you don’t mind doing some modding you can actually get the full 512GB experience for about $600.
You forgot the case
As much as i like the nicer case, the lower end model's clearer text is a necessity for me. Thanks!
Happy to help!
@@RetroGameCorps bro what music did u use in the intro?
I went cheap and bought the 64GB.
I bought a 128GB SSD to replace the eMMC but it's looking like I might not have to. Most everything, even Proton, can be run from the SD card and I have just the OS and one other runtime install on there. If I ever dual boot, then I'll upgrade.
That said, SD Cards are notorious for dying over time and mine runs hot, so I think I'll wait for a 1TB before upgrading. I'll have enough space to dual boot and install my library. Any overflow can go to whatever SD card I have installed at that time.
While yes the 64GB model does get brighter, if you are outside, the anti-glare glass the 512GB model has might compensate for it.
It would be nice to see a comparison outside, while in sunlight. Although it may be hard to record, it would be nice to see how much the anti-glare glass actually affects the need for higher brightness.
a 12$ anti glare screen protector can solve that problem
The anti-glare glass is really not worth it.
@@catscanhavelittleasalami That's highly subjective.
The brightness reduction is probably from the anti-glare glass treatment they are using.
Now those of us needing A Install video! Need that video for the upgrade!
thanks for doing this.
I went mid tier, specifically as I didn't like what the 512 model did to the glass.
Down the road, I might try a screen protector on it with anti glare, see if that makes a difference, and also will add an SSD and Micro SD :-)
You say the 512GB version looks not as sharp but in my opinion, it more so just looks less pixelated. Yes, slightly less definition, but it gives a similar effect to anti-aliasing where those pixels around the edges of things look better when they're softened out and sort of "blended" together, rather than having jagged edges. Plus, that means you're less likely to be feeling you need anti aliasing in games too and saving some performance and power for other things.
I bought the 256gb and regretted it as soon as Valve said the 64gb would have an NVME slot. If you put a screen protector on the etched glass it's just going to glare again while an etched glass screen protector would look really washed on on the 512 model. The best bet would be a 64gb model, 1tb SSD upgrade for $170 on NewEgg, an etched glass screen protector from Amazon for $7 some kind of case upgrade that can also hold an external battery, usb hub, usb nvme (storage) drive, an hdmi cable, etc... This would be ideal.
Just posting because this is good enough to deserve a positive comment.
I went with the 64gb and then installed a 512gb micro sd card. After watching this I am glad I did. It is one of the few times that I actually don't regret picking up the lower cost version instead of the higher one.
Its basicly the same device smart choise ssd or hdd isnt any difference not worth spending so much extra for nothing
@@aqwsderxz there’s a huge difference between SSD and HDD. What are you talking about?
Great video! This was exactly what I was looking for. I actually went back after watching your EmuDeck Guide as I'm actually thinking of pulling the trigger on a Steam Deck purchase. It just seems like such an amazing device for all your gaming needs!
Even after this video, I'm still on the fence about which one to get. I'll most likely get one with an additional dock to view on a monitor so not sure the Deck's screen is too much of a concern.
Thanks for all of these handy reviews and guides!
As someone who has a hard time fitting all my games onto my laptop I went for the most storage with possibility of expanding it even more. I have quite a bit of games on steam and I bounce around a lot between games so more storage is the way I went
I bought the 512 GB model and it's arriving tomorrow! I'm so excited! I'm happy with my purchase, especially after watching this video as the differences are so minute that they're practically nonexistent (I'm paraphrasing what someone else commented).
If you get the 64GB version be aware that even though you store your games on an external SD Card all the shaders for your games download to the internal memory, that internal memory after downloading about 512GB of games goes down to about 10GB. So you are limited to how many games you can download as the shaders consistantly download and i've heard there can be issues if you run out of internal memory.
Also to free up space for shaders on your internal memory you will have to delete games.
Quite the valuable details, thank you. I just reserved the 512gb, and the main factor was the internal storage, considering how big games can fet these days I wouldn't like to have just a couple of them downloaded before I run out of room. But I did not consider the shader conundrum.
was regretting my 512 order until I read this very interesting comment! thank you.
Looks like it’s the 512 for me than.
This is the only thing I’m scared of now. Hopefully they fix this and allow everything to go to the sd card.
@@Drose12335 it seems unlikely because shaders load faster from the internal storage. If you got your 64gb Deck, I guess you have to play the games from mSD to leave room for shaders on the internal. If you just reserved it, you'd be better off to cancel your 64gb reservation and pay a bit extra for one of the other two options, which will benefit you greatly in the long run.
20 mins & 1tb installed. Thank you for the insight. Huge help
what’s the difference between changing the internal storage and just getting an sd card?
I see some people avoiding the 512 specifically because of the etched glass fuzziness, though it is a little sad to be losing out on the nicer carrying case.
Still, for the price difference, you can spring for a 1TB micro SD and come out ahead on cost, so it feels like the right decision by a long shot.
When you get a screen protector, it's gonna glare either way.. But the sharpness of the 64 GB version , Definitely better for people who Might need reading glasses.. mainly age related site problems.. as you get older it gets more difficult to read It starts around 40 years old gets worse every five years for people who don't know what I'm talking about. Happens to everybody, some alittle sooner than others some a little later than others. I am 48. I don't need glasses yet, but sometimes If the screen is not sharp anof , it's hard to make out really fine fine detail.. And I play and read at normal arms length normal comfortable reading Distance.. The 64 GB version looks good enough to me ,I don't like things Blurred The higher gigabyte version definitely looks blurred more..
Finally a video about the Steam Deck that really helps with the purchase decision. I will (have to) buy the large version because I want to play on the terrace more often in the summer. Many thanks says Michael from Germany!
Glad I could help!
The etched glass actually makes it better in outdoor situations, reducing glare from the sun...
Russ, Thank You so much for this honest and great review!
If the 64GB still has the original eMMC storage, I'd be curious to see if there's an performance differences between it and the 512GB NVME storage
There is, but only in things like loading times.
@@IcoKirov That's what I'd expect. Are they significant?
@@Covnam not by much. I think the phawx made a comparison
@@IcoKirov Good to know, thanks for the info :)
I got the 64bg and just pit a 1 tb micro sd and man its been great. Not even noticable of a difference tbh.
we gonna talk about how he had legend of zelda breath of the wild on the steam deck
I bought the 512 as I've always been a fan of anti-reflective screens - and I thought maybe I'd get it faster having stumped up 'premium cash'
In the end (I believe as the 512 sold way better than expected) I only just got mine a week or so back, right at the end of 'my quarter'.
Also, whilst waiting, I realized I'd probably want to put a screen protector on it - so would have made more sense to get a flat/gloss screen, and then add textured protector (I presuming using gloss protector will give me a reflective screen, and matte protector will make it very blurry)
So - if I was doing it all again - probably the 64 and then upgrade the SSD.
Can't say I have any regrets though. I bought it expecting "some limitations" as Valve's skunkworks project. Reality is everything I've tried with it works really well - it's all my PC games in my hand. I'd assumed if it 'took off' some devs might check their games work on it. Hadn't anticipated quite how good proton would be at taking any random game I had, and it 'just working'.
Alfinal colocaste un protector de pantalla?
Can't you just get the 64gb and then buy an sd card?
The two cars shown at 5:13 match pixel for pixel, the only difference between them is the shade of the color at each pixel. The 512gb model looks like it's better saturated though.
You can check this by eye by picking a random pixel anywhere on the car and look for that corresponding pixel in the other picture. Do this a few times close together in 2 or 3 clumps and you'll find that those cars are a pixel for pixel match(thus, one cannot be softer than the other; no extra feathering done by the etched glass).
They are, but the 512 clearly has softer less defined pixel edges.i.e. the feathering is not big enough to bleed notably pixel to pixel, but does soften individual pixels.
@@silverdragonslair Not saying you are wrong but I viewed this on a 49 inch 4k display and saw none of that.
Edit: Just to be clear, I'm in no way saying my display is better than silverdragonslair's display. At 49 inches, my pixel density is about the same as 1080p on a 24 inch monitor which isn't that great given the current display technology.
@@kefler187 It's subtle, but definitely there to my eyes on that zoom in. In any case, I have a 512 already and happy enough with it. Though the extra cost is slightly hard to justify.. but that's ever the way with upgrades at purchase.
@@silverdragonslair Good stuff ! How's the M.2 performance on it?
@@kefler187 Honestly not really compared to sd card much yet, but I've had no notable complaints loading wise, mostly play forza horizon 5 on it so far and that runs fairly ok.
THX, I bought the 64 GB version and screwed in 1TB, I also treated myself to a 512GB Micro SD right away, bulletproof glass that is a little milky for anti-reflective coating, a bag that fits 2 controllers PS5 or XBox and a dock, for everything together I just paid 690€. thanks again for the video.