I’m planning to buy a Steam Deck, and I’m torn between the 60 Hz and 90 Hz versions. I’m used to gaming on a high-refresh-rate monitor that runs at 165 Hz. Is the difference in refresh rate as significant on the Steam Deck as it is on gaming monitors? Will it affect my gaming experience?
4 Answers
For older games, going from 60 Hz to 90 Hz can be pretty noticeable. It’s a significant jump, so if you play a lot of those, the 90 Hz version might be worth it.
If you’re aiming for a high frame rate gaming experience on the Steam Deck, you might not get what you’re expecting. However, there is a big difference between locked 45 fps on the 90 Hz display versus locked 30 fps on the 60 Hz display, so consider that when making your choice.
‘Locked’ means capping the frame rate at, say, 45 fps to ensure it doesn’t dip lower, which is helpful for smoother gameplay.
It really depends on the games you play. Older and indie games often run well at both 60 and 90 fps. But if you’re into recent AAA titles, you’re likely going to struggle at higher frame rates regardless of the display.
Honestly, unless money is tight, I’d recommend going for the OLED model. It has slight performance upgrades, and the screen quality is definitely better. Just keep in mind how you’ll be using it, especially if you plan to play docked.
What do you mean by ‘locked’? I’ve heard that term before but I’m not sure what it does.