- Switch 2 brings DLSS, versatile Joy-Con, and a 1080p/120Hz display
- Steam Deck stands out for its catalog, autonomy and emulation capacity
- The price of the games and the hybrid experience mark the key differences
The arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 It has revolutionized the market for portable consoles and has sparked the eternal debate about which is the best option compared to the popular Steam deck. Which is the best? Ours Switch 2 vs Steam Deck comparison will clear up your doubts.
In this comparison, we analyze all the relevant features, from technical specifications and price to graphics capabilities, battery life, game catalog, and user experience. The goal is to discover which console will be most attractive in 2025 for those looking for a portable experience that lives up to the current generation.
Technical specifications: power and technology
One of the most important aspects when facing Switch 2 vs Steam Deck is its technical capacityBoth options boast upgraded hardware, but with significant differences in architecture and components:
- Nintendo Switch 2 It incorporates an 8-core ARM processor and an Nvidia GPU based on the Ampere architecture. Thanks to this, it achieves a power of 1,72 TFLOPS in FP32.
- Steam deck It uses an AMD APU with a 2-core, 4-thread Zen 8 CPU, and a Radeon RDNA 2 GPU (1,63 TFLOPS in FP32). The OLED version maintains the architecture, but the display and other areas have been significantly improved.
Both consoles have one quite similar raw power. It's true that the Steam Deck's CPU is more powerful in single-thread mode, but the Switch 2's graphical versatility makes it a machine ready for the next generation.
Therefore, although there is a tie in terms of power, The added value of DLSS 4 on Switch 2 tips the balance in its favor for games that take advantage of it, especially to maintain good frame rates and visual quality in demanding titles.
Display and image quality: LCD vs. OLED
La trend towards higher quality panels This is reflected in the evolution of both consoles. Let's see how each version compares:
- Nintendo Switch 2: LCD screen 7,9 inches, Full HD resolution (1080p), 120Hz refresh rate, support for VRR and HDR10.
- Steam Deck (original): 7-inch LCD, 800p resolution, 60Hz, no VRR or HDR.
- Steam Deck OLED: 7,4-inch OLED display, 800p resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, HDR support (but not VRR in handheld mode).
Switch 2 offers a larger screen, with higher pixel density, a higher refresh rate, and support for visual enhancement technologies. This puts it ahead of the original Steam Deck model. However, the OLED panel on the new Steam Deck provides more vivid colors., better contrast y higher image quality, although with a lower resolution and refresh rate compared to the Switch 2. The choice will depend on personal preference: OLED for color and contrast, Switch 2 for sharpness and advanced features.
Memory, storage and loading speed
In the management of the memory y storage, both consoles have taken important steps to ensure a smooth and versatile experience:
- Nintendo Switch 2: : 12GB of LPDDR5X unified memory (at around 7.500 Mbps), 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage (2.100 MB/s), expandable via microSD Express.
- Steam deck: : in its current models, 16 GB LPDDR5 (5.500 Mbps LCD / 6.400 Mbps OLED), 256 GB SSD as standard, or up to 1 TB in higher models, also expandable by microSD.
Steam Deck stands out with greater amount of RAM y greater internal storage capacity. On the other hand, Switch 2 has a higher memory bandwidth, which may favor the GPU in demanding tasks, although the practical difference will depend on game and system optimization.
As for the charging speeds, Steam deck starts with an advantage, since its SSD drives are equal to those of desktop consoles like Xbox Series S/X, while Switch 2, although fast, is one step below.
Wireless connectivity and autonomy
La connectivity influences the gaming experience in changing and online environments:
- Switch 2: Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5.X support, Bluetooth.
- Steam Deck (LCD): Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0.
- Steam Deck OLED: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3.
La OLED version of Steam Deck has an advantage in connectivity technology, allowing for faster and more stable connections, while Switch 2 remains in the sector average.
As for the autonomy, the difference is accentuated according to the model and use:
- Switch 2: 5.220 mAh battery, autonomy between 2 and 6,5 hours.
- Steam Deck LCD: 5.313 mAh, battery life from 2 to 8 hours.
- Steam Deck OLED: 6.470 mAh, up to 12 hours in optimal conditions.
La Steam Deck OLED stands out in autonomy, allowing for double the playtime compared to the Switch 2 in certain circumstances. This difference can be key for those who travel a lot or prefer not to worry about charging frequently.
Game catalog and pricing policy
One of the most controversial aspects in the Switch 2 release has been the price of their gamesExclusive titles like Mario Kart World are now reaching €90, a price that's far higher than the usual prices on other platforms. The digital version is around €80, but that's still much higher than the average price on Steam.
Instead, Steam deck benefits from the offers and competitive prices on Valve's platform, where big games often cost between €5 and €20 during ongoing sales. Steam's catalog far surpasses Nintendo's offerings, with over 18.000 verifiable and playable games, including titles from all generations, indie titles, retro titles, and modern AAA titles. You can check the Switch 2 sales record here..
Switch 2 It has a smaller catalogue, but with the undeniable appeal of the Nintendo exclusives and good support for current ports. It also offers full backwards compatibility with the original Switch, allowing you to maintain your collection. Powerful exclusives like From Software's The Duskbloods are expected to be added.
Versatility, game modes and controls
The user experience extends beyond power and catalog. Each console has followed different paths:
- Switch 2 stands out for its versatility: portable, desktop and TV mode via dock. Its Detachable Joy-Con They can also be used as mice, ideal for driving games, shooters or titles that require precision.
- Steam deck It relies on a laptop-like philosophy: it's a solid and compact console, without detachable controllers as standard, but compatible with external accessories. It includes two touch panels for advanced control, although they don't emulate a mouse as well. Dock and desktop modes require additional accessories and don't have a rear stand included.
La Switch 2 guarantees an experience full hybrid and easy to use in any situation, while the Steam deck It is more oriented towards portability, resembling a PC in size and functionality.
Features and extras: communication, online and more
In additional functions, Switch 2 has incorporated new features such as GameChat, which allows for video calls and integrated communication via its own microphone and dedicated button. Some features use the peripheral camera in certain games, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, although many require a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. On the other hand, Steam deck focuses on system customization, mod installation, and emulation. The online It is free and requires no additional subscriptions, which promotes community and user freedom.
Console Prices: Initial Investment and Options
Initial costs also influence the decision:
- Steam Deck LCD 256GB: 419 euros
- Steam Deck OLED 512GB: 569 euros
- Steam Deck OLED 1TB: 680 euros
- Nintendo Switch 2: 469,99 euros
The base model of the Steam Deck is more economical and offers more storage as standard, while Switch 2, although somewhat more expensive, justifies its price with exclusive features, screen and its own games.
Advantages and disadvantages of each console
To make your choice easier, here's a summary of the main strengths and weaknesses:
- Nintendo Switch 2:
- In favor: 1080p, 120Hz display, VRR and HDR support, GPU with DLSS and ray tracing, exclusive franchises, backwards compatibility, versatile Joy-Con. Good value.
- Against: Higher price of games, less internal memory, LCD screen instead of OLED, shorter battery life.
- Steam Deck / Steam Deck OLED:
- In favor: Competitive price, very extensive catalog, possibility of mods and emulation, better autonomy in OLED version, excellent OLED screen.
- Against: 800p maximum resolution, lower performance in very demanding games, no VRR on laptop, no full hybrid experience, and no detachable controllers.
Ultimately, The choice will depend on the preferences of each userIf you value Nintendo exclusives, the hybrid experience, and technologies like DLSS, the Switch 2 is a solid choice. If you prefer a huge catalog, greater customization freedom, better battery life, and lower game prices, the Steam Deck (especially the OLED version) stands out for its value.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.