Valve has started selling certified refurbished Steam Deck OLED models, offering a significant discount of $110 compared to buying a brand-new device. The refurbished units are available in the US, UK, Canada, and EU, starting at $439 for the 512GB model and $519 for the 1TB anti-glare model.

The Steam Deck OLED, released in November 2023, is still considered one of the best ways to play PC games on the go, with its ease of use and impressive performance. Although other Windows handhelds are emerging, Valve has stated that it won't release a new Steam Deck soon, waiting for newer chips to provide a substantial performance boost without compromising battery life.

The refurbished units undergo an extensive examination involving over 100 tests at one of Valve's facilities, including a battery health check. Valve guarantees that these units will meet or even exceed the performance standards of brand-new devices. Each refurbished Steam Deck OLED comes with a carrying case, refurbished power supply, and a one-year warranty. However, they may have minor cosmetic blemishes.

In comparison, the original LCD model can be purchased refurbished for as low as $279. While Valve doesn't currently have stock of refurbished LCD models, the company's refurbished versions of the original LCD model have been popular among gamers.

The Steam Deck OLED's OLED screen provides a significant upgrade over the original LCD model, offering better performance, additional battery life, and an eye-popping display. The 1TB anti-glare model, in particular, is a great value at $519, considering it would normally cost $649 brand-new.

For those in the market for a gaming handheld, the refurbished Steam Deck OLED presents an attractive option. With its discounted price, one-year warranty, and Valve's guarantee of meeting or exceeding brand-new performance standards, it's an opportunity worth considering.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Valve's refurbished Steam Deck OLEDs impact the market and whether other manufacturers will follow suit with their own refurbished offerings.