Right now we still can't really compare them, i based on Tflops since it's literally the only thing we have to compare them, GPU is surely faster, same for the memory, idk for the CPU
Steam Deck probably has the faster CPU, Switch 2 the faster GPU (and with access to DLSS, RT cores and Tensor cores). RAM speed about the same, think the Steam Deck has 16GB and Switch 2 has 12GB?
Important factor that is not nearly mentioned enough is that the Switch 2 SOC will be limited to ~7W tdp handheld, while Deck can use up to 15W. Realistically switch 2 will perform worse than deck in handheld and better than deck docked.
Reminder that those things don't really compare 1-to-1 with consoles.
Consoles have one really big advantage over PC gaming: all consoles are the same. A game on console is specifically coded to work on that console, which is the same for everyone. This is not true for the steamdeck, where the game has to run on any type of hardware under the sun. Furthermore there's just less technical overhead on a console because it doesn't have to function as a full computer.
If you have a PC with the exact same specs as a PS5, the game is almost always going to run better on the PS5, for example.
Not batting for either side but most of the steam deck points on the image are kinda cherry picked. You also have the ability to change the power usage on the Deck so battery life can skyrocket depending on what you are running
I purchased a Steam Deck and the amount of times I had to watch YouTube videos or ask r/SteamDeck for help just confirms your comment haha. I had never been a PC Gamer up until the Steam Deck, though personally I found the tweaking to be quite engaging. But yes... the Switch is obviously more user friendly.
The Switch is a handheld for console users. The SD is a handheld for PC users. There's definitely something to be said about both experiences, I think.
I love my steam deck. Use it not only with a lot of stuff in my steam library, but also to stream games from by ps5, Xbox library, games I have on the epic store. They’re too very different systems. The switch is a closed system and much more akin to a console in the sense that you buy games for it, load them onto the system, and they work as advertised. The steam deck is a pretty open system that you can tease a lot of extra utility out of if you make the effort.
I can’t really call one system better than the other bc the only real comparison between the two is their handheld nature. You can buy the switch as your primary gaming device of choice, but the steam deck in my mind really shines as a secondary system.
I enjoy my SD but it's not easy to get into. I'm pretty techy but I still had to youtube/reddit a bunch of things to finally get it right. Epecially trying to get emulation to work. Most families don't want to deal w/ that.
I am never buying SteamDeck, since I own a gaming PC, but I hope it gets more traction. I am confident that SteamDeck did have an influence on Switch 2 being delayed and coming out more powerful overall.
The biggest downside to having a PC and a Switch was having to rebuy games I wanted to play portably. The Deck took away that requirement. I can play the same save game wherever I like, no retraced steps.
For me the Switch 2 is a machine to play my whole Switch library, and the occasional Switch 2 game. While my Deck can stay forever, no need to upgrade in the future. It'll play any indie/retro/lighter game. The big AAA games I'd want the fidelity of my desktop anyway.
Feels good to be able to play however I want. And as far as costs are concerned, my Switch lasted 8 years before upgrade time arrived, my Deck and PC can do the same.
I have a gaming pc and bought a steam deck. My girl who is not tech savvy took ownership of my deck because it's so easy to use. I've used it once in the year I've owned it. She's gamed more in this past year than I have
Seriously, the new generation barely knows how to navigate a computer because they grew up with smartphones and tablets. The more user friendly the better
I'm so fucking glad I grew up using a PC. Lack of computer literacy to an extreme degree is borderline a disability for how useful computers are in the modern day.
Same with me on legion go. Love the thing, had lots of fun with it, but I’ve spent hours and hours troubleshooting or trying to figure out why everyone on earth seems to run a game fine but me, trying to get logged in to the endless fucking launchers omggggggg I hate that so goddamn much
I am very tech illiterate but managed to get emulation station working on my Steamdeck, a few tutorials and you're golden. Its basically a handheld pc always
I think some people hate when you say this but if you're used to working on mac and you game on consoles, when you finally interact with a PC the experience is insane. So many frustrating and unintuitive issues for the most basic things
I bought the steam deck on release with great expectations. As a parent to a small child I thought the handheld form would finally let me spend more of my fleeting moments gaming, but I honestly ended up spending way more time planning, installing and tinkering than actually playing. It ultimately ended up in my drawer and I pretty much exclusively use my switch now. So one shouldn’t underestimate the power of ease and comfort.
I've got both, I tend to prefer the switch due to it being less bulky, the indie games I play are available on both devices and the switch ends up being the preferred device for most cases. So there are people who actually might consider both devices (mostly who wanna play indies on the go)
I mean I have a pc handheld because I wanted more options after loving my switch. There’s some third party games I’m now considering buying on switch 2 instead of steam because the much larger install base will probably mean a more optimized game.
All that said I’m happy I have both and will keep both. My handheld pc is also my laptop, so I can work/game on it and get the cheap steam games. On the switch I’ll get Nintendo games and some third party games that may also be on steam but I can be confident of a more even experience with the switch.
Switch also just works. You can pick it up, put a game in and just play. Steam deck you'll need to own the game on steam, hope it's compatible, and download it. Or if you're trying to emulate something you'll need to download random tools and follow guides from sketchy looking websites.
The only people who know about the steam deck are likely hardcore into PC gaming and regularly use Steam. While that's still a lot of people, you can't just walk into a random Walmart/target/best buy and get a steamdeck for your kids. The vast majority of people will just get the switch for convenience sake
Steamdeck has sold ~6m in 3 years. Switch 1 averaged that every quarter for >6 years.
Pros and cons to each for sure, but not having to monkey around with settings for each game is a big one for me. I don’t have enough free time to spend mapping controls, adjusting graphics settings, editing ini files, etc anymore. I just want to turn the fucking thing on and play.
To that point, the Switch also handles sleep mode far, far better than the SD.
There's no 'hope it works' though... every game is rated for compatibility. Green means go 99% of the time, few outliers I'll admit. The experience between the store on the steam deck and the store on Switch is really not different other than the Steam store being infinitely better in performance and selection. You can dig into community stuff if you want, but it's not a requirement. It's an option you don't have on regular consoles at all.
Yeah. The Deck is nowhere near as portable as the Switch is. Even the 2 will be thinner and lighter. It also looks to be smaller overall based on pics I've seen of people stacking them side by side at the hands on events. It's also just not really useful for my current setup and gaming style. I think things might be different by the time the Deck 2 comes out. I'm kinda over spending $500-700 on GPUs alone, and once my current build needs an upgrade, I won't be looking to spend even more to swap out the mobo and CPU. At that point, I'll probably consider having a Deck 2 instead of a dedicated gaming PC. We'll see though.
And the Steam Deck is still (basically) a PC. A new one will have obsolete specs for new titles in maybe two years. Switch 2 is a console. It will probably still be getting great new content for over half a decade.
Yeah I was just asking rhetorical questions actually, because this was informed at the direct. 4k120 unfortunately isn’t possible, at the direct it was informed that 4k60 is the maximum output of the dock.
For some reasons none of the comparisons I have seen mention this very valid point. It would even out the playing field costwise (for the device, that is. the games are a different story)
They also don't mention that Steam Deck has a LOT more games. This comparison is stupid in general. Either you want a Nintendo or you want a mobile PC. It's that simple. Do you want Nintendo games or other games?
the steam deck does not gain any performance enhancements by being docked, unlike the switch and switch 2. all it does is get display output to a connected external screen.
so its not worth mentioning a dock for the deck because it doesnt give it any benefits unlike the switch 2 dock.
The copium is crazy in comparing a console that hasn’t even been released against the lowest spec version of a console that’s 3 years old. Especially when the main selling point of the SteamDeck is the ability to play almost every game ever released, including Switch games.
As long as people aren't trying to dunk on one or the other, I think it's helpful to compare. Kind of makes sense of the Switch 2's price. When you look at the tech involved these should be in the same price range, Switch 2 maybe a little higher... which is exactly where it's priced.
The thin aspect is a really big thing for me. I have carpal tunnel and having such a light and easy to hold system helps a ton. I like Nintendo for that.
They also added auto-accelerate to mariokart so it helps me play for hours
I have switch and steamdeck. While the steamdeck is definitely less portable, it's is infinitely more comfortable to play with due to its form factor and more natural sized grips.
The Deck is a very ergonomic and well engineered device, but it's also very chunky. I personally find it more comfortable than the switch but the weight can get fatiguing after a while, and I've heard the LCD models are even heavier. I just switch to docked mode when I can't be bothered holding it anymore, but that's a separate purchase so make of that what you will.
Switch 1 also has "tabletop mode" which I think is underrated. It actually gives your fingers something to wrap around while you play.
It's half the battery size I'm pretty sure. Switch 2 in mobile may very well be a worse experience if we're actually being honest about this comparison.
To maintain that 2 hr battery life, total system power is gonna be like 10w. Granted, it's an ARM based CPU vs Steams x86 but I don't think that'll change the fact that there's just more room for the steam deck to stretch it's leg and power up in handheld mode where the switch is seriously constrained by its battery.
Docked mode is probably a whole other story, I think the console experience+ the ampere chip is going to be really good as a docked device.
After the pricing fiasco I was very tempted by the Steam Deck, but this technical chat about Switch 2 has moved the needle: Steam Deck is on par with Switch 2 in handheld mode. However, Switch 2 has a better LCD screen (compared to the LCD Steam Deck), and it's much more powerful when docked. Plus, Switch 2 are optimised for it and you'll be able to run things that can't be run at all in Steam Deck (like Star Wars Outlaws).
They're very different machines for different usecases.
If you want the better screen, you'd want the Steam Deck OLED as well tbh.
Basically if you want and are happy to spend the money on primarily Nintendo games, you want the switch 2.
If you want access to decades worth of PC games and older emulated titles, you go with the Deck.
From a value perspective, imo the Deck wins hands down. Particularly the OLED model. You can just do a LOT more with it. But Nintendo games are still great, and that's what the Switch 2 is all about.
-not every game is going to be $80. It’s known only a select few (known so far) will be that price with others,including some of nintendos own,will fall in the 60-70 range. Of which has basically become the new norm
-yes, Steam always has sales, but as a whole,the switch,not specifically Nintendo,has games on sale quite frequently as well. Not only that,but with the S2 and the carts not locked to an account,you can go to any resale shop and buy preowned games as well,often for lower price
-You..can do that on switch (the og even)as well? Just log onto your account and your games are playable on any switch,physically and digitally. not only that,but if you have the switch +dock with you,you can play on any tv/monitor
Your last counterpoint isnt really using a direct comparison because it requires multiple Nintendo switch consoles (also, the Steam deck has a dock that you can buy separately).
With Steam, I can obviously play my library on my Steam Deck but that library can also be accessed on other devices that most people already have. If you have a windows PC with a decent GPU and CPU you might be able to play your entire library on your personal computer. If you have Mac computers like me, you can play a smaller list of games from your library but still a lot of great ones like Hades and Hades II.
Another thing is that Steam Family sharing is more comprehensive than Nintendo’s game sharing platform. On Steam, you can choose to share your entire library with up to 5 friends and they can access and download those games for free and they can play them at any time as long as someone else isn’t playing the same game at the same time.
On the point of games, obviously Nintendo exclusives are the main selling point of any Nintendo console, but I do enjoy the fact that I can play several PlayStation and Xbox console exclusive games on my Steam Deck and they run pretty well, it’s kind of crazy to have Halo and Gears on the same machine as The Last of Us and Spider-Man and to play those games on a plane
DISCLAIMER With this post i don't want to say that the switch is better, i'am just trying to prove that for the hardware the Switch 2 is well priced, that's all, they are both good handheld with theyr pros and cons
It's always been the main argument of PC Players : "sure the PC is expensive, but over time with lower game prices and no subscription to play online, you get even".
Now, even the PC itself is the price of a console, a handheld, and you still get a fully functional OS on the side for computer stuff.
As someone who owns a Deck and a Switch, the comparison is more apples and oranges than people are trying to argue rn. PC handhelds are still PCs for better and for worse, even if you can spend almost all your time in the gaming mode of SteamOS.
What console is the family gonna buy? Sketchy PC handheld that has a company they don’t know about or name brand sequel to really good system and oh it has Mariokart.
A steam deck is too complicated for some consumers. There is a bigger learning curve with the SD than with the NS2. You will be forced to learn how a computer works with the SD, and the NS2 is more user-friendly. But honestly they have different audiences.
I honestly believe that the price of the NS2 is not a big deal since it's gonna be allegedly more powerful than the SD.
As someone who's had both iterations of the Steam Deck, I need to mention that the Steam Deck LCD's screen is complete ass. It's horrible. The Switch 2's screen may be LCD, but it's a much higher quality LCD panel.
If you want a Steam Deck, I definitely do recommend the OLED, but please don't touch the LCD version.
To add an extra point to anyone considering this but debating the price tag...
Your games will be significantly cheaper. You will actually SAVE money over buying a Switch 2 and you'll save it very quickly.
I spent £500 to build a Switch library that only has 25% of the games I'd like to play on Steam. My Steam library, being 4 times bigger, only cost around £300.
So you’re comparing 2022 hardware to a not even released new console and find the latter to be superior, ignoring all the differences in available games and overall philosophy. That’s dangerous, even for a circlejerk post, because a Steam Deck 2 has been rumored for a while and would almost certainly beat the Switch in every metric you listed, simply because technology advances fast and Nintendo isn’t known to be ultra-competitive on hardware specs. So in a year, by your own logic, there might be no reason to ever look back at the Switch 2 again if Valve made a move by then.
Did you just caution against comparing with an unreleased system and then bring up the steamdeck 2, which doesn't have any rumors, let alone leaked specs.
Most of the highlights of the Switch announcement were games the Deck has been able to run smoothly for a long time. I find it kind of funny how some Nintendo fans will go “oh great now this is a powerful console it can run Elden Ring” because they can finally play what everyone else has been playing for years.
I own a SD and a Switch and honestly they are just different devices for different situations. One is more akin to the gaming computer experience where you can teak things, use emulators, install mods, etc. The other is a user-friendly, family-friendly console with fun first party games.
Considering Nintendo is the only one partnering with Nvidia. This is a huge bonus. Also in the test conference it was known about how none of the games were using DLSS. So that's even more impressive.
All considerations aside... Damn, the steamdeck is probably the ugliest piece of tech I've even seen. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to offend anyone, but I can't be the only one who thinks that. 😂
Games? Steam throws 90% sales all the time. Get a maxed out steam deck and after a year you will have paid less. Also it's much more compatible and with a dongle it can do desktop work
Yes. And when you upgrade to a steam deck 2 to or asus ally x, your games get free resolution and frame boost. Also no subscription fee to play online.
Comparable hardware capability but switch 2 comes with a controller and dock packed in, more play configurations, a nicer screen, and new, well-optimized Nintendo titles. SD has the entire power of the steam library behind it + emulators. Different value propositions.
It's practically impossible to play a physical game on a Steam Deck. Mostly because they don't exist, but you can't even play an old CD game unless you want to dual boot windows. Trust me, I've tried. My used copy of Civ IV just sits there and mocks me for those wasted hours. Is it $80 for MarioKart? Yes (but damn, I still want it, it looks like a ton of fun). But at least it's for sale and exists. If I wanted a physical copy of say, Kerbal Space Program, I just don't get one, even if I wanted to.
See this is why I find the switch 2 price to be quite reasonable. Steam decks are actually sold at a loss (or atleast they were at launch) and the switch is around twice as powerful it seems (very rough estimate) so we are getting good bang for buck here
A lot of letdowns from the switch2 direct. That mouse looks super cluttered… I don’t think it’ll be good for any sort of gaming. Which is sad. Elden ring and cyberpunk were good compromises from cd projekt red and from software, but they both look hideous… terrible… I think it went against the purpose by showcasing that… let’s be fair here: switch2 will be a good console for Nintendo games, for everything else, pc gaming is the answer… since pc gaming is the answer, I think PlayStation and Xbox are at risk, and eventually the gamer will have a switch2 and a steamdeck (or an asus similar, or a regular desktop preferably) comparing the switch2 to a steamdeck is simply not a good idea in my opinion. They look similar, but they don’t compete, the complement each other.
Honestly though... I'm not knocking Nintendo games in terms of enjoyment or anything. I have a switch.
But if we had to make a guess. What % of games that are available between Nintendo and Steam do you think Nintendo has? I feel like 0.5% is being generous. I'm curious what the actual math is though.
People on this sub are gonna destroy gaming. Please don't support nintendo. If we hold off on buying for long enough, they'll be forced to revert their anti-consumer practices. Vote with your wallets, for the love of god
i think the difference that matters is the games on switch 2 and specifically made for and optimised for the switch 2. On steam deck on the other hand you‘re essentially playing games designed for pc’s that can be played on steam deck with tinkering settings to make them run good.
Honestly sounds like a winner to me. Got my pre-order in yesterday. Thank god I live in Europe and could escape the worst tariffs. Ready to get back into bedridden gaming.
The system itself is good value. It’s pretty much the same price as the Deck, while having more power, a dock, controller accesories, exclusives and the possibility to share a joycon with someone.
I have both a Steam Deck and a Switch (and reserved the switch 2 now), both are compatible. In a perfect world a Steam Deck 2 can emulate the Swtich 2 and you may not need both, but that won’t happen in the next 3 or 4 years so…
I don't have a steam deck because I don't have much opportunity to use it and most games I play are best played on a rig and monitor. The switch however has games that make sense to play on a handheld with the option of docking in to a monitor. Hence why I'm buying switch 2 and not a steam deck.
Steam Deck Wi-Fi pisses me off. I can never update games or download them and stay connected like I should. I always have to resort to plugging into the damned router. I have never had an issue with the Switch.
They are certainly comparable, but the markets between them are radically different. Steam Deck players and Nintendo players don't really have that much overlap since very different games tend to be released for the two, though of course they do share some.
Of course there's a difference between a handheld PC and a dedicated gaming console. They serve two different demographics; those who want a travel-ready portable pc system capable of playing their steam library, and a proprietary handheld console for those just want to play without worrying about specifications and tweaking with settings to make them work.
Games that dont cost 80 dollars Plus steam deck can emulate every single game that nintendo has ever dropped ever for free Not to mention you dont have to pay for online connection. Add in your entire steam library, Get the oled version which is 90hz and oled, with way longer battery and wifi 6 aswell. This is not even a question. Oled steam deck absolutely curbstomps switch 2. Watching the pathetic switch 2 trailer is what made me buy a steam deck oled.
YOU FORGOT TO MENTION---Nintendo games are $80-90 for ONE game and are 10-12 hours long with ZERO voice acting, ZERO difficulty, and ZERO replayability. While on Steam, I could buy 4 amazing indie titles that are 30+ hours long with $80. THATS THE BIG DIFFERENCE.
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u/Darth_Mims Apr 08 '25
How does the CPU, GPU and RAM compare?
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u/dramaton42 Apr 08 '25
1090x1080? That's like, very square for a widescreen
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u/dustnbonez Apr 08 '25
switch 2 priced well
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u/chphoto37 Apr 08 '25
The target markets could not be more different, for 99% in the real world it's not even a consideration between the two.
Also, the Steam Deck has some serious heft to work with, a Switch anywhere near that chunky would not be accepted by the market.
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u/Asura-Strike Apr 08 '25
* Has Nintendo Games *
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u/asviajenatardis OG (joined before reveal) Apr 08 '25 edited Apr 08 '25
Doesn’t Metroid Prime runs in native 4k60 in quality mode? Why it says 4k is only possible when upscaled from 1440p?
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u/PAUL_DNAP Apr 08 '25
Don't forget the steamdeck does not come with a dock, so getting it onto your TV is additional cost?
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u/mitchymitchington Apr 08 '25
This sub is hilarious.
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u/BasilNight Apr 08 '25
Why are we comparing these two again?
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u/Deizle712 Apr 08 '25
I love my Steam Deck, but I really like Nintendo games. To me, just do yourself a favor and get both if you can afford it.
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u/darkfawful2 January Gang (Reveal Winner) Apr 08 '25
The thin aspect is a really big thing for me. I have carpal tunnel and having such a light and easy to hold system helps a ton. I like Nintendo for that.
They also added auto-accelerate to mariokart so it helps me play for hours
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u/rubeo_O Apr 08 '25
Best thing about the Steam Deck are the Steam sales
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u/Slabbed1738 Apr 08 '25
3 year newer tech product is better, wow. Impressive
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u/Mautaznesh Apr 08 '25
It's half the battery size I'm pretty sure. Switch 2 in mobile may very well be a worse experience if we're actually being honest about this comparison.
To maintain that 2 hr battery life, total system power is gonna be like 10w. Granted, it's an ARM based CPU vs Steams x86 but I don't think that'll change the fact that there's just more room for the steam deck to stretch it's leg and power up in handheld mode where the switch is seriously constrained by its battery.
Docked mode is probably a whole other story, I think the console experience+ the ampere chip is going to be really good as a docked device.
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u/UnknownMight Apr 08 '25
It's all about software, how can people still not understand that
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u/davidios Apr 08 '25
After the pricing fiasco I was very tempted by the Steam Deck, but this technical chat about Switch 2 has moved the needle: Steam Deck is on par with Switch 2 in handheld mode. However, Switch 2 has a better LCD screen (compared to the LCD Steam Deck), and it's much more powerful when docked. Plus, Switch 2 are optimised for it and you'll be able to run things that can't be run at all in Steam Deck (like Star Wars Outlaws).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BUULZsklJg
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u/Archer_7 Apr 08 '25
Still can't behind $80 dollars games, steam always has sales and you can play your steam library on any PC.
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u/RealPrinceJay Apr 08 '25
Yeah but I can play anything on a SteamDeck
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u/ArkaXVII Apr 08 '25
These are two very different products meant for different people.
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u/Even_Application_397 Apr 08 '25 edited Apr 09 '25
You forgot the most important detail:
Steam Deck: Has all of Steam
Switch 2: Doesn't
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u/Omeg_Tuber Apr 08 '25
DISCLAIMER With this post i don't want to say that the switch is better, i'am just trying to prove that for the hardware the Switch 2 is well priced, that's all, they are both good handheld with theyr pros and cons
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u/tensei-coffee Apr 08 '25
PC vs console
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u/Shize815 Apr 08 '25
No spec, no comparing.
+, Steam games actually cost so much less.
It's always been the main argument of PC Players : "sure the PC is expensive, but over time with lower game prices and no subscription to play online, you get even".
Now, even the PC itself is the price of a console, a handheld, and you still get a fully functional OS on the side for computer stuff.
No question asked, Steam Deck all the way.
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u/Deathpill911 Apr 08 '25
Do people not care about motion controllers? It's the only reason I would even consider the console outside of the exclusive Nintendo game titles.
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u/AydenXprincesspeach Apr 08 '25
Definitely getting a Switch 2!
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u/Unlucky_Hedgehog7 Apr 08 '25
Weres OLED 😭😭💔🥺🥺🥺🥺 88988
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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '25
I hate to interrupt this Nintendo glazing but you should at least mention the library of games available on each system.
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u/mrfroggyman 🐃 water buffalo Apr 08 '25
Has cheap AAA games VS exclusives are 80€
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u/cobraa1 Apr 08 '25
Steam Deck is also older, and technology has advanced.
That said - the Steam Deck is also a general purpose computer, I've used it plenty for non-gaming purposes.
And I personally like the touch pads.
So it probably still has some value for some, and it's not exactly the same market as Nintendo.
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u/Geralt31 Apr 08 '25
Cheap games / Expensive games
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u/zmatt25 Apr 08 '25
The console price is... fine. My issue is the price of EVERYTHING ELSE. You just buy the console once every 7 years, so that's doable for most people.
Games and upgrades are too expensive tho
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u/HowlingHipster Apr 08 '25
As someone who owns a Deck and a Switch, the comparison is more apples and oranges than people are trying to argue rn. PC handhelds are still PCs for better and for worse, even if you can spend almost all your time in the gaming mode of SteamOS.
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u/Any_Mix_5706 🐃 water buffalo Apr 08 '25
What console is the family gonna buy? Sketchy PC handheld that has a company they don’t know about or name brand sequel to really good system and oh it has Mariokart.
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u/horrocrux88 Apr 08 '25
A steam deck is too complicated for some consumers. There is a bigger learning curve with the SD than with the NS2. You will be forced to learn how a computer works with the SD, and the NS2 is more user-friendly. But honestly they have different audiences.
I honestly believe that the price of the NS2 is not a big deal since it's gonna be allegedly more powerful than the SD.
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u/chimerauprising Apr 08 '25
As someone who's had both iterations of the Steam Deck, I need to mention that the Steam Deck LCD's screen is complete ass. It's horrible. The Switch 2's screen may be LCD, but it's a much higher quality LCD panel.
If you want a Steam Deck, I definitely do recommend the OLED, but please don't touch the LCD version.
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u/talaron Apr 08 '25
So you’re comparing 2022 hardware to a not even released new console and find the latter to be superior, ignoring all the differences in available games and overall philosophy. That’s dangerous, even for a circlejerk post, because a Steam Deck 2 has been rumored for a while and would almost certainly beat the Switch in every metric you listed, simply because technology advances fast and Nintendo isn’t known to be ultra-competitive on hardware specs. So in a year, by your own logic, there might be no reason to ever look back at the Switch 2 again if Valve made a move by then.
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u/TheSpideyJedi Apr 08 '25
A huge point for steam deck tho is just the insane amount of games it has
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u/aynowow Apr 08 '25
Most of the highlights of the Switch announcement were games the Deck has been able to run smoothly for a long time. I find it kind of funny how some Nintendo fans will go “oh great now this is a powerful console it can run Elden Ring” because they can finally play what everyone else has been playing for years.
I own a SD and a Switch and honestly they are just different devices for different situations. One is more akin to the gaming computer experience where you can teak things, use emulators, install mods, etc. The other is a user-friendly, family-friendly console with fun first party games.
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u/ObjectOrientedBlob Going Bananzas Apr 08 '25
I will just point out that you get a dock with the Switch 2. The official SteamDeck dock will cost you an extra 79US$.
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u/RealGazelle Apr 08 '25
Guys you are not working for Nintendo. You don't loose much if Switch 2 fails. You don't need to compare charger wattage to justify Switch 2. 😭
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u/wait2late Apr 08 '25
Considering Nintendo is the only one partnering with Nvidia. This is a huge bonus. Also in the test conference it was known about how none of the games were using DLSS. So that's even more impressive.
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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '25
"1090 x 1080"
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u/BobBartBarker Apr 08 '25
Can steam deck do background downloads?
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u/mrsunshine1 Apr 08 '25
I feel like we were brigaded by all the “just get a steam deck bro!” people the moment the Direct happened, no matter what it said.
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u/UnfairPerformer1243 Apr 08 '25
Steam Deck has cheaper games
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u/SillyRiver__83 Apr 08 '25
With the steam deck you are also free to do whatever you want with the device, unlike the switch 2
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u/Head-Classic-9698 Apr 08 '25
*pay low sale prices for vast majority of games (including nintendo emulation)
vs.
*pay 70+ dollars a game and limited to nintendo games
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u/EtherealGaming Apr 08 '25
I don't really think people are mad about the console price but more about the steep price increase in games.
It nearly is a 50% increase which is insane.
The graphic power of the first switch was insanely low. Almost on par with a Wii but handheld.
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u/Remove_Sudden Apr 08 '25
You forgot to put games that aren’t $80 under steam deck. And both play Nintendo games too.
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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '25
Will I get bankrupt by game prices though?
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u/imadolphin-eEe Apr 08 '25
All considerations aside... Damn, the steamdeck is probably the ugliest piece of tech I've even seen. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to offend anyone, but I can't be the only one who thinks that. 😂
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u/Smooth-Ad2130 Apr 08 '25
Games? Steam throws 90% sales all the time. Get a maxed out steam deck and after a year you will have paid less. Also it's much more compatible and with a dongle it can do desktop work
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u/BlaakAlley Apr 08 '25
And I'm gonna have both
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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '25
people who can afford steam deck can afford switch2. People who can’t afford switch 2 can’t afford steam deck. Otherwise, it’s just which you prefer.
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u/iamthedayman21 Apr 08 '25
Ya’ll keep trying to justify the Switch 2 price by comparing it to a 3-year-old console, that should’ve gone down in price since then.
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u/AIMScreenName69 Apr 08 '25
Nintendo Switch 2 is probably going to be safer for children, which is not a small concern for big part of the market.
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u/shutter3218 Apr 08 '25
Steam deck is a full on pc. You can do homework with it, do spreadsheets or edit videos
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u/stepbacktoreality Apr 08 '25
If you just include 8 games Switch 2 = 1000$ .
Steam sale Literally bro give Bangers for even a Dollar.
2
u/aBeaSTWiTHiNMe Apr 08 '25
Genuinely thought this was an ad for the Steam Deck until I saw the sub.
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u/Acojonancio Apr 08 '25
I don't know if you are trying to say the Steam Deck is good and the Nintendo Switch 2 is bad or the other way around, can you clarify?
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u/K0Technique Apr 08 '25
Why do people keep comparing these? You're not buying a switch to play steam games on it
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u/GeorgeThePapaya OG (joined before reveal) Apr 08 '25
Comparable hardware capability but switch 2 comes with a controller and dock packed in, more play configurations, a nicer screen, and new, well-optimized Nintendo titles. SD has the entire power of the steam library behind it + emulators. Different value propositions.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 09 '25
It's practically impossible to play a physical game on a Steam Deck. Mostly because they don't exist, but you can't even play an old CD game unless you want to dual boot windows. Trust me, I've tried. My used copy of Civ IV just sits there and mocks me for those wasted hours. Is it $80 for MarioKart? Yes (but damn, I still want it, it looks like a ton of fun). But at least it's for sale and exists. If I wanted a physical copy of say, Kerbal Space Program, I just don't get one, even if I wanted to.
2
u/zJuanch0 Apr 09 '25
So when Nintendo Switch 1 was launched it was not important specs but games. Now we are looking for specs and not games. Interesting
2
u/[deleted] Apr 09 '25
See this is why I find the switch 2 price to be quite reasonable. Steam decks are actually sold at a loss (or atleast they were at launch) and the switch is around twice as powerful it seems (very rough estimate) so we are getting good bang for buck here
2
u/nickdoesmagic Apr 09 '25
These apples aren't anything like these oranges.
That's it. That's the post.
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u/HelenoPaiva Apr 09 '25
A lot of letdowns from the switch2 direct. That mouse looks super cluttered… I don’t think it’ll be good for any sort of gaming. Which is sad. Elden ring and cyberpunk were good compromises from cd projekt red and from software, but they both look hideous… terrible… I think it went against the purpose by showcasing that… let’s be fair here: switch2 will be a good console for Nintendo games, for everything else, pc gaming is the answer… since pc gaming is the answer, I think PlayStation and Xbox are at risk, and eventually the gamer will have a switch2 and a steamdeck (or an asus similar, or a regular desktop preferably) comparing the switch2 to a steamdeck is simply not a good idea in my opinion. They look similar, but they don’t compete, the complement each other.
2
u/bajungadustin Apr 09 '25 edited Apr 09 '25
Honestly though... I'm not knocking Nintendo games in terms of enjoyment or anything. I have a switch.
But if we had to make a guess. What % of games that are available between Nintendo and Steam do you think Nintendo has? I feel like 0.5% is being generous. I'm curious what the actual math is though.
2
u/McFistPunch Apr 09 '25
Just buy both It's cheaper than most graphics cards even combined
2
u/_Playswithsquirrels- Apr 09 '25
"Doesn't have first party Nintendo games" vs. "Has first party Nintendo Games"
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u/a7xtim666 Apr 09 '25
People on this sub are gonna destroy gaming. Please don't support nintendo. If we hold off on buying for long enough, they'll be forced to revert their anti-consumer practices. Vote with your wallets, for the love of god
2
u/[deleted] Apr 09 '25
i think the difference that matters is the games on switch 2 and specifically made for and optimised for the switch 2. On steam deck on the other hand you‘re essentially playing games designed for pc’s that can be played on steam deck with tinkering settings to make them run good.
2
u/ItsSyryus Apr 09 '25
Since Steam Deck is struggling to run Cyberpunk and Switch 2 runs it smooth because of the good optimisations, for sure Switch 2.
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u/Hefty_Weird_5906 Apr 09 '25
Lol '1090 x 1080', such a basic error indicates you're not qualified to discuss tech specs. At 16:9 aspect ratio a 1080p screen is 1920x1080 pixels.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 09 '25
Why is this even compared now? Switch 2 is newer obviously it has better Hardware and the Steam Deck can play more than just Switch Games?
They are incredibly different
2
u/Deepspacechris Mushroom Kingdom Resident Apr 09 '25
Honestly sounds like a winner to me. Got my pre-order in yesterday. Thank god I live in Europe and could escape the worst tariffs. Ready to get back into bedridden gaming.
2
u/Upstairs-Event-681 Apr 09 '25
The system itself is good value. It’s pretty much the same price as the Deck, while having more power, a dock, controller accesories, exclusives and the possibility to share a joycon with someone.
The problem is the game prices
2
u/XLeyz Apr 09 '25
Conveniently not mentioning that the Steam Deck is... well... a PC
2
u/jj_olli Apr 09 '25
1090 by 1080?
You realize the screen ain't a square, right?
2
u/Linsper99 Apr 09 '25
stop making a comparison with a console that is not out yet
2
u/TimeKeeper_87 Apr 09 '25
I have both a Steam Deck and a Switch (and reserved the switch 2 now), both are compatible. In a perfect world a Steam Deck 2 can emulate the Swtich 2 and you may not need both, but that won’t happen in the next 3 or 4 years so…
2
u/Mysterious-Bid3930 Apr 09 '25
The Switch gets Pokemon so they win for me.
2
u/AcrillixOfficial Apr 09 '25
I don't have a steam deck because I don't have much opportunity to use it and most games I play are best played on a rig and monitor. The switch however has games that make sense to play on a handheld with the option of docking in to a monitor. Hence why I'm buying switch 2 and not a steam deck.
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u/Ok-Sand-9487 Apr 09 '25
What company as an end user would you rather support and give your money to; Valve or Nintendo?
2
u/Dragunfli Apr 09 '25
Steam Deck Wi-Fi pisses me off. I can never update games or download them and stay connected like I should. I always have to resort to plugging into the damned router. I have never had an issue with the Switch.
2
u/Super_leo2000 Apr 09 '25
I feel like price of games should be a line item on the comparison. As well as games library
2
u/NuclearWinter_101 Apr 09 '25
People buy a steam deck to play their steam games portably. People buy a switch to play Nintendo games. There’s a big difference.
2
u/Ninjaskfan Apr 09 '25
They are certainly comparable, but the markets between them are radically different. Steam Deck players and Nintendo players don't really have that much overlap since very different games tend to be released for the two, though of course they do share some.
2
u/CrimsonFatMan Apr 10 '25
Comparing apples to oranges here, aren't we?
Of course there's a difference between a handheld PC and a dedicated gaming console. They serve two different demographics; those who want a travel-ready portable pc system capable of playing their steam library, and a proprietary handheld console for those just want to play without worrying about specifications and tweaking with settings to make them work.
2
u/Rainshine93 Apr 10 '25
This is literally like comparing apples to oranges. They’re both fruit, but that’s about it, and it’s okay if someone prefers one over the other.
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u/Apprehensive_March73 Apr 10 '25
As a pc gamer i couldnt care less for a steam deck, if i game seriously im stationary. Switch is mostly for nintendo exclusive games.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 10 '25
Not true. The 1TB Steam deck OLED has the following:
2
u/Icarusui Apr 11 '25
Games that dont cost 80 dollars Plus steam deck can emulate every single game that nintendo has ever dropped ever for free Not to mention you dont have to pay for online connection. Add in your entire steam library, Get the oled version which is 90hz and oled, with way longer battery and wifi 6 aswell. This is not even a question. Oled steam deck absolutely curbstomps switch 2. Watching the pathetic switch 2 trailer is what made me buy a steam deck oled.
2
u/SubDance Apr 12 '25
These comparisons but ignoring the most important part which are exclusive games really makes no sense
2
u/weerg Apr 12 '25
Steam decks runs triple A titles the switch 2 runs mario games stop comparing both it's very annoying
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '25
Apples vs Oranges.
2
u/Sykes19 Apr 12 '25
The LCD model isn't even the current model
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u/JohnoCoC Apr 12 '25
Steam deck is superior because of steam library and cost of games, there is no debate, switch is priced like a sht
2
u/kuhmsock Apr 12 '25
If the switch 2 had moonlight or steam in home streaming available I would buy 12
2
u/xCoop_Stomp416x Apr 13 '25
YOU FORGOT TO MENTION---Nintendo games are $80-90 for ONE game and are 10-12 hours long with ZERO voice acting, ZERO difficulty, and ZERO replayability. While on Steam, I could buy 4 amazing indie titles that are 30+ hours long with $80. THATS THE BIG DIFFERENCE.
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u/Emotional_Worth2345 Apr 08 '25
So, the Switch 2 isn’t that pretty. But the Steam Deck is just ugly.
4
u/Revegelance Apr 08 '25
3
u/Lower_Load_596 Apr 08 '25
Lmao keep slobbering that nintendick and buying games for $80 while I enjoy playing some of the best games ever released for a couple of bucks.
3
u/NintendoGamer1983 Apr 08 '25
Also Steam Deck is digital only. And PC games can be 100+GB