To determine which of the two top handhelds is the best, I compared them.
To determine which portable gaming system is best for me, I’ve been experimenting a lot with the new Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve’s 2023 Steam Deck OLED. Will Nintendo’s most successful franchise win? Or will the Steam Deck have an advantage due to its open platform? Based on performance, hardware, and game library, I’ve been comparing the two, and although I do have a preference, both has clear benefits.
The Library
The games you can play on these two handhelds are arguably the most crucial factor to consider when comparing them. If you don’t want to play, what good is having a long battery life?
All of Nintendo’s titles are available on the Switch 2, and it can play the majority of the games on the first Switch, including Metroid Dread, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Not many Switch 2 exclusives are available yet. The most popular ones right now are Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and Donkey Kong Bonanza, but they’ve all been excellent so far, even if Welcome Tour is just a glorified instruction manual with a ton of minigames (which I do enjoy).
Performance enhancements have been made to a number of the original Switch titles, some more significantly than others. Pokemon Sword and Shield received a significant upgrade at no cost. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrade versions, however, are $10 apiece, unless you’re a Switch Online premium user, in which case they’re also free. Mario Party Jamboree is one of the next updated games. The Switch and Switch 2 are your only options if you want to play Nintendo games.
However, the Steam Deck is an open ecosystem that allows you to purchase games from a variety of online retailers. Although Valve’s Steam Deck is largely configured to operate on Steam, with a little tweaking, you can load games in other methods. There are a ton of games on Steam to explore, including several that are optimized for the Steam Deck, even if you never load titles from other storefronts.
Although there are a lot of independent games available on both Switch and Steam Deck, PCs usually debut sooner. Many tiny, experimental applications that will never be ported to Switch may also be run on the Steam Deck. Additionally, games from cloud-based systems like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce may be played on the Steam Deck. Remotely playing my Xbox Series X or PS5 at home and playing those console games when I’m on the move is one of my favorite things to do with my Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck gives you access to a more extensive and extensive collection of games, provided you don’t mind losing out on Nintendo exclusives.
Usability
Of the major game systems, the Switch 2 is unquestionably the easiest to use. It’s pretty stable because it’s a specialized gaming computer, but some features can be frustrating, like the lengthy buddy code you have to input when you attempt to add a friend to play. Having said that, Steam Deck is likewise a terrific experience right out of the box, but if you want to push the system’s potential, it may be intimidating at times. It’s not the simplest task to try to connect into other gaming libraries; you’ll need to install additional software and follow instructions.
Additionally, the Switch 2 has two detachable and separate Joy-Con controllers, making local multiplayer incredibly simple from the start. You would need to buy two more third-party controllers to match this on the Steam Deck. Additionally, setting up TV-connected gaming is far simpler with the Switch 2’s built-in dock than with the Steam Deck, and tabletop co-op is made possible by the Switch 2’s kickstand.
A suitable USB camera is required to add video, but the Switch 2 also features built-in chat to make connecting with pals simple. While the Steam Deck may be used with regular free online chat programs, such as installing Discord, just as you would with a third-party marketplace, Game chat needs a Nintendo Online subscription.
Show
The 7.9-inch LCD display of the Switch 2 can produce 1080p images at 120 Hz. Either a 7.4-inch OLED or a 7-inch LCD screen with a reduced 1,280×800 pixel resolution at 60 or 90 Hz is included with the Steam Deck. However, if you attach the Switch 2 into its dock and utilize the appropriate HDMI cable with the Steam Deck, you will be able to see a 4K image when playing on a television. Note that a dock is included with the Switch: You will need to buy the cable or accessory separately in order to connect the Steam Deck to a TV.
I like the Switch 2’s larger and quicker display even if it doesn’t have a better OLED screen, especially because that screen size still makes the gadget smaller overall.
Mobility
The Switch 2 weighs 534 grams, which is somewhat less than the Steam Deck OLED’s 640 grams. Additionally, the Switch 2 is significantly thinner and smaller, which makes it easier to carry anywhere. Additionally, I need to utilize all available space because I frequently travel and backpack with a mobile device.
However, holding the Steam Deck in your hand does seem more comfortable. Because of its greater size, the handgrips are more comfortable to grasp, and the Switch 2’s built-in back buttons are a lovely, professional feature that you can only obtain if you purchase a Pro Controller or Charging Grip. It’s also important to note that the Steam Deck comes with a carrying case. Since the Switch 2 doesn’t, you should surely safeguard its large screen.
A battery
Battery life is quite important while you’re on the run. According to Nintendo, the Switch 2’s 5,220 mAh battery allows for two to six and a half hours of gaming. According to Valve, the bigger 6,470-mAh battery of the Steam Deck OLED will last three to twelve hours. In summary, the Steam Deck will often extend your play time. Depending on the game, this varies, but it generally matches my experiences. While Balatro will last longer, more visually demanding games like Elden Ring Nightrein will deplete the Steam Deck’s battery more quickly. For the Switch 2, Mario Kart World receives around three to four hours.
Cost and storage
Three different models of the Steam Deck are available: the $399 LCD model has 256GB of internal storage, the $549 OLED model has 512GB, and the $649 OLED model has 1TB. There is only one choice for the Switch 2: an LCD screen and 256GB of internal storage for $450. MicroSD cards may be used to expand the storage on both devices. The Switch 2 does, however, require the more recent microSD Express cards, which are still very expensive. The additional storage and screen options are wonderful to have, and the Steam Deck is less expensive to purchase. However, the Steam Deck has already experienced price reductions since its debut and is also a few years older.
However, game pricing is one significant difference. Nintendo consistently maintains its first-game costs high, and switch games are rarely on sale. Games on Steam, on the other hand, may undoubtedly save you money because they frequently launch at lower costs than their Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo equivalents and frequently undergo steep price reductions over the course of many months. There are frequent Steam promotions, and it’s simple to take advantage of them only to discover that you have more titles in your library than you can play.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and commentary purposes only. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. Nintendo, Valve, Steam, and other mentioned entities are not affiliated with or endorsing this post. Any specifications, release timelines, or pricing mentioned about unreleased products such as the Nintendo Switch 2 are based on publicly available information and are subject to change. This content reflects personal opinions and testing experiences and should not be considered official product guidance or representation. Always refer to the official product pages for the latest specifications and updates.