When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

It also supports VRR to improve motion clarity, which the Steam Deck does not.

Since it has two USB-C ports, it can be charged while still being plugged into another accessory.

Nintendo Switch 2 on a white background.

Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck are both gaming handhelds, but with different focuses.

The Steam Deck is the most popular PC gaming handheld out there.

It runs SteamOS, providing a simplified interface for accessing your library of Steam games.

you’re free to get it with a 7-inch LCD screen or a 7.4-inch OLED display.

Steam Deck product shot.

It also has a lower starting price.

All in all, it’s one of the very best devices for playing your PC games.

These devices might both be handhelds with somewhat similar layouts, but they offer wildly different playing experiences.

Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck on peach background.

Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck are both gaming handhelds, but with different focuses.

I’ve added this info to this article.

I’ve also add more information on how tariffs could increase pricing for U.S. buyers.

I’ve added more information about this in the Price section of this page.

Nintendo Switch 2 – Overview Trailer - YouTube

I’ve included this information in the performance section of this page.

Each evening, I unwind by playing my favorite games on one of these portable devices.

It turns out the actual price initially announced for this next-gen Switch is $449.99.

Steam Deck’s three versions next to each other with prices and features underneath each one.

There is one LCD Steam Deck model and two OLED configurations to choose from.

This is roughly $150 more than the initial Nintendo Switch and the starting Steam Deck LCD.

If you’re interested, you’re able to sign up forSwitch 2 notifications at Best Buy.

I’ll update when I learn more.

Hogwarts Legacy on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck usually offers very nice performance when running a Steam Deck Verified game like Hogwarts Legacy.

As of right now, there are three different Steam Deck configurations to choose from.

The least expensive features an LCD display, a 256GB SSD, and sells for $399.00.

WINNER:TheSteam Deck LCDsells for $399.00 andhas a lower price point than the $449.99 Switch 2.

Upgrading Steam Deck SSD: SSD on Steam Deck touchpad.

The Steam Deck is likely going to be a whole lot easier to upgrade than the Nintendo Switch 2.

Additionally, NVIDIA reveals that the Switch 2 offers “10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch.”

It’s unclear how much RAM it will have.

One other thing worth mentioning is that Valve specifically designed the Steam Deck to be upgradeable.

Nintendo Switch 2 with controllers detached and screen in docking station.

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a docking station to connect to your TV or monitor.

It’s possible it could be more powerful than Steam Deck, considering its other specs.

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck can come in either a 7-inch LCD display or a 7.4-inch OLED display.

However, there are some very distinct differences between the two.

Screenshot of the Nintendo Switch 2’s Display menu with the option of setting TV resolution at Automatic, 720p (HD), 1080p (FHD), 1440p (WQHD), or 2160p (4K).

The Switch 2 will let users choose between HD, FDH, WQHD, and 4K TV resolution.

For one thing, the Steam Deck features inline joysticks while the Switch 2 has offset joysticks.

It’s also worth noting that the Steam Deck does not haveHall Effect joysticks.

Given the originalSwitch’s drift issues, I really hope Nintendo has managed to create a better joystick experience.

Introducing Steam Deck - YouTube

Honestly, it will partly depend on how well developers plan around it in their games.

WINNER:Honestly, it’stoo early to tell.

The handheld can also be put in a desktop mode and used like a Linux computer.

Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World with the magnetic controllers detached.

Nintendo Switch 2 has detachable magnetic controller halves called JoyCon.

SteamOS is designed to access your library of Steam games, which can be vast and varied.

However, not all Steam games run well on Steam Deck due to the handheld’s relatively modest internals.

You’ll want to check the “Steam Deck Compatibility” section on Steam game pages.

A hand holding the Nintendo Switch 2 JoyCon sideways against a surface and using it like a mouse.

Nintendo Switch 2’s JoyCon can be turned sideways and used like a mouse.

Hopefully, that means Switch 2 owners will have even more customization options than the first Switch offered.

Plus, GameCube games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will be added in later.

I’ll have to verify this by conducting a test later.

Steam Deck verified games

Games that have been Steam Deck verified tend to run very well on Steam Deck.

As with any portable gaming unit, battery life changes depending on options and what games you’re playing.

I’ll update after performing my own testing.

Many people still experience wrist and hand pain while holding this gear.

The Duskbloods – Nintendo Direct | Nintendo Switch 2 - YouTube

WINNER:This is a bit ofa tiedue to tradeoffs.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Which should I buy?

This decision is really going to come down to a matter of preference.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on Steam Deck.

If what Nintendo says is correct, the Steam Deck battery might last longer than Switch 2’s.

However, there’s a reason why Valve’s handheld has been so popular since it came out.

It’s less expensive than other PC handhelds and offers great performance with compatible games.

It won’t be compatible with all Steam games, but it will work beautifully with verified titles.

Nintendo Switch 2 JoyCon in the middle of connecting to the included gamepad accessory.

The Switch 2 comes with this magnetic controller accessory.(Image credit: Nintendo)

This hybrid handheld console is the sequel to the popular Nintendo Switch.

The Steam Deck is the most popular PC gaming handheld out there.

It runs SteamOS, providing a simplified interface for accessing your library of Steam games.

Nintendo Switch 2 JoyCon connected to the included gamepad accessory.

When the controller halves are installed, the accessory turns them into a more traditional gamepad.(Image credit: Nintendo)

It also features two touchpads and is available with an LCD screen or an OLED display.

Steam Deck displaying Great on Deck page.

Both the Steam Deck and Switch 2 are awesome devices, but they provide different playing experiences.

Nintendo Switch 2 on the left with ROG Ally and ROG Ally X on the right.

MSI Claw 8 AI+ flat on a table with a Steam Deck below it.

Front view of the Lenovo Legion Go S above the Legion Go 2.

Front view of Lenovo Legion Go S and Legion Go on a blue background.

Angled look at the black Lenovo Legion Go S Powered by SteamOS.

Lenovo Legion Go S on its back above the ROG Ally.

Diablo 4 Season 7 Season of the Witch

Marathon gameplay reveal

Promotional screenshot of characters from Zenless Zone Zero

MSI Claw 8 AI+ propped up next to an ROG Ally X on a table.

The Crew

Promotional screenshot of a superpowered football kick in Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

NVIDIA RTX 5070 vs. RTX 5070 Ti

AMD RX 9000