Technology has evolved and gaming is literally available at our fingertips with handheld consoles. Currently, the two major contenders in portable gaming are Valve Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, which are bringing entertainment closer.
The Switch has been around for 7 years and revived the nostalgia of retro games. On the other hand, Steam Deck was recently launched in 2022 and heated the market competition of handheld gaming.
As a game fanatic, if you are curious about choosing between the two consoles, our guide on Steam Deck vs. Nintendo Switch will help you break down the notable advantages and differences. So, let’s find it out!
Contents
Specifications
| Specs | Steam Deck | Nintendo Switch |
| Dimensions | 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9 inches | 9.4 x 4 x 0.55 inches with Joy-Cons |
| Weight | 669 grams | 398 grams with Joy-Cons |
| Chipset | Custom AMD Zen 2-based processor (4 cores, 8 threads, up to 3.5GHz) | Nvidia Tegra X1 (launch models)/Nvidia Tegra X1+ (after August 2019) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 5600MHz | 4GB LPDDR4 1600MHz |
| Storage | Up to 512GB M.2 2230 SSD | 32GB eMMC |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Display | 7-inch IPS, 1280×800, 60Hz touchscreen, optional scratch resistant glass coating | 6.2-inch IPS, 1280×720 resolution |
| Graphics | AMD RDNA 2-based graphics, 8 CUs | Nvidia GM20B Maxwell-based (integrated) |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DP Alt Mode), 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD expansion | System: 1x USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot; Dock: 1x USB-C port (charging), 3x USB Type-A ports, HDMI |
By looking at the specs, we can say that Steam Deck is more powerful than the Nintendo Switch. Currently, we are noticing fierce competition between different versions of the Valve Steam Deck.
Switch might not be able to run a few games in the future, as it is getting older. So, unless and until Nintendo announces the launch of its successor’s version, Steam Deck will dominate the market.
Battery Life
Though Nintendo Switch is a retro product and doesn’t have advanced hardwares, it still outplays Steam Deck in terms of battery life. All the Switch’s models have a longer battery life of approx six to eight hours.
On the other hand, Steam Deck only last for a maximum of five hours and sometimes it drains as fast as two hours. Some high-graphics games like Cyberpunk 2077, takes a lot of power and drains the battery faster than normal.
Pricing
Both handheld gaming consoles come in three different variants, but Switch wins the race of Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch, in terms of pricing. The price range of Nintendo Switch lies between $199.99 (Switch Lite) to $349.99 (Switch OLED).
On the other hand, Steam Deck starts from $399 (64GB of eMMC storage) which is huge. The high-end model of Steam Deck (512GB of NVMe storage) costs $649. So, even if we compare the Switch OLED with the least expensive Steam Deck, there is still a price difference of $50.
The top model of Nintendo Switch is much better than Steam Deck (64GB of eMMC storage), in terms of performance and pricing. That’s why Nintendo outplays Valve, in terms of price and value.
Portability
Both handheld consoles have specifically been designed to be portable and easier to carry. Here, Nintendo Switch becomes a handy option because of its tiny size and lightweight. The measurement of the Switch is (9.4 x 4 x 0.55) inches, which makes the gaming device more compact than the Steam Deck, measuring (11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9) inches.
Well! It doesn’t mean that Steam Deck is not a portable option, but they are slightly bulky. Nintendo Switch weighs 0.93 lbs (420 grams), whereas the weight of Steam Deck is 1.47 lbs (669 grams). Even though the OLED versions of these handheld consoles are lighter, Switch wins the game by reducing the weight by up to 30% from Steam Deck.
Games Library and Software
You will get the trademarked Steam OS3.0 on Steam Deck, while the Nintendo Switch runs on Nintendo OS. In comparison to maturity and games collections, Steam Deck beats Nintendo Switch.
Approximately 4500 games are on Switch, which falls relatively short compared to the Steam Deck, which has a massive collection of over 73,000 games. Steam Deck is a superior choice because you can try new games daily.
Connectivity
Regarding connectivity, Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck can all be connected to a TV. Switch OLED and the Nintendo Switch already come with a dock with a built-in HDMI port; for Steam Deck, you need an additional USB-C to HDMI adapter.
The adapter costs $20 or less, or you can also try Valve’s official Steam Deck Dock at $89. Switch and Switch OLED are limited to 1080p streaming on TV by using HDMI 2.0. On the other hand, Steam Deck supports DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 and up to 4K resolution at 120Hz.
Also, you can make a mini HTPC by connecting the Steam Deck to a dock, whereas the Nintendo Switch Lite cannot be connected to a TV at all, so the Steam Deck is a clear winner in this category.
Conclusion
To wrap up the guide on Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch, both excel in different areas. On the one hand, The Steam Deck is better at connectivity, a larger game library, and storage. On the other hand, Switch is affordable, lighter, and perfect for retro gaming. Long story short, both are great options, depending on your preferences and budget.
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