The Steam Deck handheld console emerged as the top seller on Steam during the week from November 14 to November 21, signaling a strong shift in user demand. Data from SteamDB show that the device not only led overall revenue on the platform but also outpaced several heavyweight titles in earnings, including popular releases like Call of Duty and Counter-Strike 2. This performance underscores Steam Deck’s appeal to players who want a compact, capable machine that fits into everyday life while accessing Steam’s expansive library.
Across the week, Steam Deck claimed the crown not just as the leading paid product, but also as the most influential entry on Steam’s overall mix, which includes shareware and free-to-play options. The paid top sellers for the period featured blockbusters such as Call of Duty, Lethal Company, Baldur’s Gate 3, Remnant II, EA Sports FC 24, and Lies of P, among others. On the free-to-play side, Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, and NARAKA: Bladepoint stood out, highlighting Steam’s diverse catalog that keeps players engaged across different genres and price points.
Steam Deck’s surge in popularity coincided with the launch of an updated OLED version of the device, which began selling on November 16. Valve introduced the new model to deliver brighter visuals and a more immersive handheld experience, factors many players weigh when choosing a portable PC over traditional gaming consoles or older hardware. The OLED revision helped sustain momentum by combining improved screen quality with continued access to Steam’s vast game library, giving gamers a more appealing balance of portability and performance.
Designed as a compact computer that mimics the feel of a handheld console, Steam Deck lets players dive into their Steam library without being tethered to a desk or TV. The OLED variant differentiates itself from the original by offering a larger, brighter display, alongside enhancements in battery life and audio output. The higher-end 512 GB SSD configuration carried a price tag around $550, reflecting Valve’s strategy to position the device as a premium option for those who want top-tier visuals and faster load times on the go.
Feedback from critics regarding the PlayStation Portal has been varied, creating a dynamic landscape for portable gaming devices as consumers weigh comfort, performance, and price. The ongoing dialogue around these products suggests a healthy appetite for portable gaming that still delivers desktop-like experiences, a trend that Valve appears to be capitalizing on with the OLED Steam Deck update and ongoing software support. This environment encourages players to compare performance, battery longevity, and ecosystem compatibility as they decide which handheld system best fits their gaming habits.