In 2025, the Steam Deck is expected to face significant competition, not from rival Windows-based handheld gaming PCs, but from the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5 at a price of $449.99—a figure that sits between the $399 Steam Deck LCD and the $549 Steam Deck OLED.
Ironically, the Steam Deck poses a unique threat to the Switch 2. While Nintendo’s latest console may excel in display resolution and refresh rate through its custom Nvidia processor featuring DLSS and ray tracing, Steam’s value proposition, particularly regarding game prices, is compelling.
Both devices are distinct, and while drawing comparisons between the hardware and software philosophies of Nintendo and Valve is often seen as misaligned, there are notable similarities, especially as consumers navigate their choices amid various economic factors.
This analysis will hone in on key specifications for both consoles to illuminate their competitive standing.
Pricing and availability
As noted, the Switch 2 and Steam Deck have closely aligned pricing. The Switch 2 will be available for $449.99 on June 5, with a premium $499.99 bundle that includes Mario Kart World available for a limited period. Pre-orders will begin on April 9, encompassing the console, accessories, and launch titles.
In contrast, Valve’s Steam Deck does not offer bundled games, presenting two models instead: the $399 Steam Deck LCD and the $549 Steam Deck OLED. Differences are evident in various specifications and storage options. The Steam Deck can be purchased directly through Steam in the U.S., while international customers can access it through other retail channels.
Display technology
The display technology is where the competition intensifies. The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, supporting VRR and HDR10. This marks a significant upgrade over the original Switch and Switch Lite, which had 720p LCDs. Similarly, the Switch 2 outshines the Steam Deck LCD, which offers a 7-inch 60Hz LCD without VRR or HDR.
While the Switch OLED’s 7-inch 720p display is recognized for its contrast and viewing angles, the Switch 2’s advancements elevate its overall performance in speed and additional metrics.
However, the Steam Deck OLED holds its own against the Switch 2, featuring a smaller 7.4-inch 800p touchscreen with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR support. While some anticipated Nintendo to debut an OLED screen, Valve’s offering with the Steam Deck OLED captures attention with its vibrant visuals.
The Steam Deck OLED’s display delivers impressive viewing angles, creating an experience that many would argue rivals the higher specs of the Switch 2. Yet, the Switch 2’s VRR feature enables it to quickly adjust to varying frame rates, a significant advantage in gaming.
Performance and battery life
Ongoing assessments will clarify performance metrics between the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck. Early hands-on experiences with the former have been limited to a few launch titles, leaving future comparisons essential for a complete view of graphical performance and frame rates.
For now, performance comparisons based on specifications indicate that both Steam Deck models utilize a custom AMD APU, providing an array of PC games at commendable visual settings and battery life. The Steam Deck OLED’s higher refresh rate isn’t necessarily claimed to enhance all gaming performance, but it is supported by AMD’s FSR technology, which can upscale graphics while risking visual quality.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 is regarded as a robust hardware offering with a custom Nvidia processor, although information regarding its capabilities remains sparse. Nintendo aims for up to 120 frames per second in handheld mode and 60 frames per second at 4K in docked mode, indicating high potential for performance. Additionally, claims of using DLSS and ray tracing raise anticipation about how these features will be integrated into games.
Regarding battery life, the Steam Deck generally outperforms the Switch 2, but both devices’ battery longevity can significantly fluctuate based on gameplay. For example, less demanding titles may yield longer playtimes than graphically intensive games. The Switch 2 expects a battery life of 2 to 6.5 hours, while the Steam Deck LCD, with a 40Wh battery, can last between 2 and 8 hours. The more efficient Steam Deck OLED, with a 50Wh battery, comes in at 3 to 12 hours.
Storage, dock, and more
The Switch 2 will come standard with 256GB of UFS storage, which is not user-upgradable. However, it can be expanded using microSD cards, specifically microSD Express—which offers faster transfer speeds—supporting capacities up to 2TB, although only 1TB cards are currently available.
In contrast, the Steam Deck offers more flexible storage options. Each model includes an M.2 2230-sized SSD that users can upgrade without voiding the warranty. It allows users to replace the internal SSD with a larger one. Storage expansion is also possible through UHS-1 microSD cards, although they are slower than the Switch 2’s microSD Express cards.
Both gaming systems function as hybrids, capable of handheld use or TV docking. Notably, the Switch 2 includes a versatile kickstand, an absence in the Steam Deck’s design.
When docked, users benefit from an array of connection options. The Switch 2’s dock provides an HDMI port, USB-C for charging, along with an Ethernet port for wired connections. In comparison, the Docking Station for the Steam Deck, which is a separate $79 purchase, offers HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, and a USB-C charging port.
Both handhelds also feature USB-C ports, though the Switch 2 has an additional USB-C port on the top for peripherals like a camera for GameChat. Unlike the Steam Deck’s dock, which does not enhance performance, the Switch 2 dock unlocks additional functionalities.
Games and software
The Steam Deck grants access to an extensive Steam library, allowing the majority of games to be played, although performance varies, particularly concerning anti-cheat and compatibility issues. Valve categorizes games based on performance expectations: “Verified,” “Playable,” and “Unsupported.” Frequent sales on Steam also enhance affordability compared to other platforms.
For the Switch 2, backward compatibility with original Switch games is largely ensured, though some titles may encounter issues. The integration utilizes methods blending emulator and hardware compatibility, akin to Valve’s Proton system, which helps run Windows games on the Steam Deck.
The Switch 2 will introduce upgraded editions for select games that leverage its enhanced hardware capabilities, offering faster frame rates and increased resolution alongside unique features exclusive to the console. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will benefit from these enhancements, along with wholly exclusive games such as Mario Kart World.
Regarding software, the Switch 2 continues its gaming-centric focus similar to its predecessor, with uncertainty surrounding the availability of video streaming services. In contrast, the Steam Deck operates on a compatibility-friendly Linux environment, allowing users to switch to desktop mode and utilize various applications for productivity, web browsing, and more.
By the numbers
Specification |
Nintendo Switch 2 |
Steam Deck OLED |
Steam Deck LCD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Custom Nvidia chipset (details pending) | Custom AMD APU | Custom AMD APU |
| Screen type | 7.9-inch LCD | 7.4-inch OLED | 7-inch LCD |
| Resolution (handheld) | 1,920 x 1080, up to 120Hz, VRR, HDR | 1,280 x 800, up to 90Hz, HDR | 1,280 x 800, up to 60Hz |
| Resolution (docked) | 3,840 x 2,160 at 60Hz, or 1440p/1080p at up to 120Hz | 7680 x 4320 at 60Hz, or 3840 x 2160 at 120Hz | 7680 x 4320 at 60Hz, or 3840 x 2160 at 120Hz |
| HDR10 support? | Yes | No | No |
| Internal storage | 256GB | 512GB | 256GB |
| Expandable storage | microSD Express (up to 2TB) | microSD (up to 2TB) | microSD (up to 2TB) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer / gyroscope, mouse / brightness (in console) | Accelerometer / gyroscope / ambient light sensor | Accelerometer / gyroscope / ambient light sensor |
| Ports (handheld) | 2x USB-C / 3.5mm | USB-C / 3.5mm | USB-C / 3.5mm |
| Ports (dock) | 2x USB-C / HDMI / ethernet | 3x USB 2.0 / 2x USB-A / USB-C (power adapter) / HDMI / DisplayPort / Ethernet (dock not included) | 3x USB 2.0 / 2x USB-A / USB-C (power adapter) / HDMI / DisplayPort / Ethernet (dock not included) |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth / NFC | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3 | Dual-band Wi-Fi / Bluetooth 5 |
| Wired connectivity | Ethernet (docked mode) | Ethernet via optional dock | Ethernet via optional dock |
| Built-in mic? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Battery capacity | 5,220mAh lithium-ion | 50Wh battery | 40Wh battery |
| Battery life (est.) | 2 to 6.5 hours | 3 to 12 hours | 2 to 8 hours |
| Charging time | About 3 hours 30 minutes | Not advertised | Not advertised |
| Game card slot | Switch 2 and Switch cartridges | N/A, uses microSD card (plus internal SSD) | N/A, uses microSD card (plus internal SSD) |
| Weight (grams) | 399.16g (or 535.24g with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached) | 640 grams | 669 grams |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 10.7 x .55 inches | 4.6 x 11.7 x 1.92 inches | 4.6 x 11.7 x 1.92 inches |
| Starting price | $449.99 | $549.99 | $399.99 |
| Available | June 5th, 2025 | Now | Now |
