Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck specs
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck design and options
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck controllers
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck video games
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck worth
Nintendo has dominated the hand held market ever because it launched the Game Boy, however issues modified when the Nintendo Switch mixed house and handheld gaming. This prompted Valve to step into the ring with the Steam Deck as a handheld PC different to compete with the Switch. Despite there being a transparent energy distinction within the Steam Deck vs. Switch, Nintendo’s finest video games made it the much more widespread possibility. Now that the Switch 2 is almost upon us, we have to reevaluate the pecking order for these two gaming gadgets. We already broke down the Switch vs the Switch 2, however in the event you’re torn between a Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch 2 then we have to break down every of their specs, designs, video games, and costs that will help you select.
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck specs
Nintendo
While we’re nonetheless ready on a number of key particulars concerning the Switch 2, most notably relating to its battery, we do get a terrific image of how the 2 stack up by way of energy.
Nintendo Switch 2
Steam Deck
Size
3.9mm thick
11.7 by 4.6 by 1.9 inches
Weight
TBD
1.47 kilos
Screen
7.9-inches, 1080p HDR, 120Hz.
7.4 inch LCD
CPU/GPU
TBD
AMD-customized APU Zen 2
Storage
256GB
64GB to 512GB of flash storage, expandable via microSD
Wireless
Yes
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Video output
4K docked by way of HDMI, 1080p handheld
1280 x 800 decision with OLED choices
Speakers
Stereo
Stereo
USB connector
2 USB Type-C ports
One USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 alt mode
Headphone/mic jack
Built-in mic with noise-cancelling tech, however an audio jack is included within the new Pro Controller
3.5mm stereo
Game card slot
Nintendo Switch sport playing cards
N/A
microSD card slot
Supports microSD Express
Yes
Internal battery
TBD
50Whr battery
Battery life
TBD
3 to 12 hours
Charging time
TBD
2 to 3 hours
Availability
Launching on June 5
Available now
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck design and options
Valve
The Steam Deck’s design is near what one can find with the Switch 2 however with a number of main variations. The first is that the controllers should not removable and the whole factor is a single unit. You can nonetheless join different controllers to it, however you may’t disconnect the built-in controls like you may with the Switch 2’s JoyCons. This is a part of the rationale why the Steam Deck is a bit heavier than the Switch 2.
Screen measurement is one other distinction right here. The Steam Deck has a display screen measurement of 7 inches, whereas the Switch 2’s display screen is nearly an inch bigger at 7.9 inches. You may also select between commonplace LCD or OLED screens on the Steam Deck, whereas the present Switch 2 solely presents LCD. While that may be a bummer, the Switch 2 can a minimum of output choose video games at 4K if docked and even outperforms the Steam Deck in handheld mode at 1080p.
Internal storage is one other space the place the Switch 2 blows the Steam Deck out of the water, however that’s extra simply remedied with each permitting for SD playing cards to simply add more room. Still, having extra inside storage is at all times appreciated as video games get bigger and bigger.
We don’t know the specifics of what CPU and GPU the Switch 2 is working, however it’s definitely going to be some distinctive chipset made particularly for it. From what we all know the console is able to, we do suppose it’s going to match or exceed what the present Steam Deck is packing however we might want to wait till somebody cracks it open to make certain.
Battery life is one other unknown, however it’s laborious to think about Nintendo launching a console with a battery as restricted because the Steam Deck. The Switch 1 battery already lasted between 4.5 and 9 hours, so even when the Switch 2 pulled again on that, it might nonetheless be aggressive with the Steam Deck.
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck controllers
Nintendo
The Steam Deck has built-in controls that, whereas not probably the most comfy, are greater than servicable. You may also join almost another trendy controller as effectively to fit your desire.
The Switch 2 options new and improved Joy-Cons that magnetically connect with the system reasonably than slide and lock into place. This means that you can simply play whereas holding the display screen or detaching it, relying on what’s extra comfy. Besides the Switch 2 vs Switch Joy-Cons being a bit larger, these even have mouse performance as one other management technique.
The Switch 2 may even allow you to join Pro Controllers for a extra conventional controller setup as effectively.
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck video games
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
Neither the Switch 2 nor the Steam Deck will go away you wanting for video games. Starting with the Steam Deck, this method can run virtually any Steam sport you have got, with the listing of appropriate video games solely rising bigger. Steam is the biggest PC storefront there may be, so you should have entry to all the perfect PC video games from large publishers like Sony, Xbox, Ubisoft, and EA alongside an limitless variety of indies.
The one factor you’ll by no means be capable to play on the Steam Deck, although, is Nintendo video games. The Switch 2 not solely is backward appropriate with virtually each sport within the Switch library but additionally has its personal lineup of recent video games similar to Mario Kart 9 and Donkey Kong Bananza. Some Switch video games may even get Switch 2 Editions that supply improved visuals, body charges, and even further content material, although there may be an improve payment to get these enhancements. On prime of that, additionally, you will have entry to the Eshop and Switch Online service for digital video games, indies, and a rising library of traditional video games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and N64 generations.
Which is best will rely in your style. Steam has a a lot bigger choice of video games however lacks the distinctive video games that solely Nintendo makes.
Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck worth
There are three fashions of Steam Deck you may decide from relying on how a lot space for storing you need and if you’re prepared to pay for an OLED display screen. The lowest entry level will price you $400, with the most costly being $650.
On the opposite hand, there may be at the moment simply the bottom Switch 2 mannequin proper now as your solely possibility. This one at the moment prices $450, which is simply above the most cost effective possibility for Steam Decks and effectively under the high-end possibility. There can be a $500 bundle that features Mario Kart World.