Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch: Which one is better?

Portable consoles are not a new discovery; however, the 2017 release of the Switch revolutionized the approach to the topic.

Convenient detachable controllers, the possibility to play in handheld mode or connect the console to a TV, a wide availability of AAA titles, and a large, clear display have brought portable consoles back into favour.

In 2022, the Steam Deck was introduced. Created by Valve, it is a portable gaming computer that allows playing all titles from the Steam gaming library, including mods. Currently, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck are the top and most popular portable gaming devices.

Amid the popularity of these devices, other hardware offering similar functionality has emerged, such as Ayaneo consoles, Razer Edge, and the increasingly popular Asus ROG Ally. However, the Steam Deck and Switch are reluctant to easily relinquish their top positions. Now the question arises: what to choose? Which one is better? Let’s take a look at Steam Deck vs. Switch comparision!

Specs Comparison

The first criterion that can help in the decision of what to buy between Steam Deck vs Switch is, of course, the performance of both devices. This is based on specific technical specifications, as follows:

As easily noticeable, the Steam Deck is significantly more powerful than the Switch. It boasts a better main processor, faster clock speed, better graphics processor, and more RAM. All of these contribute to better performance, smoother and more beautiful graphics, and the ability to play even demanding games on the Steam Deck that the Switch (even in theory) might struggle with.

It’s worth mentioning that since the release of the Nintendo Switch, there have been several upgrades. The contemporary version differs with an OLED screen, extended battery life, increased internal memory (from 32 to 64 GB), and even less weight. Over the years, a Lite version was also introduced, lacking detachable Joy-Cons.

Design Insights

Regarding the visual features of both devices, they differ significantly.

The Nintendo Switch undoubtedly wins against the Steam Deck in terms of colour options. The basic version of the console is black, with colourful Joy-Cons in blue and red. However, it’s easy to find consoles with controllers in almost any desired colour combination, as well as models inspired by specific games like Zelda or Animal Crossing.

The console’s design is simple and aesthetic, with a minimal number of buttons combined with a touchscreen, making it easy to use, even for children.

Until recently, the Steam Deck was only available in black, but now versions in different colours are also available. There are even versions with a slightly transparent, colourful casing reminiscent of the old Game Boy Color.

The Steam Deck is much larger than the Switch and is equipped with a significantly higher number of buttons. The device has additional buttons, triggers, and touchpads, providing much greater possibilities for assigning various functions and actions in games to specific buttons, positively affecting gameplay comfort.

Weight: A Key Consideration

As mentioned earlier (see in the table above), one of the key differences between the two devices is their weight.

The Steam Deck with an OLED screen (640 g) is twice as heavy as the OLED Switch (322 g). In the case of versions with LCD screens, the difference is smaller but still noticeable. Considering that the Steam Deck is generally larger and more powerful, its greater mass should not be surprising. However…

… However, in the case of handheld consoles, weight can be a decisive factor in the purchase decision. A larger and heavier device is automatically less portable, especially during travel or while playing in bed.

Controls and Playability

As mentioned earlier when discussing the design of both devices, the Steam Deck differs significantly with a larger number of buttons.

Although this quantity and arrangement significantly affect the aesthetics and appearance of the devices (favouring Nintendo’s equipment), in this regard, Valve’s handheld wins.

The additional buttons respond to the growing needs of PC gamers, who not only use many keys on the keyboard, but also often equip their gaming stations with feature-rich mice.

The greater number of buttons on the Steam Deck allows for more possibilities in assigning various functions, making actions in games more efficient. With all these “shortcuts” placed right under the fingers (while naturally holding the device), various game actions can be performed more smoothly and quickly, enhancing gameplay comfort. The only “but” is the somewhat surprising placement of the joysticks on the top of the Steam Deck. In the Switch, they are in a slightly more “natural” position.

Display Quality

Both devices can be purchased with LCD or OLED screens. In the case of the Steam Deck, regardless of the screen type, it has a 7-inch display. The older version of the Nintendo Switch had a 6.2-inch screen, but the newer OLED version also has a 7-inch display.

In terms of resolution, Steam Deck has a slight advantage with its 1280 x 800 compared to the Switch’s 1280 x 720. The refresh rate on the Steam Deck is also better. The LCD version has a 60 Hz refresh rate, just like the Switch, while the OLED refresh rate is a whopping 90 Mhz. Combined with a better GPU and GPU clock speed, the Steam Deck simply offers noticeably better graphics.

It’s also worth noting that Valve’s devices are soon to be equipped with HDR support, which will further improve graphics quality and speak in favour of the Steam Deck. However, it’s also important to mention that both devices feature touchscreens, allowing for various actions to be performed directly on the screen.

Battery Life: The Lifeline of Portables

Battery life is a criterion where the Switch can finally boast a slight advantage over the Steam Deck. However, both devices are not particularly impressive in this regard, especially considering the battery life of devices like, for example, the ancient Nintendo DS, which still had some power left even several months after last charging.

Although the battery in Valve’s device is significantly more powerful, due to numerous background processes, settings, and overall higher performance, it does not last very long. The charged battery in the Steam Deck provides about 5 hours of gameplay, and with higher settings and more technologically advanced titles, it can be even 3-4 hours. The smaller battery in the less demanding Switch is somewhat more durable – the console lasts about 5-8 hours on a single charge, depending on the title.

A game that perfectly illustrates the battery life for both platforms is Disney Dreamlight Valley. The Steam Deck lasts just under 3 hours with this title, while the Switch achieves a slightly better result, discharging after another hour.

It’s also worth noting that while working, especially when running more demanding games, the Steam Deck is significantly louder and it gets hotter. Playing with the charger connected also leads to faster heating in Valve’s device, unlike the Switch, where it is unnoticeable.

Gaming Library

Taking into account the availability and game library on both devices, Steam Deck clearly emerges as the winner.

Since it is technically a portable PC with a system based on the Steam platform, the device provides access to hundreds of thousands of titles from this platform. The possibilities are almost limitless, excluding console exclusives, of course.

Unfortunately, the Steam game library is limited to titles released on that platform and a series of older Nintendo-exclusive video games.

However, in terms of genres, both devices offer titles of various kinds: from RPGs and action games to shooters and relaxing puzzle video games. In this regard, Steam Deck has another advantage…

Many titles which are planned to be released on PC and Xbox (which belongs to Microsoft, the current owner of many leading development studios) automatically will find their way to Valve’s device, while releases on Switch do not always happen or games for this platform often require waiting.

Retro Gaming: Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech

If you’re a fan of retro titles and wonder which device will allow you to play your beloved classics, it depends on which specific titles you like the most.

Due to its extensive game library, the Steam Deck offers greater possibilities for playing retro games that were released on PC and made their way to Steam. However, unlike a “full-size” PC, the Steam Deck does not allow playing old titles not available on Steam or emulating games from old consoles.

In the case of the Switch, unfortunately, you can only limit yourself to the game library from N64, SNES, NES, and Genesis, which you can find on the Nintendo eShop, frequently at low prices. In summary, if you love Nintendo classics such as Mario Bros., Zelda, or DuckTales, you may be happy with the Switch console.

Affordability and Value for Money

The last criterion to consider when choosing a device is its price. How does it look in the case of Steam Deck vs. Nintendo Switch?

The new Switch with the OLED screen costs about $350, the console with an LCD screen costs close to $300, and the Switch Lite can be bought for $200.

The Steam Deck is a more expensive device. The model with an LCD screen can be ordered for around $400. However, if you’re interested in the latest Steam Deck version with an OLED screen and a 512 GB drive, you’ll need to prepare for a price of almost $500, while the version with a 1 TB drive costs over $650.

The Ultimate Question: Which to Buy in 2024?

What to choose, what to buy? Well, there’s no straightforward answer to that. It all depends on your budget, the games you want to play, and what you expect from the device you’re buying.

If you’re looking for a device with greater performance capabilities, better graphics, and more potential (especially in terms of game availability in the future), and your budget allows for a higher expense, the better choice would be to buy the Steam Deck, especially in the most expanded version – with a better screen and a larger drive.

However, if you’re a dedicated Nintendo gamer, or you’re looking for a simple and visually appealing console that you can effortlessly take on a plane or train, and you’re excited about the possibility of using the Switch as a stationary console, opt for Nintendo’s hardware. Especially since its price is much more affordable.

Conclusion:

In summary, both mentioned devices have their set of advantages and a few drawbacks. Certainly, you shouldn’t expect from them very durable batteries and the capabilities offered by a good PC or the latest stationary consoles (especially in terms of graphics).

However, both are cool gadgets for gamers and great gift ideas for loved ones. They can work well for travel and allow for comfortable gaming on the couch or in bed. Both have fairly large game libraries and enable convenient gameplay in single-player games as well as multiplayer or cooperative titles.

The choice of a device depends solely on your personal preferences. Consider how much you can spend, what you want to play, and what expectations you have. Review the table in the second paragraph regarding specifications and our detailed analysis of various aspects, and then you will certainly choose a device that perfectly meets your expectations!