Confused about what to get between the Steam Deck vs the Nintendo Switch? This article is for you. Valve’s Steam Deck is a brand new handheld computer that is professing to take the PC games library to your hands, and it has been creating a great deal of interest among gamers. On the other hand, you have Nintendo’s Switch, a name that has been well-known for many years because of its portability and console gaming fusion. But which one should you get? It is the Steam Deck vs. the Nintendo Switch that everyone is raving about.
Design & Portability
The Nintendo Switch undoubtedly has got the edge on portability. It weighs only 398 grams (or 420 grams for the OLED model) a great deal lighter compared to the Steam Deck at 669 grams. The Switch is small and chic enough to slip right into a bag or perhaps a pocket, but the Steam Deck’s bigger footprint might be a bit too weighty for handheld use.
But the Steam Deck’s added mass is not without its benefits. Its ergonomic design along with comfortable grips make it comfortable to hold all day long while playing video games. The Switch, meanwhile, might require some additional grips or accessories for additional comfort.
Performance & Graphics
The Steam Deck effortlessly beats the Switch in graphics and performance. The Steam Deck includes an adapted AMD APU and RDNA two graphics that offer blistering frame rates and amazing graphics for the most extreme games. The Switch’s classic Nvidia Tegra X1 processor could hardly handle the brand-new titles also.
Video games such as The Witcher 3: Bloody Alliance. Runs wonderfully on the Steam Deck, especially Wild Hunt, which could barely keep up with visuals on the Switch. Of course, that performance comes at a price of battery life too, but for all people who expect the very best graphical quality the Steam Deck wins without a doubt.
Battery Life and Display
How about battery life specifically? both devices have strengths and weaknesses. A number of games are able to last as much as nine hours on a Nintendo Switch, perfect for lengthy commutes. The substandard Steam Deck, meanwhile, could claim up to eight hours of playtime, based on the game and settings.
Display-wise, the two devices are more equal. Steam Deck sports a 7-inch LCD touchscreen (1280×800) and the Switch OLED model sports a 7-inch OLED panel (1280×720). The Switch’s OLED screen is darker and more saturated in colors and blacks, although the higher-res Steam Deck provides far better pictures.
Exclusives & Game Library
The largest factor in choosing between the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch is arguably the game library and exclusives. Being a PC-based console, the Steam Deck has a chance to access an extensive catalogue of video games from internet stores such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and a lot more. Which includes AAA titles, Indie gems, and everything in between.
But the Switch Edge is exclusive. Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon happen to be all Nintendo Switch exclusives and are critically acclaimed and loved worldwide. If you love Nintendo’s first-party video games, then maybe the Switch is way better.
Versatility and Customization
Although the Nintendo Switch itself features removable Joy-Con controllers and will dock to a TV, the Steam Deck is much more adaptable compared to that. As a PC experience, the Steam Deck allows for a degree of personalization and tweaking which the Switch cannot match.
The Steam Deck also lets users install third-party applications, emulators, and even other operating systems. Plus, the touchpads and other buttons on the device provide some control & accuracy, which might be helpful for many games.
Price and Value
Price-wise, the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch are fairly close. The Steam Deck begins at USD 399 for the 64GB eMMC edition and at USD 350 for the Switch OLED version. However, the Steam Deck may be upgraded to provide a lot more storage – the basic 512 GB NVMe SSD version costs USD 649.
But ultimately, it boils right down to what you love and everything you require out of the Steam Deck versus the Nintendo Switch. If you value performance, customization, and a substantial PC game collection, then the Steam Deck is an excellent choice. However, in case you like Nintendo’s exclusive games, favor portability over battery life – and would like the Switch to beat it out there, stick with Nintendo.
The Verdict: Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch
The Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch are excellent handheld gaming systems, and each has its pros and cons. The Steam Deck provides speed, flexibility, and a great PC game library; however, the Switch has portability, battery life, and exclusive Nintendo games on par with the best consoles.
It’s a clear choice for those who appreciate pure power and flexibility. The Switch may be much better in case you like Nintendo’s classics and value portability, though. However, that really comes right down to what you enjoy and what gaming needs you’ve.
Whatever device you choose, one thing is certain: You will be pleasantly surprised. Never has the handheld gaming future looked much more promising.
