With the recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, gamers were excited about finally getting a successor to the most popular handheld console. But over the last couple of years, there’s a lot more competition in the market like the Steam Deck. So here’s a quick comparison between the two gaming handhelds to see how they compare.
1. Design and Build
Valve’s Steam Deck is basically a portable PC, but unlike most handhelds, it is not powered by Windows. It packs some beefy specs and a bulky design to accommodate the powerful hardware. The console arrives with a standard gaming controller layout with two thumbsticks, a D-pad, and an array of buttons. It weighs 640 grams and is powered by a 50Wh battery pack.
But the Nintendo Switch 2 continues the unique design that the original Switch offered with removable JoyCon controllers. The gaming handheld has a hybrid design that allows gamers to play on the Switch 2 in handheld or docked mode. The docked mode allows for improved performance and better thermals as well. But thanks to the removable controllers, users get easier access to split screen co-op for multiplayer games like Mario Kart. The Switch houses a sizeable 5,220mAh battery pack and has a lighter 534 grams body.
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Steam Deck 64 GB Console Bundled With X-Ninja Stream Deck Case with Steam Deck Screen Protector… | Check Price on Amazon |
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
2. Hardware
The Steam Deck utilizes a custom AMD APU, combining a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, allowing it to run a wide range of PC games smoothly. It does support 4K gaming at up to 120fps, although finding a title that can hit this figure is a bit more challenging. The Steam Deck has a 7-inch IPS LCD panel with 1280x800p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. There is also an OLED variant as well that costs slightly more. The Steam Deck can offer a full fledged PC experience, allowing tasks beyond gaming like web browsing and media consumption.
Meanwhile, Nintendo’s new Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rate support. Under the hood, the Nintendo Switch 2 packs a new custom Nvidia processor that offers greater GPU and CPU performance. The exact make of this chip is still unknown but it promises to offer a great performance overall when compared to the first gen model. However, one of the biggest upgrades is VRR support (variable refresh rate) and Nvidia’s DLSS tech. So the Switch 2 can push for higher resolution games at playable frame rates despite the limited hardware on a portable console.
3. Price and Verdict
Set to launch on June 5, 2025, the Switch 2 is priced at $449.99. However, recent tariffs have complicated the pricing strategy, potentially leading to adjustments. On the other hand, the Steam Deck has been available since 2022 and comes in multiple storage configurations, with prices starting at $399 for the base model.
Choosing between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck boils down to personal preference and gaming priorities. If you’re deeply invested in Nintendo’s exclusive titles and prefer a hybrid gaming system, the Switch 2 is an attractive option. But if you want a more open platform with access to a vast PC game library, then the Steam Deck stands out.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Tech enthusiast? Get the latest news first! Follow our Telegram channel and subscribe to our free newsletter for your daily tech fix! ⚡
