The Steam Deck’s 7-inch, 1280×800 display screen is nothing particular — the smartphone show you’re in all probability studying this on has it beat in just about each means. But it really works for the transportable machine, being each low cost and pretty low-res for PC gaming on the go. But should you completely will need to have increased decision on this type issue…nicely, you need to in all probability purchase the Asus ROG Ally. But should you will need to have it on your Steam Deck, then you definately would possibly need to check out the DeckHD.

This aftermarket substitute for the Steam Deck’s built-in LCD panel beats it in each decision (1920×1200, preserving the 16:10 side ratio) and coloration accuracy, overlaying 95% of the sRGB coloration vary, about nearly as good as a mid-range laptop computer. Other specs match the inventory display screen, together with 400 nits of brightness and 60Hz refresh fee, although it does include the anti-glare coating that Valve reserves for the dearer fashions of the Steam Deck. According to FX Technology Limited, the DeckHD display screen will value an estimated $99 when it launches in…nicely, at any time when it launches. The website doesn’t say.

As PC Gamer notes, changing the display screen on the Steam Deck isn’t any small activity for a DIY fanatic, although it may not be as in depth as you think about. According to the iFixit teardown of the Steam Deck, you may get the show off the system with out utterly disassembling it from the rear (as you might want to do to, say, substitute the motherboard or battery). A warmth gun, some mushy pry instruments, and a few suction cups get it away from the physique, and there’s a single phone-style connection attaching it to the remainder of the system. I wouldn’t belief it to a novice, nevertheless it’s definitely doable should you’ve repaired small electronics earlier than.

But would you need to? Both the Steam Deck’s {hardware} and software program is tuned fairly finely for its 800p show. It’s definitely able to increased decision — you’ll be able to output its video to a 4K monitor or TV, in any case. But working high-end video games at the next decision goes to push the Steam Deck’s environment friendly however low-end {hardware} to its restrict, and perhaps past. Those who demand a higher-res display screen in the identical type issue is likely to be better served by the $699 Asus ROG Ally. Personally, I’d choose a substitute of the Steam Deck’s IPS-LCD display screen on the similar decision with a pleasant OLED panel, just like the upgraded Nintendo Switch.

FX Technology has a waitlist for the DeckHD obtainable now, however there’s no pre-order or estimated launch date on the time of writing.