The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct lastly revealed precisely what the Nintendo Switch 2 can do and what it prices. However alongside the hype got here the burden of realization: Consoles are getting costly.
Nintendo Switch 2’s worth has breached into the realm of what I’d anticipate from handheld gaming PCs, which value anyplace from $400 to $900. Nevertheless it’s not simply the {hardware} that’s dearer – the video games are getting dearer too, making the affordability of the unique Switch a distant dream.
In comparison with the Steam Deck, which was as soon as far dearer than the Switch, Valve’s handheld gaming PC and the Nintendo Switch 2 are in an identical lane. So in the event you’re trying to get into the handheld gaming scene, which is best? Nintendo Switch 2 or Steam Deck?
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Value
Value has been a sizzling matter for the Nintendo Switch 2. The corporate plans to launch the console at $449.99, which is 50% dearer than the unique $299.99 Switch. That in of itself is a drastic worth leap, however there’s the added chance of it getting even greater with the risk of tariffs on the horizon.
Pre-orders for Switch 2 have been delayed from their unique April 9 date in the U.S., with Nintendo telling us that it was with a purpose to “assess the potential affect of tariffs and evolving market circumstances.” The 90-day tariff pause put a brief cease to that, with pre-orders now going reside on April 24, however there’s no saying what occurs when tariffs return in July. It’s exhausting to make definitive statements on worth in consequence, however let’s transfer ahead with the costs we all know.
Valve Steam Deck OLED
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Due to its candy, candy OLED display, that is the Steam Deck to purchase.
The Steam Deck begins at $399.99 for its 256GB LCD mannequin, barely undercutting the Switch 2. The 512GB and 1TB OLED fashions are $549.99 and $649.99 respectively, so it rapidly will get dearer. The value of {hardware} isn’t all you need to take into account, although. Software program prices ramp up rapidly, and Nintendo has taken a leap with Switch 2 by elevating the ceiling in AAA recreation pricing. Mario Kart World, at $79.99, is the prime instance, setting a brand new precedent for the future.
There’s no telling what Steam recreation costs will seem like in the coming years, however because it stands now, the Deck pulls forward of the Switch 2 with a decrease beginning value and extra inexpensive video games library.
Winner: Steam Deck
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Specs and Efficiency
Based on a Nvidia blog post, Switch 2 options “10x the graphics” of its predecessor, with ray tracing compatibility, variable refresh fee by way of Nvidia G-Sync, and “AI-driven enhancements.”
Neither Nintendo or Nvidia have revealed the specs of the GPU, however it’s extremely possible that it’s based mostly on the Nvidia Tegra T39 SoC (system on a chip). This GPU is supposedly constructed on Ampere, the identical graphics structure behind the RTX 3080. Although, with 1,536 CUDA cores, it’s nowhere close to as highly effective as different Nvidia GPUs in its collection. Even the RTX 3050 Cellular, which is the weakest in its line, has 2,048 CUDA cores and certain runs with a a lot greater energy finances.
The Nvidia GPU is powering a 7.9-inch 1,920 x 1,080, 120Hz LCD touchscreen with VRR (Variable Refresh Fee). Whereas the panel is a large improve in dimension and determination, it could’ve been good if OLED got here prior to later. It has 256GB of UFS (Common Flash Storage), with a microSD Specific slot for as much as a further 2TB.
Nintendo Switch 2 Console
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The Steam Deck is constructed on a lot older tech, although. It options an AMD Radeon APU with 8 RDNA 2 CUs, and a Zen 2 CPU with 4 cores and eight threads. As a result of these two GPUs are constructed on completely different architectures by completely different firms, it’s extremely exhausting to attract comparisons between the two. However as a result of the Nintendo Switch 2 options {hardware} that the Steam Deck merely doesn’t – particularly Tensor Cores to energy DLSS – the Switch 2 is theoretically extra highly effective.
“Theoretical” is the key phrase right here. These are completely different machines in working system, energy output, and show decision. And with some kind of DLSS coming to the Switch 2, I received’t know the way it really performs till it’s in my arms. For now although, Switch 2 appears prone to pull forward.
Winner: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Software program and Options
Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2 are supposed for various audiences, so instantly evaluating options may be complicated. In the event you’re primarily a PC gamer with a big Steam library, or have a penchant for emulation, the Steam Deck is a unbelievable possibility. Switch 2 is greatest for followers of Nintendo exclusives, or these keen to leap into a brand new console ecosystem. Fortunately, in the event you did personal the unique Switch, your recreation library is backward suitable, each digitally and bodily.
Nintendo Switch 2’s most enjoyable new function is that its Pleasure-Con operate as mice. As seen in Drag x Drive, gamers glide the backside of their Pleasure-Con in opposition to a floor to maneuver forwards, backwards, and even flip. Mouse performance extends past simply video games that require it, with Metroid Prime 4: Past that includes mouse performance whereas aiming, as if enjoying on PC.
Steam Deck does one thing related with its two trackpads, however they don’t emulate the mouse expertise fairly as effectively – if you recognize something about first-person shooters, attempting to play them on a trackpad is a nightmare.
Whereas not new to the Switch 2, its removable Pleasure-Con, docking station, and backstand affords handheld, tabletop, and docked modes. It’s simple to take that versatility with no consideration, however the Steam Deck isn’t succesful of this. An official Steam Deck Docking Station does exist, however it’s offered individually, and the console doesn’t have a backstand or removable controllers. It’s primarily a handheld machine.
I can’t discuss Switch 2’s options with out mentioning GameChat, Nintendo’s answer to on-line communication with its personal devoted “C” button. Not solely are you able to video chat with associates whereas enjoying video games, however the console has a built-in microphone. Gamers may even stream their gameplay to 1 one other. Sure video games have built-in performance for a Nintendo Switch 2 Digicam peripheral, the place video games like Tremendous Mario Occasion Jamboree can place a picture of your face subsequent to your character. Nevertheless, a Nintendo Switch On-line membership shall be required to make use of GameChat after March 31, 2026.
Comparatively, Steam Deck is feature-lite. It’s a devoted handheld machine primarily centered on enjoying video games accessible on Steam. Nevertheless, it positive factors the further profit of an unlimited software program library. Whereas Switch 2 titles will want direct ports, Steam Deck house owners can have entry to a wider vary of video games.
Switch is the champion of form-factor versatility, and the new options coming to the Switch 2 solidify that. Steam Deck pulls forward with software program range, however the inventiveness of the Switch 2 is spectacular.
Winner: Nintendo Switch 2
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The Winner Is… the Nintendo Switch 2
Is it untimely to award the crown to a console that isn’t out but? Possibly, however the Switch 2 is shaping as much as be an exceptional machine surpassing the Steam Deck in versatility of options and graphics efficiency. In Steam Deck’s protection, there’s no telling what a successor might be succesful of, particularly with the AMD Z2 Excessive APU craving desperately for implementation.
There may be one aspect that the present Steam Deck is forward in: Worth. Switch 2 is dear, and its software program, even moreso. In the event you’re involved about recreation costs in the future, Steam Deck is probably going your greatest guess.
In any other case, Switch 2 has superior new options like Pleasure-Con that may act as mice and a strong Nvidia SoC with DLSS assist. On prime of all the pieces that already made Switch unbelievable, it’s shaping as much as be the stronger selection.