The practically $700 Restricted Version Steam Deck OLED was launched in November 2023 and got here with all of the enhancements discovered within the regular OLED Deck, but in addition sported a translucent plastic shell. However this pricier, restricted variant appears to be cracking resulting from overly-tight screws and potential points with the particular plastic used to create its clear shell.
Since its preliminary launch in 2022, Valve’s moveable PC, the Steam Deck, has been an enormous success for the corporate and helped usher in a brand new period of moveable, Change-like PC units. In late 2023, to assist keep on the high and beat out the brand new competitors, Valve launched the Steam Deck OLED, an upgraded model of the machine with a fancier display screen, extra storage, and a greater battery. Alongside this, Valve launched a restricted version upgraded model of the OLED Deck that price greater than different variations—$680—and got here with additional ornamental touches, like coloured vents and a clear shell. Nonetheless, this priciest model of the machine appears to be liable to cracking, in line with many on Reddit.
Over on the Steam Deck subreddit, you’ll find many various house owners sharing images and tales of discovering tiny cracks within the again of their pretty new Restricted Version OLED Steam Decks. The cracks are usually discovered close to screws at the back of the machine.
“I awoke this morning to an unlucky shock,” posted one consumer on April 1. “The plastic shell subsequent to the vent cracked and now the part close to the SD card slot is wobbly. I’ve by no means dropped my deck and I all the time retailer it within the offered case when not in use. I’m hoping it’s not a top quality challenge with the translucent shell materials, so I’m posting this in case different individuals with the LE expertise the identical factor.”
Others took to the replies, chiming in to say that they’d discovered related cracks of their Restricted Version Decks, too.
“Wow. I’ve these cracks too it seems. That’s some bullshit proper there,” one consumer replied.
“I checked mine and it occurred to me as effectively. Oh no,” posted another person.
Trying across the subreddit, I discovered loads of posts and feedback the place individuals declare to have checked their LE OLED Steam Decks and found tiny cracks on the again.
Whereas some house owners have reported Valve has been unwilling to exchange units or provide free fixes, others declare to have had higher success after sharing the quite a few posts, photos, and threads concerning the cracks with the corporate—seemingly displaying it is a widespread challenge involving the plastic and never only a case of somebody dropping their Steam Deck. In the meanwhile, it appears a bit hit-or-miss. Kotaku has contacted Valve for extra data.
As for what to do to stop this, the preferred repair is to loosen the screws on the again of the Steam Deck barely to keep away from undue stress on the plastic. Some people have claimed that the screws on the Steam Deck OLED’s again are generally overly tight resulting in cracks.
Fortunately, the cracks are small and seem to solely be beauty. I’ve not seen any proof that these cracks are inflicting severe harm or making the machine unplayable or something like that. Nonetheless, I can perceive that after spending practically $700 on a brand new machine, tiny cracks forming at the back of it for no purpose may be very irritating.
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