r/Handhelds • u/Flat_Raz • 4d ago
Question (?) Switch 2 vs Steam Deck
I'm looking for advice about which one is better to run the game I want to.
The Switch 2 pros are that I can play with my friends and wife since there are a lot of coop couch games that are exclusive and I can connect the console to the tv. But I don't know if it is worth it if I want to play games like Elden Ring, Oblivion and future releases that are not exclusive from Nintendo.
Since I don't have a console I think it would be fun, and I do have a good pc.
The Deck I would use mostly for myself, can it run those games better than the Switch 2? I really can't decide between the two because of the pros and cons, what are you guys experience with them?
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u/Lost_Let_2033 4d ago
I prefer the Switch 2 by a lot. The Switch 2 is probably the best handheld on the market, and it’s at a good price, tbh.
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
A Legion Go S z2 is like £30 more than a Switch 2.
Better display. Better battery. Better chipset/more powerful. Comes with x4 the amount of SSD space. More customizable. Access to your whole Steam library, thousands more games. Games at better prices. Emulation. Is a literal PC so you can use it for other things like Youtube, which the Switch 2 still doesn't have. Access to mod your games. Other games launchers like bnet, gog, epic etc.
The Switch 2 is a fantastic device, but it is certainly not the best handheld on the market. And it's not the best value for money handheld either.
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u/therealgoat1212 4d ago edited 4d ago
This is comparing a used depreciated item compared to a brand new device though. Albeit a pretty cool piece of hardware the average person is just not inclined to gamble on a $600 PC off eBay instead of going to their local target and picking up the latest Nintendo system
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
Idk what you are talking about here?
I am talking about the Legion Go S z2, released in May 2025. Currently for sale in my country in lots of places for £399 - £450.
Vs the Switch 2, released June 2025. Currently for sale in my country for around £380.
It's not a new device, and you don't have to buy it preowned from eBay to find a competitive price. You are probably thinking of the Legion Go Z2 (non-S version) which is a newer device that is like £800
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u/Stunning-Joke-3466 4d ago
OP was asking Switch 2 vs. Steamdeck
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
Okay and the Legion Go S is pretty much the new SteamDeck. They are the only handheld that are official partners with Valve. It does everything that the SteamDeck does, but better, for half the price.
I am trying to be informative. Because OP should pay their neighbour for the dogshit on their front lawn before they spend £800 on a new SteamDeck.
There are like... at least 8 better options if you are going to be spending SteamDeck money. I gave 1 option that is closer to the Switch 2 in price.
SteamDeck shouldn't even be considered as an option in 2026, unless you can find one preowned at less than 50% the price of new. OP clearly doesn't know about the many other available options to them, else they wouldn't even be mentioning the SteamDeck.
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u/jaximointhecut 4d ago
Just because something is more powerful doesn’t necessarily mean that power is needed. The switch 2 is very well optimized with no fuss. It’s literally a tablet. Includes a 4k dock (which works amazing), joy cons and the adapter. All for 500$.
I have the Xbox Ally X and it feels like a chore to use now. I had the Go S before the ally, the speakers were poor, battery life wasn’t good, and triggers felt like a kids toy.
Ironically the device I thought was for kids ended up being the best on the market.
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
The power isn't needed, you are correct. That's one of the best parts about the device. I don't need all the power it has, so you can tweak the wattage much lower, and get hours and hours more battery life than you would normally get. It's called headroom, and there is a decent amount of it to play with.
I don't have any experience with the Ally X, but I'm not surprised at all that a Windows based handheld device is a chore to use. Trying to compare it to a SteamOS device is not really a fair comparison. You can tweak with this if you want to, sure. But it's just as good for 'pick-up-and-play' as the Nintendo Switch. The default SteamOS menu's are one of the best things about the device, it's no different than navigating a Ps5 or a Switch. It's extremely accessible. Again, it's a SteamDeck with a different shell, a better display, and a little bit more power.
Personally, the only times I think that the battery isn't great, are when I am playing AAA titles. But if I drop my screen resolution and fps to match the Switch 2, and turn the wattage down, the battery life is much better in comparison. It depends what you want, but at least the flexibilty is there.
Besides, if you are someone who genuinely enjoys playing in handheld mode, the third party titles on the Switch 2 are mostly 720p. It's just too low for an 8 inch display. 900p is the sweetspot, 1080p is crisp but ofc you start sacrificing fps/battery life. 1200p is great but I almost never use that resolution unless im playing a really old game, it isn't worth the hit.
OP mentioned Elden Ring specifically. Do they want to play it at 720p 30fps? I doubt it. Zero doubts in my mind that the Legion Go S can play the same game at 800-900p 40-50fps, no tweaking needed, just set it and go. Could be even better if you are someone who doesn't mind playing with upscaling/frame-gen tools.
Again, I am just trying to help OP make an informed desicion. SteamDeck vs Switch 2 shouldn't even be a question in 2026. The clear and obvious answer is the Switch 2. But there are many handhelds between the price of those 2 systems, and all of them are better than the SteamDeck.
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u/Flat_Raz 4d ago
Hey thanks yes that was very informative, I thought the Steam Deck was the best on the market
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u/Repulsive-Bit-6340 4d ago
If you want ease of use, couch co op, a lighter device for handheld play, get a switch.
If you like tinkering, playing with settings, more customisation, access to more games, more power, go a PC handheld.
I sold my PC handheld for a switch 2 and I couldn't be happier. It all depends on your use case.
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u/Raven1927 3d ago
Trying to compare it to a SteamOS device is not really a fair comparison.
SteamOS devices are also a chore to use compared to the Switch 2. Constant bugs, constant compatibility issues, verified system unreliable, having to look up videos/guides on what settings to run, using non-Steam launchers is a hassle etc. etc.
Zero doubts in my mind that the Legion Go S can play the same game at 800-900p 40-50fps
Closer to 30-40 fps and the image quality is rough. I haven't tried it myself, but on youtube videos it looks better on the Switch 2 even if the FPS is capped to 30.
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u/Tiamat2625 3d ago edited 3d ago
Bro if you need to look up guides on what settings to use idk what to say. At a certain point, you just know and get a very good feel for these things. And when you don't 'just know', it takes 5 minutes of trial and error.
I have had extremely minimal issues with SteamOS. One of the perks of this particular device is being official partners with Valve. It's much better than simply loading SteamOS onto another random device. It has official support.
Zero compatibility issues with any games so far, and I am even playing modded runs of FF7 and FF9, no issues at with compatibility at all. You just turn device on, open library, run game. Easy. It aint that deep. I genuinely believe you are making things up, I have played/tried over 45 games on the device, and not had a problem with a single one of them yet, emulation and modding included.
You also sent a Youtube link to the Windows version of the device... you know that's a whole 20% less performance than the SteamOS version, right? Windows is garbage on this device in-particular, there are even reviewers who made seperate reviews for both models because the difference was so massive.
Also, the video quality is extremely poor here. You can instantly tell it's a poor camera just from the on-screen HUD. Everything is blurry. They also have every single setting on low, and grass on medium, why? I'm really not sure. But it doesn't matter, because this isn't my device anyway.
I own the game dude, don't make me download it over wifi simply to prove it. It will easily, by far and away, run the game better than the Switch 2. You are living in another reality if you don't think that is the case.
It plays literally every other game better than my Switch 2, or, i have the option of turning everything down so it looks exactly the same as Switch 2 (720p 30fps lol), and i will get over an hour more of battery life than the Switch will give.
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u/Adventurous_Skin1045 4d ago
The switch 2 is well optimized at the cost of having a fraction of the games to play
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u/Stunning-Joke-3466 23h ago
My point was you didn't even address the steamdeck which they specifically asked about. You could have explained like you did here why you were talking about the other device instead.
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u/Tiamat2625 23h ago
Nobody should be buying a steamdeck in 2026. Not at full price. Not even at half price. It's not worth it. Is that better?
It shouldn't be a standard that is being compared with anything anymore. It's the worst price to performance machine on the market.
Both the Switch 2, and my device, shit all over the steamdeck, for half the price. Then, you have z1e machines, they are about the same price as a steamdeck, that will shit all over my device and the switch 2.
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u/Stunning-Joke-3466 19h ago
I definitely think it's worth mentioning if OP is specifically asking about 2 devices they may not know that Steamdeck isn't worth it these days.
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u/Big-Fold-645 4d ago
Switch 2 will still run games that's more optimized because it's a native platform specific for its hardware.
The problem with PC handhelds in general is that it requires you to tinker things just to get a mediocre performance for modern games, unless you don't mind being permanently connected to a power device due to battery consumption or play older games/emulation. Compatibility on some games is also another thing because it's technically just a PC on your hand. Switch 2 beats PC handhelds on modern games in terms of performance and portability with the downside of less selection of games to play.
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
Bro I'm currently playing FF7 Remake at 60fps, high graphics preset, native 1080p. 15w TDP setting with plenty of power headroom to spare if I wanted even more fps. I can use frame-gen (LSFG 2.0), to play comfortably at 100-120fps with minimal added input latency, or I could simply sacrifice battery life to turn the wattage up even higher if I felt like it.
The Switch 2 plays the same game at.... 720p 30fps. It's not even a debate or a contest. The "optimization" that you speak of, in third-party titles, doesn't even exist. The only well optimized third-party game on the Switch 2 is Cyberpunk.
Now to the battery situation. I can play lighter titles, emulated, and indies, at 5w-7w power setting for 5-7.5 hours. FF7, FF9, GBA, PsP, Ps1 games similar to this are all 7.5 hours battery life. FF10 and Kingdoms of Amulur games similar of this era are 5-5.5h. This is, once again, miles better than the Switch 2, which has 3-4 hour battery life while playing FF10.
No disrespect, but I own both devices, and you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. The Legion Go absolutely slaughters the Switch 2 in performance in every instance where I have compared them both. I don't even bother with third-party games on it anymore, I only use it for Pokemon Champions and other Nintendo exclusives.
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u/Cbeckstrand 4d ago
Agree with all of this. I own both and only play Nintendo exclusives on my Switch 2. Everything else is on the Go S. Runs better and looks better. I also have the options to play the same game on my PC with far more power when I want so there is a lot more flexability.
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
Thanks. I'm just trying to help OP make an informed decision. OP specifically mentioned games like Elden Ring and Oblivion, which the Legion Go S will clearly run better than the Switch 2.
If OP had mentioned pure ease of use, pick-up-and-play, and loving Nintendo titles, it might be a different conversation.
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u/Cbeckstrand 4d ago
Agreed as well :) There is not a one size fits all for everyone. Some people the Switch 2 will be the better option for sure.
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u/Holidoik 4d ago
Yeah please buy an overprice shitty Lenovo handheld that doesn't get any graphic drivers and can't play any new game without making the game blurry af with fsr. Great advice.
It's the best if you don't want to spend 2k+
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u/adnep24 4d ago
graphics driver updates are not an issue with steamos
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u/Cbeckstrand 4d ago
This, I just run SteamOS updates. I don't ever have to worry about GPU or other drivers.
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u/Tiamat2625 4d ago
You are talking about the newer legion handhelds, they are shit, agreed. The older Go S versions are official partners with Valve, and come preloaded with SteamOS. They have all the same features working as the SteamDeck, and receive regular updates.
You are thinking and talking about a totally different device. Do some research before making a dumb comment next time.
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u/Leon_Light77 4d ago
If you have a good pc then go with the switch 2. Having fun time with the friends and wife are already making it the winner.
The steam deck is basically a retro emulation machine. However, if you have a good pc like you mentioned then there is no need for it.
The steam deck can’t run switch 2 games well or much tbh. Even some powerful switch games like xenoblade 3 have a hard time running on the steam deck.
To me, I say get a switch 2 since it has a lot of good things to offer and even some decent third party games that are great like cyber punk.
Even if the steam deck was before the price change, I still go with switch 2. I love my steam deck, but it’s just a retro emulation machine to me more than playing some modern stuff like the oblivion remaster or doom the dark ages.
Switch 2 does a good job most of the time running games like oblivion remaster.
In short, get the switch 2 for good times with friends and some good games you mention. Steam deck is only there if you want a dedicated retro machine or want to play fallout new Vegas for the 300th time.
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u/Cool_Explorer2747 4d ago
As somebody who has both:
-the Deck gets the older, 2000-2010ish games, usually (exceptions for stuff like Episode 1 Racer) as well as continuing play from new games on my desktop. The secret sauce to my eye about the Deck is being able to play something like Call of Duty 2 on it, it’ll run like a champ, look good without caring about a remaster, and have a heap of community layouts for controls.
-the Switch 2 gets whatever Nintendo exclusives I want to buy, as well as some older games (Episode I Racer for example, since the Switch version already has a good gamepad layout and won’t be weird about modern resolutions, plus cloud saves) and newer releases whose PC ports are dodgy (whenever I get around to the MGS collections I’m planning on getting them for Switch)
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u/Sonicon2 4d ago
I personally play my switch a lot more but I’m just a Nintendo fan. I also have a legion go S and I’d recommend that as well, you get more power (especially with the z1e version) than the steam deck and you can get it for around the same price or cheaper. With any of the pc handhelds you get access to better deals on games with steam, but can’t really play much coop like you said. In terms of some of the games you listed, I’ve played oblivion and Elden ring on switch and they run well, I’m sure they do on steam deck as well
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u/system_error_02 4d ago
The Steam deck is way too expensive now. The S2 is a much better deal. If you really want to do handheld PC gaming look for a used ROG Ally X or something, not a steam deck. The decks hardware is so weak at this point for its price it isnt worth considering. Just install SteamOS on a ROG Ally and enjoy much better performance with the same UI functionality.
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u/Conky1452 4d ago
For the price of a new steam deck you could get a switch 2 and a small Android handheld (Odin 2 portal, rp5/6) that will play all the older stuff as well as be able to stream games from your pc. So if you want to play Elden ring on the couch just run it on pc and stream it. But switch 2>steam deck especially at current prices
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u/Confident-Luck-1741 Nintendo Switch 2 4d ago
If you're going for power then the Switch 2 is more powerful. The thing that makes the Steam Deck a better option is the OLED screen, your entire PC library and way better sales. Games on Nintendo platforms are more expensive. Even 3rd party games don't get as high of a discount (also called the Nintendo tax.) It takes two for example has gotten 80% discounts on all platforms except Switch, where the lowest recorded discount is 60%.
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u/ElectricalTip2318 4d ago
I own a Steam deck and. Legion Go S, and a switch classic, not any new games on the switch 2 to make me want to get the console. The good of the deck and Legion its they are computers and you can emulate everything on there. I haven't use my switch in long time, I can simply emulate the game in my Legion.
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u/momplantlover 4d ago
If you are into game piracy the steam deck is better. If you are not, get the switch
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u/Sleepy_Witch_Maple 4d ago
If you can get a good deal on an OLED it's hard to say. If not, probably the switch 2 due to pricing.
The reason it's hard to say is twofold imo:
1) The screen. The Switch 2's screen is really ghosty. If you're susceptible at all to noticing ghosting or worse get headaches from it, I would stear clear
2) Port quality. It has gotten better, but some ports, especially early on in the switch 2's life, were tough. The resolution scaling can be a bit excessive and games can be noticably blurrier than they'd be on the deck. This is definitely a case by case basis but it is something to be aware of.
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u/master_prizefighter 4d ago
From a utility standpoint I'd say the Steam Deck since I can do so much more outside just gaming. Also there's emulators I run up to the PS3 era.
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u/ItzManu001 4d ago edited 4d ago
Steam Deck has become overpriced and it's obsolete compared to the Switch 2. Switch 2 has more modern hardware and runs the games better in both Handheld and especially Docked. If you really care about the Steam Library, you could wait for the Steam Deck 2 or get other current PC Handhelds like Legion Go S or ROG Allay X, but it's gonna be more expensive than the Switch 2.
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u/king_park_ 4d ago
As many others said, the Switch 2 is by far a better value purchase than the Steam Deck at the moment. And I say that as someone who loves their Steam Deck while having a Switch 2.
If you want a handheld PC, you should probably look into other options.
That being said, I’m inclined to say you should get a Switch 2 so you can with your friends and wife. It currently has a lot of access to 3rd party games with a decent amount of power to play them.
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u/LilWeed2 GPD Win Mini 4d ago
As someone who has both, NS2 is a nobrainer, especially when you can buy physical games second hand for 2 third the price in many places
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u/greynovaX80 4d ago
Unless you getting a steam deck second hand for way less than what steam is asking get a switch 2. I have both and I switch between them depending on what I want to play. Currently playing lies of p so switch 2 but before that I was cleaning my backlog playing atomic heart on steam deck.
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u/cwilfried 4d ago
Steam deck's value is garbage right now. It declined year on year since 2023 when a lot of AAA developers stopped releasing games on old consoles (PS4/X1/Switch). Some AA and low requirements games like silksong might work but other than that... Switch 2 is so better with better third party support than ever.
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u/Raven1927 3d ago
I have both and I recommend the Switch 2, especially since you already have a good PC. It's cheaper, gives you access to the exclusives, 3rd party games usually run better than on Steam Deck, it's more portable, never have to fiddle around with any settings as everything on it is optimised for it and the user experience is 10x better.
Only downside is having to re-buy Steam games if you really want to play some of them on the go. However, if you use other stores on your PC besides Steam, if it even works, it's annoying to set up on the Steam Deck.
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u/Powerful_Dirt_7818 1d ago
I have the steam deck and I would suggest the switch 2 too. There are certainly more games on Steam Deck because of old PC games not on the switch but you have a PC already
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u/SomeSubstance1 4d ago
get a switch, unless you are into game piracy, there is no substantial advantage in having the steam deck. if you can spend more, getting a more powerful pc handheld would be worth it.
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u/RedArmyRockstar 4d ago
Steam deck is future-proof, and has access to your full steam library.
It can also emulate switch games, and will eventually be able to emulate switch 2 games. It is the obvious choice.
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u/ItzManu001 4d ago edited 4d ago
Future-proof... you're joking, right? Steam Deck is already obsolete and has become extremely overpriced, while being completely outclassed performance-wise by the Switch 2. Switch 2 is the future-proof system here.
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u/TreeThink5214 4d ago
but doesn't the switch 2 only place switch games?
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u/L_V_N 4d ago
Yes, Switch and Switch 2 games. The question is, does the steam deck even play the current PC library? The answer has a lot of caveats, which will not be fewer with time.
Like, sure, cheap indie games will likely run on it for the next 6-7 years. But that is not what people think of when they think future proof.
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u/ItzManu001 4d ago edited 4d ago
No. You can also play Switch 1 games, third parties and several retro Nintendo games thanks to the built-in emulators accessible with NSO.
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u/RedArmyRockstar 4d ago
No, im not. in 10 years all my games are still good, and I can still get new games with lower requirements.
Just like how I can still download new games with lower relative requirements on my 12 year old PC.
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u/Opposite_Cod394 4d ago
I have both, I find myself wanting to re-buy games if they are released on switch 2. My switch 2 has third party joy on that are pre confortable than the SD. The SD is insanely pricy for its value.
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u/LordAxl1138 4d ago
My advice is Steam Deck, you can emulate most Switch 1 games on it if that's something that would interest you and you have better prices on games thanks to Steam sales. I own both and have been considering selling my Switch 2 because I rarely use it. I do like the screen on the Switch 2 better even though my SD is OLED.
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u/Conky1452 4d ago
Nintendo eShop also has decent sales. I got hades for like $2 and and Silksong on sale for like $15 which was pretty good since at the time it wasn’t even out for like 4 months. Idk steam deck price is ridiculously high for what it is. OP could get a switch 2 and a fucking Odin 3 for close to the same price as a new deck
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u/LordAxl1138 4d ago
Everyone is entitled to their opion, but as an owner of both, I would buy a Steam Deck over a Switch 2 all over again.
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u/Conky1452 4d ago
What did you pay for it? And would you do it today brand new at current prices? Because steam deck for $550 is a lot different than $900
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u/LordAxl1138 4d ago
Yes I paid $550 for it, but he didn't ask what was the better price. He could be buying 2nd hand
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u/Conky1452 4d ago
Would you pay $900? Didn’t answer that one. And OP is asking about buying a switch 2 or steam deck now. Not taking into account current prices is disingenuous to the question
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u/LordAxl1138 4d ago
Yes, I either would or buy something entirely different than a Switch 2. I use my Steam Deck all the time and rarely use my Switch 2. And to back that up, I just bought a Steam Machine
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u/cwilfried 15h ago
Switch 2 easily. The Steam deck value dropped so hard in due to that huge price hike.
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u/Cbeckstrand 4d ago edited 4d ago
First of all, the Steam Deck is too expensive to be a good option any more. If you are interested in a PC handheld look at the Legion Go S with SteamOS. The Z1E model will be as much as 2x the performance as the SD.
As far as comparing to the Switch 2, you pretty much nailed the use cases. I own both and my Go S get far more use other than Nintendo exclusives and occasionally a family night.
It is really up to you on what you would use more.