grain on steam deck oled
Video Games

Users Report Mura Effect on Steam Deck OLED

With the highly anticipated release of the Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device, users have started sharing their experiences with the OLED displays. While there is much praise for the device’s capabilities, some users are reporting an issue known as the “mura effect” on the OLED screens.

The mura effect refers to the unevenness or cloudiness that can be seen on OLED panels, particularly on dark colors. This phenomenon can result in a distracting visual distortion, affecting the overall viewing experience. It is important to note that not all OLED panels exhibit this effect, and it can vary from unit to unit.

When it comes to the Steam Deck, there have been reports of the mura effect being more noticeable on certain devices. The Limited Edition (LE) version, in particular, has been found to have a higher incidence of mura effect compared to the regular edition. Many LE versions have been equipped with a BOE OLED panel, which appears to be more prone to the mura effect. But users with the Samsung OLED panel are also reporting the Mura effect on their Decks.

However, it is essential to approach these reports with caution, as individual experiences can vary. Factors such as panel calibration, lighting conditions, and personal sensitivity to visual anomalies can also impact the perception of the mura effect.

It remains to be seen if future software updates or hardware revisions will address the mura effect on the Steam Deck OLED displays.

In the meantime, users who are concerned about the mura effect can explore various strategies to minimize its impact. Adjusting display settings, such as brightness and gamma levels, might help mitigate the appearance of the mura effect. Additionally, avoiding pitch-black backgrounds and playing games in well-lit environments may also help reduce the visibility of the effect.