Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Which Handheld Console Will You Choose?
As gaming on-the-go continues to rise in popularity, the Switch 2 vs Steam Deck debate has captured the attention of mobile gaming enthusiasts. Both consoles offer powerful features and unique gaming experiences, but which one stands out as the best handheld gaming device for you? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.
Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: The Ultimate Handheld Gaming Comparison
The new Nintendo Switch 2 has just been announced, and fans are excited to get their hands on the new console! Showing off a new material finish, type C charging on the top of the console, standard controls for power and volume, and a headphone jack, the Switch 2 boasts a kickstand that almost flexes to a full 180 degrees. Sleek updated Joy-Cons are now magnetic, snapping into place as opposed to the rail slides it had on the previous console. Colored accents of coral pink and sky blue line the Joy-Cons (blue for left, coral for right), and you’ll still be able to play with the controller accessory to connect the Joy-Cons. The Switch 2 is announced to be backward compatible with previous Switch games, but we’ll find out much more about what’s new, more console features, and, most importantly, pricing and games when Nintendo holds their worldwide event, Nintendo Direct, this year on April 2nd.
Why Nintendo Went With the Name Switch 2: Key Insights for Handheld Gaming
People might have noticed this is the first time Nintendo has ever named their console a numbered successor. This isn’t the first time a console has had a number in the title for Nintendo, but it is the first time we’ve gotten a direct numbered successor. Some may find it odd, others may find it uncreative, but there’s a reason why Nintendo decided to plainly name their new console. We have to remember the Wii U era—it was short-lived and, unfortunately, did not sell to expectations, reaching 13.5 million sales compared to the Switch’s 146 million. The main reason being people just simply didn’t know it existed. I personally had firsthand experience during that time when I worked at GameStop. That single store alone was a multimillion-dollar location and never fell out of the top two rankings for busiest in the state. I can count on one hand how many I sold. Even when trying to sell it, most people thought it was an accessory. So lessons learned, this is the best way to continue the success. But also, one has to ask, is there even a need for a new name? The Switch 2 can be seen as more of a tech refresh than a new console. Nintendo knows how to strike gold with handhelds, and they’re doing it again, but this time learning from past mistakes and not fixing what isn’t broken.
Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: A Detailed Comparison of Handheld Consoles
With mobile gaming raking in billions of dollars every year, it’s no surprise that people are opting for hands-on-the-go gaming experiences. Whether you’re waiting at a doctor’s office, have a long commute, or just plain old bored at the family get-together or lying in bed, developers have been providing excellent gaming products for people who want something portable. One of the most popular is the Steam Deck, a portable PC that allows you to take your games on the go. But with the recent announcement of the Switch 2, some people might be wondering, “What’s better?” Let’s break it down to help you make the best-informed decision.
Steam Deck vs Switch 2: Key Specs and Features You Should Know
- 3 different models: 256GB (LCD), 512GB (OLED), 1TB (OLED)All models include:
- CPU: AMD Zen 2 up to 3.5GHz
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2 (integrated graphics roughly equivalent to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1650)
- RAM: 16 LPDDR5
- 1280 x 800 resolution display
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Type C charging
- MicroSD card expansion
- SteamOS
- Carrying case
- Steam profile bundle
- 7-inch screen
- Up to 60Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 5
- 7 nm APU
- 40Whr battery; 2-8 hours of gameplay
- 45W Power supply with 1.5m cable
- 7.4-inch screen
- Up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 6 nm APU
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- To note: the 1TB model does come with anti-glare and a special case with some virtual goodies as the most premium model.
Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: How These Consoles Compare for Gamers
Switch 2 (as of the announcement):
- CPU: 8-core
- GPU: NVIDIA T239 with AI upscaling
- RAM: 12GB
Technical Details:
- CPU: Arm Cortex-A78C, 8 Core
- GPU: NVIDIA T239
- 1 GPC (Graphics Processing Cluster)
- 12 SM (Streaming Multiprocessors)
- 1534 CUDA cores
- 6 TPC (Texture Processing Cluster)
- 48 Gen 3 Tensor Cores
- 2 RTX ray-tracing cores
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
To note: the Switch 2 has been confirmed to be using DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) or AI Upscaling, which will allow the hardware to run at a higher 4K resolution in real-time.
On paper, both choices are close. However, it’s not about what’s better; it’s about the experience you want. With the Switch 2, you’ll only be able to play Nintendo games and whatever third-party games Nintendo has allowed to be sold on their console. The Steam Deck has access to Steam’s library, but that doesn’t mean all games are playable. Demanding titles like Warhammer: Space Marine 2, Black Myth Wukong, and Grand Theft Auto V are unplayable on the Steam Deck. Not to mention, if the game has strict keyboard and mouse controls, that is also a limiting factor. If the game uses anti-cheat, then it’s also inaccessible—meaning no Fortnite, Destiny 2, Call of Duty, etc.
The way I break it down is: for more casual gaming on my own, I would probably lean toward the Switch 2, especially if I had a liking for Metroid Prime, Super Smash Bros, Fire Emblem, Zelda, and, of course, Mario games. If I wanted something a little more serious or games to play with friends, then the Steam Deck is the way to go.
Stay Up to Date with the Switch 2 vs Steam Deck Debate and More on Blerd Blog!
Want more insights into the Switch 2 vs Steam Deck and other exciting gaming news? Stay tuned to the Blerd Blog for more detailed reviews and comparisons. For more on the Nintendo Switch 2 and its reveal, check out our full article here: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Reveal.le Reveal.
