Is the Steam Deck still worth it in 2026?

The Steam Deck OLED, now the only model, has risen $300 since its 2022 launch and adds only a brighter screen and larger battery, with no performance increase over the 2023 update. Competing handhelds—Asus ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go—generally achieve higher frame rates and 3DMark Time Spy scores, though many games show minimal differences. The Deck remains a viable choice for Steam-only players who accept modest graphics despite its higher price and limited anti-cheat compatibility.