Comparing the Next Nintendo Switch to Steam Deck: Choosing the Ideal Portable Gaming Device
In a dramatic reveal on April 2, Nintendo unveiled its long-awaited new console: the Switch 2, but many fans were left unsatisfied with its whopping $449 price tag. Suddenly, the debate began between buying the Switch 2 or a Steam Deck, trying to determine which device provided the better bang for the buck.
Both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck are handheld gaming powerhouses, but these two consoles couldn't be more different.
The Switch 2, while it officially plays Nintendo titles, both classic and modern, comes with its fair share of limitations. On the other hand, the Steam Deck is cheaper, offers customization, and boasts a larger game library, but it caters to a specific type of gamer.
There's no clear-cut "winner" here, as one console might be considered superior to the other depending on your gaming preferences. So, let's dive into the critical differences between the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck to help you make the best decision.
- Full Disclosure: The world of gaming is a complex and ever-evolving beast, so it's worth taking a look at some encyclopedic insights to shed more light on these formidable contenders.
Pricing and Configurations
The Nintendo Switch 2's steep price tag of $449 wasn't welcomed by fans, especially since it's pricier than the Steam Deck. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 are available now, with shipments beginning June 5.
To justify this hefty price increase over the original Switch, the Switch 2 boasts improved hardware, including an upgraded custom Nvidia processor, 256GB of internal storage, and a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It can also upscale to 4K (3840 x 2160) when docked.
Conversely, the base Steam Deck model features 256GB of built-in storage and an LCD panel, but its screen is smaller at 7 inches, with a refresh rate of up to 60Hz and a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The entry-level Steam Deck model sells for $399, $50 cheaper than the Switch 2, but you can opt for a more future-proof model with an OLED display and 512GB storage for $549. The Asus ROG Ally, a Windows-based console, is also frequently discounted to $399, making it a worthy alternative to consider.
Features
Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 comes with detachable Joy-Cons, a dock for connecting to a TV, and various accessibility features, like text-to-speech support. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is an all-in-one unit, lacking detachable controllers, but featuring four customizable back buttons and two trackpads. Both consoles can connect to a TV or monitor.
When the Steam Deck was launched in February 2022, it brought features like Discord support and built-in text-to-speech capabilities. The Switch 2 is introducing a new Virtual Game Card feature, allowing you to easily transfer Switch games to the device in under a minute. Furthermore, the Steam Deck offers Desktop Mode, where the device functions as a personal computer, complete with a desktop, apps, and web browsers.
Hardware
Nintendo is keeping quiet about the Switch 2's CPU and GPU, while the Steam Deck uses an AMD APU containing a 4-core Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU. You can even swap out nearly every hardware component in the Steam Deck, making it perfect for hardware enthusiasts who love to customize and upgrade their devices.
Games
The Switch 2 benefits from backward compatibility with the entire Nintendo Switch library, as well as upcoming Switch 2-exclusive titles like "Mario Kart World" and "Donkey Kong Bananza." In contrast, the Steam Deck provides access to over 117,000 games from the Steam library, along with emulation capabilities that expand its already impressive catalog even further.
The Final Verdict
The Switch 2 is ideal for those looking to buy several Nintendo-exclusive titles or already have a substantial Switch game library, or prefer a more lightweight handheld. For the rest of us, the Steam Deck offers an unparalleled gaming experience at an affordable price, with room for customization, a vast game library, and even desktop functionality.
Who knows, maybe you'll end up owning both consoles like this reviewer, who has already snagged a Steam Deck and an original Switch, with plans to upgrade to a Switch 2 in the near future. And with Steam Deck 2 rumors swirling, it's only a matter of time before another epic battle between handheld powerhouses unfolds.
Additional Reading
- I think I've cracked the code on the Switch 2's secret weapon – even if Nintendo hasn't
- The Switch 2 has me concerned that Nintendo is missing the point
- The Steam Deck 2 is the handheld gaming PC we've all been waiting for
[1] best buy[2] upscale[3] store.steampowered.com[4] https://support.nintendo.com/switch/120283/what-is-nvidia-g-sync[5] https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/steam-deck-battery-life/
- The Nintendo Switch 2's improved hardware, such as the upgraded custom Nvidia processor and increased internal storage, justify its higher price tag, contrasting with the cheaper base Steam Deck model.
- The larger 7.9-inch LCD screen on the Switch 2, with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, sets it apart from the Steam Deck's 7-inch LCD panel and 60Hz refresh rate.
- Unlike the Switch 2, the Steam Deck can be customized with an OLED display and 512GB storage, making it a more future-proof option compared to the base model.
- For gamers who prefer detachable controllers, the Joy-Cons from the Switch 2 might be more appealing, while the Steam Deck's customizable back buttons and trackpads cater to a different type of user.
- The Steam Deck's Desktop Mode grants it the ability to function as a personal computer, complete with a desktop, apps, and web browsers, setting it apart from the Switch 2.
- The Steam Deck's reliance on AMD APU containing a 4-core Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU allows users to swap out nearly every hardware component, making it a perfect choice for hardware enthusiasts.
- The Switch 2's backward compatibility with the entire Nintendo Switch library, as well as upcoming Switch 2-exclusive titles, is a significant advantage over the Steam Deck's vast selection from the Steam library.
- The potential for a Steam Deck 2, according to rumors, promises another battle between handheld powerhouses, raising anticipation for the future of portable gaming.
- In the realm of technology gadgets, the Switch 2 and Steam Deck are noteworthy additions to the general-news landscape, especially in the context of the entertainment and gaming sectors, where continuous innovation and competition drive change.
