Valve is restricting who can purchase the Limited Edition version of the Steam Deck OLED model, which is set to launch tomorrow.
The Steam Deck OLED was a surprise announcement earlier this month, as was Valve's decision to offer a Limited Edition version of the handheld complete with a smoky translucent colorway for $679. However, you may not be able to buy one.
If you want that translucent casing, you'll need to be located in the US or Canada, but Valve is also stipulating that your Steam account needs to be in good standing and that a purchase has been made using that account before November 2023. If you meet all those criteria, Valve will let you purchase just one Steam Deck OLED per account, assuming there is stock left when you try.
The reasoning behind imposing such strict limits on who can buy the Limited Edition makes sense. Valve has already said there isn't going to be much stock available, which just increases the appeal of owning one. With that in mind, Valve wants to avoid scalpers and bots buying all the stock tomorrow, which the Steam account checks should stop.
If you are happy to forgo the translucent case, then there's a 512GB Steam Deck OLED available for $549, and a 1TB model for $649. The 1TB model is going to be popular because of the additional storage included, but also because it has premium anti-glare etched glass, a better carrying case with a removable liner, and an exclusive startup movie and virtual keyboard theme.
The original Steam Deck is an excellent gaming handheld that's powerful for its size and terrific for retro game emulation. The updated OLED model is set to improve the device in a number of key areas including the all-important battery life, as well as a gorgeous new display. Don't forget there's also a very useful official Steam Deck Dock available for $89.
