Nintendo Switch 2 impresses, yet Steam Deck pulls me back consistently
On February 25, 2022, the Steam Deck was launched, while the Nintendo Switch 2 made its debut on June 5, 2025. Both devices have captured the attention of gamers worldwide, each offering unique features and drawbacks.
The Nintendo Switch 2, with its premium build and stunning, vibrant LCD display, boasts superior game performance compared to its predecessor. It also features a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and max frame rates of 120Hz, providing an immersive gaming experience. However, its game library, while offering some charming and fun titles, lacks standout exclusives. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2's user interface is somewhat dull, and its operating system is less moddable compared to the Steam Deck.
On the other hand, the Steam Deck, despite its sluggish load times and shorter battery life, offers a more extensive gaming library. Its software quirks notwithstanding, the device's operating system allows for a wide range of modifications, including the installation of third-party games, downloading mods for games, and emulating non-PC games. This makes it more moddable compared to the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Steam Deck's games library, though it doesn't have many exclusives compared to consoles like the PlayStation 5, has a staggering breadth due to the vast Steam library and the compatibility of most titles with the Steam Deck. The device's dual trackpads for control have proven to be versatile, capable of handling a wide variety of control schemes, even in mouse-heavy games.
However, the Nintendo Switch 2's excellent backward compatibility and its physical smaller size make it a more portable and convenient option. The Nintendo Switch 2 weighs 1.18lbs (535g), while the Steam Deck weighs 1.41lbs (640g). The Nintendo Switch 2's battery life, while occasionally lasting as little as two hours, is less of a concern due to hardware improvements and the comparison to the Steam Deck's poor battery life.
In terms of pricing, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a list price of $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95, while the Steam Deck has a list price of $399 / £349 / AU$649 for the standard model and $549 / £479 / AU$899 for the OLED edition with 512GB storage. The 1TB edition of the Steam Deck OLED costs $649 / £569 / AU$1,049.
In conclusion, both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck have their strengths and weaknesses. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a more premium build, superior game performance, and excellent backward compatibility, while the Steam Deck provides a more extensive gaming library, versatile controls, and a moddable operating system. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the gamer's priorities and preferences.
