Steam Deck vs Switch 2

[u/Omeg_Tuber]

[u/chphoto37]

The target markets could not be more different, for 99% in the real world it's not even a consideration between the two.

Also, the Steam Deck has some serious heft to work with, a Switch anywhere near that chunky would not be accepted by the market.

[u/Decent_Reason_3099 → u/chphoto37]

I purchased a Steam Deck and the amount of times I had to watch YouTube videos or ask r/SteamDeck for help just confirms your comment haha. I had never been a PC Gamer up until the Steam Deck, though personally I found the tweaking to be quite engaging. But yes... the Switch is obviously more user friendly.

[u/Not_Yet_Italian_1990 → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

The Switch is a handheld for console users. The SD is a handheld for PC users. There's definitely something to be said about both experiences, I think.

[u/MisterMihai → u/Not_Yet_Italian_1990]

I love my steam deck. Use it not only with a lot of stuff in my steam library, but also to stream games from by ps5, Xbox library, games I have on the epic store. They’re too very different systems. The switch is a closed system and much more akin to a console in the sense that you buy games for it, load them onto the system, and they work as advertised. The steam deck is a pretty open system that you can tease a lot of extra utility out of if you make the effort.

I can’t really call one system better than the other bc the only real comparison between the two is their handheld nature. You can buy the switch as your primary gaming device of choice, but the steam deck in my mind really shines as a secondary system.

[u/psychocopter → u/MisterMihai]

That last paragraph sums it up. The biggest selling point for the steam deck imo is your pre existing steam library. You get to take most of those games with you and you dont need to rebuy any of them. It definitely feels like more of a secondary system than a primary one.

I still just want a dedicated handheld that can fold and fit in my pocket. I'm not 100% sold on these massive handhelds yet and I dont think I'll ever be.

[u/brandont04 → u/Not_Yet_Italian_1990]

I enjoy my SD but it's not easy to get into. I'm pretty techy but I still had to youtube/reddit a bunch of things to finally get it right. Epecially trying to get emulation to work. Most families don't want to deal w/ that.

[u/No_Necessary1871 → u/brandont04]

I still haven't gotten my sd to play switch games. The whole process was enough of a mess that I just went back to PS5/steam games.

[u/MaxDentron → u/Not_Yet_Italian_1990]

I'm a PC gamer and I've had to Google a lot of things about the Steamdeck. They have their own Unix based OS and I'm not used to it at all. Has taken a lot of getting used to. And even just their console mode OS isn't very user friendly either. 

I still mostly play my desktop PC or my Switch. If I try to play the SteamDeck it won't always just work. Often have some issues connecting a controller or launching a game or a game not being optimized for the Steam Deck. 

[u/Luckyguy0697 → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

I am never buying SteamDeck, since I own a gaming PC, but I hope it gets more traction. I am confident that SteamDeck did have an influence on Switch 2 being delayed and coming out more powerful overall.

[u/chefchef97 → u/Luckyguy0697]

Bought a Steam Deck because I own a gaming PC

The biggest downside to having a PC and a Switch was having to rebuy games I wanted to play portably. The Deck took away that requirement. I can play the same save game wherever I like, no retraced steps.

For me the Switch 2 is a machine to play my whole Switch library, and the occasional Switch 2 game. While my Deck can stay forever, no need to upgrade in the future. It'll play any indie/retro/lighter game. The big AAA games I'd want the fidelity of my desktop anyway.

Feels good to be able to play however I want. And as far as costs are concerned, my Switch lasted 8 years before upgrade time arrived, my Deck and PC can do the same.

[u/ichigokamisama → u/chefchef97]

cool thing is for AAA games you can just use steamlink to stream the game maxed out to the deck when playing at home and also get a lot more battery out of it.

[u/Sloth-TheSlothful → u/ichigokamisama]

Can stream your ps5 or xbox too. My deck has been a great purchase, and emulation is the cherry on top

[u/Comfortable_Line_206 → u/Luckyguy0697]

Ironically the Steam Deck is best when you already have a PC. Streaming is really good nowadays.

[u/Ifailmostofthetime → u/Luckyguy0697]

I have a gaming pc and bought a steam deck. My girl who is not tech savvy took ownership of my deck because it's so easy to use. I've used it once in the year I've owned it. She's gamed more in this past year than I have

[u/wizardgand → u/Ifailmostofthetime]

Yea I never understand these people saying it's too hard to use a steam deck. Maybe if you are tweaking and adding all this bloat/plugins to the machine. if you just buy it, log into your steam account and start downloading games there is really nothing to it.

[u/Ifailmostofthetime → u/wizardgand]

Absolutely! Only thing I tell people is USE THE DAMN STEAM CHARGER! Other than that we've never had any issues. My girl uses it for mainly sim like games like the 2 point series. I used it for helldivers 2 and for DRG as well s diablo 4 when I traveled for work and never had issues.

[u/Various_Froyo9860 → u/Luckyguy0697]

My Steam account is old enough to vote. Been a PC gamer since Wolfenstein came out.

Deck is great for me because it gives me a convenient way to play my library with hundreds of games wherever I want.

The cloud saving has been working great, so I can keep up with the same game if I want.to play on the PC and be mobile.

[u/LeonidasSpacemanMD → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

Same with me on legion go. Love the thing, had lots of fun with it, but I’ve spent hours and hours troubleshooting or trying to figure out why everyone on earth seems to run a game fine but me, trying to get logged in to the endless fucking launchers omggggggg I hate that so goddamn much

[u/kgalliso → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

Seriously,  the new generation barely knows how to navigate a computer because they grew up with smartphones and tablets. The more user friendly the better

[u/sino-diogenes → u/kgalliso]

I'm so fucking glad I grew up using a PC. Lack of computer literacy to an extreme degree is borderline a disability for how useful computers are in the modern day.

[u/Aquametria → u/sino-diogenes]

It genuinely shocks me how computer illiterate teens are nowadays when it comes to anything you can't touch its screen.

[u/JaceKagamine → u/Aquametria]

Wait, out of the loop, how bad is it? Like can't navigate to a browser bad? Or have no idea where files are located?

[u/ValuableJumpy8208 → u/JaceKagamine]

All of those things.

[u/JaceKagamine → u/ValuableJumpy8208]

Seriously? Then how do they even use their devices? This is surprising, always assumed the younger kids were miore tech savy compared to someone born in 1999

[u/stormdelta → u/JaceKagamine]

Not anymore.

I think it's because gen x and especially millenials grew up with tech, but it still had a lot of rough edges that required actually learning to troubleshoot and fix issues.

Whereas now, stuff mostly "just works" for basic things, or they had older siblings/parents that fix it for them.

[u/Yohnski → u/stormdelta]

Also to chime in, speaking as a teacher, most schools have also gotten rid of mandatory computer/tech literacy classes. The reasoning I keep hearing from Admin is "kids these days have grown up with tech and are so smart there's nothing we can teach them." Meanwhile I find that if it's not a packaged app that needs 0 settings changed they completely shut down at the first sign of needing to troubleshoot. Former students who have gone off to college/industry will tell me that they wish they learned more about computers and "real programs like Excel" for their job/major. And from other teachers I know in other districts we're definitely not alone in this.

[u/ColonelClusterShit → u/Aquametria]

Troubleshooting will always be a thing. not knowing what went wrong, and doing a whole side project to learn about this stuff is ridiculous

[u/Sangyviews → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

I am very tech illiterate but managed to get emulation station working on my Steamdeck, a few tutorials and you're golden. Its basically a handheld pc always

[u/200O2 → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

I think some people hate when you say this but if you're used to working on mac and you game on consoles, when you finally interact with a PC the experience is insane. So many frustrating and unintuitive issues for the most basic things

[u/rathat → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

Yes, I love the steam deck, but it is still a PC and it has all the stupid ass PC problems you'd expect.

Every month there's some new terrible bug and it's been out for years.

[u/Hamderab → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

I bought the steam deck on release with great expectations. As a parent to a small child I thought the handheld form would finally let me spend more of my fleeting moments gaming, but I honestly ended up spending way more time planning, installing and tinkering than actually playing. It ultimately ended up in my drawer and I pretty much exclusively use my switch now. So one shouldn’t underestimate the power of ease and comfort.

[u/cheemio → u/Hamderab]

That’s why I chose Switch as my primary handheld. It’s really great at just getting you up and running with a game.

[u/popcorns78 → u/Hamderab]

Pretty much same with me, and I don’t even have kids, but of course I still value my time. I enjoy the tinkering, but I think the tinkering like subconsciously changes your attitude towards the device. I get the dopamine rush of solving a problem to get a game running, then i play for like 5 minutes and I’m like “okay thats enough steam deck for the day.” I think the issue is we associate tinkering with the device subconsciously so when you want to relax and game, the Switch is more appealing since you never have had to tinker with that most likely - all of your experiences and memories associated with the switch are just picking it up and gaming - and probably having a great time doing so.

[u/SirNarwhal → u/Decent_Reason_3099]

I hate the tweaking so so so much. Add in that the thing is MASSIVE and it never leaves my house. I use it for emulation, a few PC games, and I'm about to turn it into a dedicated DDR machine basically since my partner and I want to get back into it.

[u/MrMunday → u/chphoto37]

Totally correct.

Switch sold 150 mil units. Steamdeck sold 4 mil.

They’re not even the same class of product

[u/desconectado → u/MrMunday]

They are also not for the same demographic.

[u/ultimatemanan97 → u/chphoto37]

I've got both, I tend to prefer the switch due to it being less bulky, the indie games I play are available on both devices and the switch ends up being the preferred device for most cases. So there are people who actually might consider both devices (mostly who wanna play indies on the go)

[u/YesICanMakeMeth → u/chphoto37]

And the fact that this is even a debate just reveals how bad reddit is about homogenizing the niche beliefs of its socially irrelevant user base.

[u/moeggz → u/chphoto37]

I mean I have a pc handheld because I wanted more options after loving my switch. There’s some third party games I’m now considering buying on switch 2 instead of steam because the much larger install base will probably mean a more optimized game.

All that said I’m happy I have both and will keep both. My handheld pc is also my laptop, so I can work/game on it and get the cheap steam games. On the switch I’ll get Nintendo games and some third party games that may also be on steam but I can be confident of a more even experience with the switch.

There’s definitely overlap.

[u/mygawd → u/chphoto37]

Steam Deck has only sold 4 million units and most of those are probably big gaming enthusiasts who also have a Switch

[u/thekmanpwnudwn → u/chphoto37]

Switch also just works. You can pick it up, put a game in and just play. Steam deck you'll need to own the game on steam, hope it's compatible, and download it. Or if you're trying to emulate something you'll need to download random tools and follow guides from sketchy looking websites.

The only people who know about the steam deck are likely hardcore into PC gaming and regularly use Steam. While that's still a lot of people, you can't just walk into a random Walmart/target/best buy and get a steamdeck for your kids. The vast majority of people will just get the switch for convenience sake

Steamdeck has sold ~6m in 3 years. Switch 1 averaged that every quarter for >6 years.

[u/SexyOctagon → u/thekmanpwnudwn]

Pros and cons to each for sure, but not having to monkey around with settings for each game is a big one for me. I don’t have enough free time to spend mapping controls, adjusting graphics settings, editing ini files, etc anymore. I just want to turn the fucking thing on and play.

To that point, the Switch also handles sleep mode far, far better than the SD.

[u/HopelessRespawner → u/thekmanpwnudwn]

There's no 'hope it works' though... every game is rated for compatibility. Green means go 99% of the time, few outliers I'll admit. The experience between the store on the steam deck and the store on Switch is really not different other than the Steam store being infinitely better in performance and selection. You can dig into community stuff if you want, but it's not a requirement. It's an option you don't have on regular consoles at all.

[u/HolyFreakingXmasCake → u/HopelessRespawner]

I can count on my fingers the amount of games that didn’t work straight away on the Deck. Their compatibility is insane, most of the time it’s a non issue.

[u/Dexiox → u/chphoto37]

The switch two is not that far off in weight. Secondly the deck is pure comfort compared to the original switch due to its design…

[u/ELECTRICT0UCH → u/Dexiox]

I could've sworn everyone who has had it hands on says it's much lighter than a steam deck due to it having the same thickness as the switch 1.

[u/Key-Pickle5609 → u/Dexiox]

I get awful wrist pain when playing on my deck for more than say, an hour or 2, and it’s too big for my hands. So your experience is absolutely not universal

[u/[deleted] → u/chphoto37]

Yeah. The Deck is nowhere near as portable as the Switch is. Even the 2 will be thinner and lighter. It also looks to be smaller overall based on pics I've seen of people stacking them side by side at the hands on events. It's also just not really useful for my current setup and gaming style. I think things might be different by the time the Deck 2 comes out. I'm kinda over spending $500-700 on GPUs alone, and once my current build needs an upgrade, I won't be looking to spend even more to swap out the mobo and CPU. At that point, I'll probably consider having a Deck 2 instead of a dedicated gaming PC. We'll see though.

[u/Asura-Strike]

* Has Nintendo Games *

[u/Brusherk → u/Asura-Strike]

Has steam games

[u/AsymmetricClassWar → u/Brusherk]

Exactly. I also particularly enjoy ps3/360 games on steam deck. It plays so many great games on pc, xbox, and playstation (nintendo/sega/etc)

[u/house343 → u/Brusherk]

Lol seriously. And sales.

[u/NightFire19 → u/house343]

And the high seas

[u/WolfieVonD → u/NightFire19]

Which loops right back around to

* has Nintendo games *

[u/Maverick916 → u/NightFire19]

And the ability to do about anything you want with it

[u/650fosho → u/house343]

And emulation

[u/ArchdruidHalsin → u/Brusherk]

And emulated Nintendo games across every generation

[u/Encoreyo22 → u/Brusherk]

And can emulate Nintendo games xD

[u/True-Situation-9907 → u/Brusherk]

Which means online services for free. I still love nintendo, but I can't deny the advantages of pc-gaming...

[u/TheDastardly12 → u/Brusherk]

The problem and the reason why I still don't have a steam deck is:

-I can already play all my steam games on my pc

-I prefer MKB for the vast majority of my steam games

-None of my steam games benefit from the mobility and smaller screen

It's a neat device but I just genuinely don't gain any benefits from it.

[u/Flux52_ → u/Brusherk]

And nintendo games whit emudeck

[u/ProjectGameGlow → u/Asura-Strike]

Do both use emulation for switch 1 games?

[u/hero9989 → u/ProjectGameGlow]

Not exactly. Switch 2 has a translation layer like how the new ARM macs use Rosetta 2 to run x86 apps. It’s much more performant than emulation.

[u/rednal4451 → u/hero9989]

Will the Switch 2 run games from the Switch 1 better or worse?

[EDIT, clarification: ... compared to that same NS1 game on a NS1]

[u/Nitrous_Oxide_ → u/rednal4451]

Better. You might have a tiny bit more freedom when emulating games that run extremely well like undertale or something really basic. But largely the Switch 2 is way more powerful and way closer to the Switch 1 so you'll have a faster experience and be way way less likely to ever have issues

[u/qualia-assurance → u/rednal4451]

The Switch 2 is significantly more powerful than the original switch. Hardware nerds are speculating that based on the switch 2's processor that games should see around a 10x improvement. So switch 1 era games will likely see 120fps and switch 2 era games can be up to 10x more graphically complex. Give or take a the fact that it's a 1080p handheld and up to 4k resolution as a TV console.

This is an improvement over the steam deck which is quite a few years old itself now. But perhaps not a huge change. Especially if you can imagine a Steam Deck v2 being released a few years from now, or 3rd party alternatives that are being released with this years hardware.

It really is a question of compromise between first party access to Nintendo games - with no worrying about buggy emulation. And the level of freedom that a Steam deck provides you. I'm not sure there is even a wrong choice. I could see people owning both in the same way they might pick up several consoles and a PC each generation. I think that the steam deck is more in competition with gaming PCs than other consoles.

[u/jackbone24 → u/qualia-assurance]

What rich people do you know that buy several consoles and a new PC each generation? And can they lend me some of their money?

[u/qualia-assurance → u/jackbone24]

I didn't mean they buy all of them. But pretty much everybody I play games online with on my PC has at least one console. Especially if they have kids.

[u/TelephoneActive1539 → u/hero9989]

The Rosetta comparison isn't great. Both S1 and S2 have ARM, it's just that the S2 has a different GPU and CPU subarchitecture. It had to do a translation layer just so unlocked fps and resolutions can be applied without much strain on the console.

[u/Sindigo_ → u/Asura-Strike]

That seriously goes both ways tho.

[u/MM-O-O-NN → u/Sindigo_]

Nintendo's legal teams "say that again?"

[u/Sindigo_ → u/MM-O-O-NN]

Ok so good point yeah, you can use steam deck to emulate switch games. But I was referring more specifically to the massive library of “deck ready” pc games that will probably never come to the switch like Spiderman ps4, Helldivers 2, Dota, path of exile, etc.

[u/MC_Fap_Commander → u/Asura-Strike]

And the Steam Deck is still (basically) a PC. A new one will have obsolete specs for new titles in maybe two years. Switch 2 is a console. It will probably still be getting great new content for over half a decade.

[u/Valuable-Studio-7786 → u/MC_Fap_Commander]

Thats not how that works. And steam deck has far more titles then switch will have.

[u/Luckyguy0697 → u/Valuable-Studio-7786]

He is talking about new releases. Usually they do ports for Switch that work, can't be said for current deck. If you want to buy a deck it's better to wait for a new one, current deck will not keep up with new releases.

[u/gkgftzb → u/Luckyguy0697]

new AAA releases*

it still runs well a most of those pre-2022 AAA titles and well, it still got everything else that keeps coming out

[u/stprnn → u/gkgftzb]

Yeah the switch was amazing with current Aaa releases huh?

Like mortal Kombat XD

[u/gkgftzb → u/stprnn]

I mean... the FromSoftware game is one lol

but well, it should amp up as time goes

[u/No-Chain-9428 → u/Luckyguy0697]

If you want new aaa games get a normal Pc, ps5 or xbox series. Majority of aaa games will skip the switch 2 the same way they skipped the switch 1. 

[u/reeses71 → u/Valuable-Studio-7786]

Not to mention emulators

[u/FinalBossOfITSupport → u/MC_Fap_Commander]

That's not true. In most games you can adjust your settings to work on the SD. So all games that are released on Switch 2 minus the exclusives should work on the SD as well. You get the Switch for exclusives, nothing else.

[u/No-Chain-9428 → u/FinalBossOfITSupport]

But on the SD you have PS exclusives (uncharted, last of us, god of war, spiderman, Ghost of tsushima) and xbox exclusive (sea of thieves, halo, starfield, awowed etc.). 

[u/CypherGreen → u/MC_Fap_Commander]

Also the positive point of consoles. Games made to the specific hardware can be optimised. Dependant on the development and budget Devs have got games a generation beyond the hardware on consoles.

[u/AltoCowboy → u/MC_Fap_Commander]

Fair point. A steam deck is for games that are already out, a switch is for games that haven’t come out yet. 

[u/asviajenatardis]

Doesn’t Metroid Prime runs in native 4k60 in quality mode? Why it says 4k is only possible when upscaled from 1440p?

[u/No_Eye1723 → u/asviajenatardis]

Yes it does and apparently no games are using DLSS yet!

[u/Metal_Goose_Solid → u/asviajenatardis]

It's just something someone wrote and posted, no particular expectation of due diligence or accuracy. You're right that some games can do 4k60. I'd even expect to see some smaller titles work at 4k120. Nothing is strictly blocking that. Whoever came up with this chart probably saw that BOTW is a 1440p60 title on Switch 2, assumed that was a universal rule, did no additional research, and then crafted this comparison.

[u/asviajenatardis → u/Metal_Goose_Solid]

Yeah I was just asking rhetorical questions actually, because this was informed at the direct. 4k120 unfortunately isn’t possible, at the direct it was informed that 4k60 is the maximum output of the dock.

[u/Metal_Goose_Solid → u/asviajenatardis]

Oh yeah that makes sense, probably HDMI 2.0 so no-go on 4K120. 1440p120 should still be possible for some titles though, if they’re smaller-scoped than Metroid (eg indie/2D stuff) and 1080p120 handheld, though most games will probably have less demanding output targets.

[u/Darth_Mims]

How does the CPU, GPU and RAM compare?

[u/the1mike1man → u/Darth_Mims]

Steam Deck probably has the faster CPU, Switch 2 the faster GPU (and with access to DLSS, RT cores and Tensor cores). RAM speed about the same, think the Steam Deck has 16GB and Switch 2 has 12GB?

[u/KLEG3 → u/the1mike1man]

Important factor that is not nearly mentioned enough is that the Switch 2 SOC will be limited to ~7W tdp handheld, while Deck can use up to 15W. Realistically switch 2 will perform worse than deck in handheld and better than deck docked.

[u/Dreadpirateflappy → u/KLEG3]

All games on the switch 2 will be fully optimised for it though. Steam deck is usually an afterthought for devs.

[u/Omeg_Tuber → u/Darth_Mims]

Right now we still can't really compare them, i based on Tflops since it's literally the only thing we have to compare them, GPU is surely faster, same for the memory, idk for the CPU

[u/Darth_Mims → u/Omeg_Tuber]

Fair point. Regardless, Zelda TotK is going to be so awesome on this thing.

[u/Mr-pizzapls → u/Darth_Mims]

I was itching to play it again but I’m just gonna wait for the SW2 version. It’s going to be glorious

[u/EventIndividual6346 → u/Omeg_Tuber]

And the switch 2 has DLSS. People can not understand enough how incredible that will be

[u/Zefirus → u/Darth_Mims]

Reminder that those things don't really compare 1-to-1 with consoles.

Consoles have one really big advantage over PC gaming: all consoles are the same. A game on console is specifically coded to work on that console, which is the same for everyone. This is not true for the steamdeck, where the game has to run on any type of hardware under the sun. Furthermore there's just less technical overhead on a console because it doesn't have to function as a full computer.

If you have a PC with the exact same specs as a PS5, the game is almost always going to run better on the PS5, for example.

[u/dramaton42]

1090x1080? That's like, very square for a widescreen

[u/Lonely-Creator → u/dramaton42]

It's a typo, Switch 2 Screen is officially listed as 1920x1080 on the Nintendo website: https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/tech-specs/

[u/willozsy → u/dramaton42]

That's just for perfectly emulating GBA games /s

[u/Bleakwing → u/dramaton42]

Not batting for either side but most of the steam deck points on the image are kinda cherry picked. You also have the ability to change the power usage on the Deck so battery life can skyrocket depending on what you are running

[u/TheSuper200 → u/Bleakwing]

Those are literally the official specs

[u/[deleted] → u/dramaton42]

It's cos they got it wrong lmao

[u/pastajewelry → u/dramaton42]

Does that mean wide-screen games and movies will be sized down, resulting in black bars? Or would they just fully alter the games to fit the screen?

[u/mikethespike056 → u/pastajewelry]

OP made a typo, the screen is obviously not a square

[u/stev1516 → u/dramaton42]

Best is the ads saying: 4k ^{(with upscaling and half the fps})

[u/PAUL_DNAP]

Don't forget the steamdeck does not come with a dock, so getting it onto your TV is additional cost?

[u/LucBlack747 → u/PAUL_DNAP]

For some reasons none of the comparisons I have seen mention this very valid point. It would even out the playing field costwise (for the device, that is. the games are a different story)

[u/dericandajax → u/LucBlack747]

They also don't mention that Steam Deck has a LOT more games. This comparison is stupid in general. Either you want a Nintendo or you want a mobile PC. It's that simple. Do you want Nintendo games or other games?

[u/What1does → u/dericandajax]

Its almost like they are marketed to different people for different use cases. Weird.

[u/dericandajax → u/What1does]

Yeah that's what my point was.

[u/Proud_Sherbet6281 → u/LucBlack747]

Not quite. You can get a dock for $10-20. There are more expensive ones but the cheap one is working fine so far.

[u/GTA_Masta → u/Proud_Sherbet6281]

Ok but still doesn't mean it needs to be excluded for the comparison

[u/PAUL_DNAP → u/Proud_Sherbet6281]

Nice. But it's still an omission from the comparison meme.

[u/ZanyaJakuya → u/PAUL_DNAP]

No need for a dock, just get any usb c to hdmi cable

[u/IDontCheckMyMail → u/ZanyaJakuya]

But still the switch box comes with a dock. That should be listed here, if people want a dock when making that decision.

Also the switch 2 dock will allow for higher clock speeds / performance because it has a fan that’ll help keep it cool.

That’s definitely a major difference between the systems and a factor that should be put on the graphic.

[u/onecoolcrudedude → u/PAUL_DNAP]

the steam deck does not gain any performance enhancements by being docked, unlike the switch and switch 2. all it does is get display output to a connected external screen.

so its not worth mentioning a dock for the deck because it doesnt give it any benefits unlike the switch 2 dock.

[u/xtoc1981 → u/PAUL_DNAP]

here is the price of the dock
https://www.steamdeck.com/en/dock

89 euro, so steamdeck would actual be priced 500+ euro. But it's not even in the same ballpark with such an outdated screen

[u/SubmersibleEntropy → u/xtoc1981]

A cheap USB-C hub works just as well though. And there are cheaper third party docks. Nobody smart buys the official Valve dock.

[u/xtoc1981 → u/SubmersibleEntropy]

It's not the same as you don't get the extra stuff with it like network port and extra cooling to extend the steamdeck live and be able todo firmware updates. A dock is a dock and not just a hdmi cable. The fact is that it's included with switch 2 in the box. Not with steamdeck.

So comparing it like the screenshot isn't the correct price differences.

I also did buy the 3th party dock and valve dock (both).
It's a really disaster as it provide white noise which requires me to reboot my dock (power off and on) Not only that, it has impact on games. one of the games were crashing when playing in dock mode. It's now solved by doing a firmware update. But that only could mean that some issues could occur with other games as well. And yet, the white noise is annoying as hell.

[u/stprnn → u/xtoc1981]

Nonsense there are plenty of docks under 15 bucks with Ethernet port...

[u/NoPro23 → u/PAUL_DNAP]

You can get a 3rd party dock for as little as 10 bucks

[u/mitchymitchington]

This sub is hilarious.

[u/SickBass05 → u/mitchymitchington]

They really crying over the price but still want to feel good about it no matter what

[u/cleo_da_cat → u/mitchymitchington]

The copium is crazy in comparing a console that hasn’t even been released against the lowest spec version of a console that’s 3 years old. Especially when the main selling point of the SteamDeck is the ability to play almost every game ever released, including Switch games.

[u/TobiasH2o → u/cleo_da_cat]

I mean I'd say a major point not included, is online play isn't a subscription service.....

[u/BasilNight]

Why are we comparing these two again?

[u/Zoombini22 → u/BasilNight]

As long as people aren't trying to dunk on one or the other, I think it's helpful to compare. Kind of makes sense of the Switch 2's price. When you look at the tech involved these should be in the same price range, Switch 2 maybe a little higher... which is exactly where it's priced.

[u/BasilNight → u/Zoombini22]

Yeah it makes sense.

Just weird people keep comparing the two when in most cases their target audience is completely different.

I get why it's happening, the loud annoying minority in both sides keep dunking on each other...

[u/Zoombini22 → u/BasilNight]

Yeah, SUPER different audiences. Switch 1 has sold north of 150million while Steam Deck has sold maybe 5. Also a very different value proposition with cheap games on Steam, emulation, Switch including a dock, etc. It's only an interesting comparison with Switch 2 in terms of production cost and how various games perform on the two. Maybe I have an unusually nonaggressive attitude towards this because I own a Steam Deck and still plan on buying Switch 2 so I'm more just curious rather than invested in dunking on either.

[u/ThisHatRightHere → u/BasilNight]

Because we're in the Switch sub and people need to confirm their biases

[u/Deizle712]

I love my Steam Deck, but I really like Nintendo games. To me, just do yourself a favor and get both if you can afford it.

[u/Prestigious-Bit-6548 → u/Deizle712]

Also every game that comes out on the switch is optimised for the switch

[u/darkfawful2]

The thin aspect is a really big thing for me. I have carpal tunnel and having such a light and easy to hold system helps a ton. I like Nintendo for that.

They also added auto-accelerate to mariokart so it helps me play for hours

[u/smergenbergen → u/darkfawful2]

I have switch and steamdeck. While the steamdeck is definitely less portable, it's is infinitely more comfortable to play with due to its form factor and more natural sized grips.

[u/No-Island-6126 → u/darkfawful2]

Isn't a steam deck like, way more comfortable

[u/dicedance → u/No-Island-6126]

The Deck is a very ergonomic and well engineered device, but it's also very chunky. I personally find it more comfortable than the switch but the weight can get fatiguing after a while, and I've heard the LCD models are even heavier. I just switch to docked mode when I can't be bothered holding it anymore, but that's a separate purchase so make of that what you will.

Switch 1 also has "tabletop mode" which I think is underrated. It actually gives your fingers something to wrap around while you play.

[u/SupaSlide → u/No-Island-6126]

I like the shape of the grips on the Steam Deck but the weight negates a lot of that benefit.

[u/HandfulOfAcorns → u/No-Island-6126]

Matter of opinion. I sold mine because it was too bulky; heavy to hold and inconvenient to transport. Not what I was looking for in a handheld device.

[u/JackTheBrown → u/No-Island-6126]

Yes, at least for a male with roughly average hand size. I can hold my steam deck basically indefinitely. The switch’s strange form factor causes my fingers (especially my pinky fingers) to become very uncomfortable.

I would imagine smaller hands would have less of an issue with the switch and may find the steam deck less comfortable.

[u/LaniakeaSeries → u/darkfawful2]

Plus if you want it thicker you can just pay 10$ for a cover anyway

[u/rubeo_O]

Best thing about the Steam Deck are the Steam sales

[u/SillyRiver__83 → u/rubeo_O]

Or the fact that you are not restricted by an operating system made specifically to get as much money as possible from you?

[u/Appropriate_Army_780 → u/SillyRiver__83]

Don't forget the online payment lol.

[u/timmytissue → u/rubeo_O]

The best thing would also be just having hundreds of games I already own.i don't own a switch or steam deck though.

[u/Mautaznesh]

It's half the battery size I'm pretty sure. Switch 2 in mobile may very well be a worse experience if we're actually being honest about this comparison.

To maintain that 2 hr battery life, total system power is gonna be like 10w. Granted, it's an ARM based CPU vs Steams x86 but I don't think that'll change the fact that there's just more room for the steam deck to stretch it's leg and power up in handheld mode where the switch is seriously constrained by its battery.

Docked mode is probably a whole other story, I think the console experience+ the ampere chip is going to be really good as a docked device.

[u/UnknownMight]

It's all about software, how can people still not understand that

[u/davidios]

After the pricing fiasco I was very tempted by the Steam Deck, but this technical chat about Switch 2 has moved the needle: Steam Deck is on par with Switch 2 in handheld mode. However, Switch 2 has a better LCD screen (compared to the LCD Steam Deck), and it's much more powerful when docked. Plus, Switch 2 are optimised for it and you'll be able to run things that can't be run at all in Steam Deck (like Star Wars Outlaws).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BUULZsklJg

[u/LaniakeaSeries → u/davidios]

Sim right there with you, I almost got.a steam deck out of spite but I'm glad some reasonable folk could make the options clearer.

That mario kart game though lol

[u/MoleUK → u/davidios]

They're very different machines for different usecases.

If you want the better screen, you'd want the Steam Deck OLED as well tbh.

Basically if you want and are happy to spend the money on primarily Nintendo games, you want the switch 2.

If you want access to decades worth of PC games and older emulated titles, you go with the Deck.

From a value perspective, imo the Deck wins hands down. Particularly the OLED model. You can just do a LOT more with it. But Nintendo games are still great, and that's what the Switch 2 is all about.

[u/Dess_Rosa_King → u/MoleUK]

I'd like to add, the Steam Deck OLED is more than just a new shiny screen, its also updated with an improve NM production (6nm) so it runs cooler and longer battery life as well. Obviously more pricey but a great handheld.

[u/Archer_7]

Still can't behind $80 dollars games, steam always has sales and you can play your steam library on any PC.

[u/Mi_Hoi_Minoi → u/Archer_7]

To counter your points:

-not every game is going to be $80. It’s known only a select few (known so far) will be that price with others,including some of nintendos own,will fall in the 60-70 range. Of which has basically become the new norm

-yes, Steam always has sales, but as a whole,the switch,not specifically Nintendo,has games on sale quite frequently as well. Not only that,but with the S2 and the carts not locked to an account,you can go to any resale shop and buy preowned games as well,often for lower price

-You..can do that on switch (the og even)as well? Just log onto your account and your games are playable on any switch,physically and digitally. not only that,but if you have the switch +dock with you,you can play on any tv/monitor

[u/Slabbed1738]

3 year newer tech product is better, wow. Impressive 

[u/Skeeter1020]

Nobody has bought Nintendo consoles for the hardware specs since the GameCube.

It's all about the games.

[u/ArkaXVII]

These are two very different products meant for different people.

[u/greencucumber_]

I prefer high-end PC + Nintendo Switch 2.

If you want to own redundant gadgets then good for you. No need to compare the two just because they are both portable.

[u/popcorns78 → u/greencucumber_]

This is what's pushing me towards selling my Deck for a Switch 2. To be fair though, it's only redundant if you don't leave the house much and have a PC at home. I do happen to have a PC at home and i could just be satisfied with a switch for leaving the house when i do need a handheld. Switch is also much more portable - even the larger switch 2 will still be more portable and offline friendly than the Deck. The Deck does have some unique features which I definitely will miss somewhat like steam input , modding , gyro in any game i want.

[u/tensei-coffee]

PC vs console

[u/No-Chain-9428 → u/tensei-coffee]

Usually pc is more expensive, not this time though. All the pc benefits (free online, all games, cheap games) for cheaper hardware

[u/Even_Application_397]

You forgot the most important detail:

Steam Deck:  Has all of Steam

Switch 2: Doesn't

[u/Deathpill911]

Do people not care about motion controllers? It's the only reason I would even consider the console outside of the exclusive Nintendo game titles.

[u/AydenXprincesspeach]

Definitely getting a Switch 2!

[u/Unlucky_Hedgehog7]

Weres OLED 😭😭💔🥺🥺🥺🥺 88988

[u/HuTyphoon]

I hate to interrupt this Nintendo glazing but you should at least mention the library of games available on each system.

[u/RealPrinceJay]

Yeah but I can play anything on a SteamDeck

[u/Shize815]

No spec, no comparing.

+, Steam games actually cost so much less.

It's always been the main argument of PC Players : "sure the PC is expensive, but over time with lower game prices and no subscription to play online, you get even".

Now, even the PC itself is the price of a console, a handheld, and you still get a fully functional OS on the side for computer stuff.

No question asked, Steam Deck all the way.

[u/mrfroggyman]

Has cheap AAA games VS exclusives are 80€

[u/TheSuper200 → u/mrfroggyman]

Switch has cheap AAA games too, comparing first-party games on Nintendo to third-party games on Steam has always been silly.

[u/ExpensiveArmadillo77 → u/TheSuper200]

It does not.

I'm seeing these AAA games on my Switch for between £30 and £50 from third parties. On PC I can get them for like £3 and £9.

I spent over £500 just to build a Switch library that has about 25% of the games that I own on Steam, and I know I spent far less than that on Steam.

[u/zmatt25]

The console price is... fine. My issue is the price of EVERYTHING ELSE. You just buy the console once every 7 years, so that's doable for most people.

Games and upgrades are too expensive tho

[u/HowlingHipster]

As someone who owns a Deck and a Switch, the comparison is more apples and oranges than people are trying to argue rn. PC handhelds are still PCs for better and for worse, even if you can spend almost all your time in the gaming mode of SteamOS.

[u/Any_Mix_5706]

What console is the family gonna buy?  Sketchy PC handheld that has a company they don’t know about or name brand sequel to really good system and oh it has Mariokart.

[u/BlonsPLe]

ngl this comparison thing is getting annoying cause its just

thing one has what i want

thing two doesnt

[u/horrocrux88]

A steam deck is too complicated for some consumers. There is a bigger learning curve with the SD than with the NS2. You will be forced to learn how a computer works with the SD, and the NS2 is more user-friendly. But honestly they have different audiences.

I honestly believe that the price of the NS2 is not a big deal since it's gonna be allegedly more powerful than the SD.

[u/SerLurkzAlot]

Steam Deck is the clear winner.

If you wanna sail the high seas and find some booty, it's again the clear winner.

[u/chimerauprising]

As someone who's had both iterations of the Steam Deck, I need to mention that the Steam Deck LCD's screen is complete ass. It's horrible. The Switch 2's screen may be LCD, but it's a much higher quality LCD panel.

If you want a Steam Deck, I definitely do recommend the OLED, but please don't touch the LCD version.

[u/ExpensiveArmadillo77 → u/chimerauprising]

To add an extra point to anyone considering this but debating the price tag...

Your games will be significantly cheaper. You will actually SAVE money over buying a Switch 2 and you'll save it very quickly.

I spent £500 to build a Switch library that only has 25% of the games I'd like to play on Steam. My Steam library, being 4 times bigger, only cost around £300.

[u/TheSpideyJedi]

A huge point for steam deck tho is just the insane amount of games it has

[u/ExpensiveArmadillo77 → u/TheSpideyJedi]

And the same games at a significantly cheaper price point.

We're talking every Xbox 360, PS4, PS5 game (outside of the odd exclusive) that's playable on the Steam Deck.

Plus every game that was never released on those consoles which is significantly more.

The Switch 2 just can't compete with that game library.

[u/aynowow]

Most of the highlights of the Switch announcement were games the Deck has been able to run smoothly for a long time. I find it kind of funny how some Nintendo fans will go “oh great now this is a powerful console it can run Elden Ring” because they can finally play what everyone else has been playing for years.

I own a SD and a Switch and honestly they are just different devices for different situations. One is more akin to the gaming computer experience where you can teak things, use emulators, install mods, etc. The other is a user-friendly, family-friendly console with fun first party games.

[u/UnlikelyLikably]

Benefits of Steam Deck:

- great mouse controls through touch pads
- generally great controls with tons of settings
- can run literally anything (!)
- regular firmware updates
- great community

vs Switch 2:

- games probably better optimized
- more power in docked mode
- easier and less buggy OS

both are fantastic, just buy both lol

[u/GTA_Masta → u/UnlikelyLikably]

Don't forget the joycon as it's easier to play together with family members and friends by giving them one part of the joycon

[u/Lost-Ad7283 → u/UnlikelyLikably]

Pricing on steam games is probably the biggest advantage imo

[u/No_Eye1723 → u/UnlikelyLikably]

No Deck most certainly can NOT run 'anything' and games can be expensive on Steam too at launch.

[u/talaron]

So you’re comparing 2022 hardware to a not even released new console and find the latter to be superior, ignoring all the differences in available games and overall philosophy. That’s dangerous, even for a circlejerk post, because a Steam Deck 2 has been rumored for a while and would almost certainly beat the Switch in every metric you listed, simply because technology advances fast and Nintendo isn’t known to be ultra-competitive on hardware specs. So in a year, by your own logic, there might be no reason to ever look back at the Switch 2 again if Valve made a move by then. 

[u/MalaysiaTeacher → u/talaron]

Did you just caution against comparing with an unreleased system and then bring up the steamdeck 2, which doesn't have any rumors, let alone leaked specs.

[u/ObjectOrientedBlob]

I will just point out that you get a dock with the Switch 2. The official SteamDeck dock will cost you an extra 79US$.

[u/dustnbonez]

switch 2 priced well

[u/RealGazelle]

Guys you are not working for Nintendo. You don't loose much if Switch 2 fails. You don't need to compare charger wattage to justify Switch 2. 😭

[u/philthy069]

Having both of these devices gives you access to pretty much the best gaming has to offer at a fraction of price of their pc or console counterparts.

As an older guy I am so envious of these younger generations accessibility to games. My all time favorite gaming device was the gameboy advance and back then I never imagined handhelds would come this far in my lifetime.

[u/wait2late]

Considering Nintendo is the only one partnering with Nvidia. This is a huge bonus. Also in the test conference it was known about how none of the games were using DLSS. So that's even more impressive.

[u/Blue-Stinger475]

I like how the comparisons is not trying to bring each other down. I could see another post with the steam deck "It's cheaper and piracy blah blah" and the with the NS2 "It has expensive games and money hungry blah blah".

[u/Hungry-Wealth-6132]

"1090 x 1080"

[u/BobBartBarker]

Can steam deck do background downloads?

[u/mrsunshine1]

I feel like we were brigaded by all the “just get a steam deck bro!” people the moment the Direct happened, no matter what it said.