With such a long line to buy a Steam Deck, some fans are wondering if they should just wait for version 2. Given how popular the first model is, it’s almost inevitable that there’ll be a Steam Deck 2. The big question is how much of an improvement the follow-up will be over the original. We’ll take a look at if you should buy the Steam Deck or wait below.
Should I wait for the Steam Deck 2 or buy the original?
The biggest problem with waiting for a Steam Deck Version 2 is that we don’t know when or if one is coming. Obviously, people are lining up for over a year to get a chance to buy the original, but we don’t know how much of a profit it’s turning for Valve, if any.
It’s very cheap for the hardware included and is a much better deal than comparable handheld PCs, so we’re guessing it’s being sold at razor-thin margins. The real test of the Steam Deck line is whether or not it influences owners to buy more software. That’s likely the primary data point for whether Valve considers it to be a success or not.
There have been some quality control issues with the Steam Deck as well. The most common complaint has been around sticky face and power buttons. There have also been some problems with the charging circuit, but those seem like the user can remedy them for the most part. However, there’s no certainty that similar issues wouldn’t be present on a potential Steam Deck 2.
So, if you want a Steam Deck, it’s probably best to just go ahead and get in the queue for one. If you wait for a second version of the device, you could just get stuck in line again, and by the time you’re able to buy one, you’ll have been waiting for years.
