Nintendo has formally expose all regarding its next big console table and successor to 2017 ’s Nintendo Switch , the Switch 2 .
While theNintendo Switch 2is a well-defined upgrade in many areas compared to theSwitch , Switch LiteandSwitch OLED , it might be less apparent how it compare to Valve ’s two hand-held PCs , theSteam DeckandSteam Deck OLED .
Keep reading to name all the major differences between the Switch 2 and Steam Deck / Steam Deck OLED to larn more about how they liken and which handheld gaming gimmick is right for you .
Price
The Switch 2 is currentlyopen for pre - orderswith prices starting at $ 449/£395 for the console alone or $ 499/£429 when bundled with Mario Kart World . The cabinet is prepare to formally set up on June 5 2025 .
The Steam Deck launched in 2022 with toll presently starting at $ 399/£349 for the 256 GB simulation , with the 64 GB and 512 GB variation having been phased out . The Steam Deck OLED , meanwhile , arrived in 2023 is available with 512 GB of computer storage for $ 549/£479 or 1 TB for $ 649/£569 .
The Steam Deck Docking Station is sold separately and cost $ 89/£69 .
The Switch 2 has magnetic controllers
One of the biggest upgrades come to Switch 2 compare to its herald are the new Joy - Con accountant . While these Joy - Cons look standardised to those on the original Switch , Nintendo has made a number of improvements .
The first is that the Joy - Cons now snap onto the display magnetically and can be removed using a release clit on the back . The Joy - Cons also include mouse controls now , giving user a new way to moderate them .
The Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED do not feature detachable controller as the microcomputer is generally project to be used single player and in hand-held mode . They also do n’t have a mouse mode for this reason .
One unique control you will regain on the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED are the touchpads on either side of the screen . These are primarily used in situations where a mouse would be command on a traditional such as right- and left - clicking , though they can also be used for typing and other in - secret plan actions .
The Steam Deck is available with an OLED display
Both the Switch 2 and Steam Deck are portable gambling devices with establish - in screens , but the Steam Deck OLED maintains an edge with its OLED video display .
While you may redeem by prefer for the cheaper LCD Steam Deck , spending more on the Steam Deck OLED will get you a 7.4 - inch OLED display . This blind is magnanimous than the LCD option with svelte bezel , deep blackness and more lifelike colours .
The use of OLED engineering science also entail it ’ll likely volunteer deeper Black person and hopeful E. B. White than the larger 7.9 - inch Switch 2 . That is n’t even to refer the potential battery saving welfare of OLED technology .
If you would prefer an OLED display , you may opt for the older Switch OLED . However , this cabinet drop out on many of the raw features arrive with the Switch 2 , along with support for Switch 2 game .
The Switch 2 is better-designed for TV play
The Switch 2 has a modular purpose ideal for both on - the - go gaming and hook up to a TV to play on a prominent screenland . This is made possible thanks to the include dock and removable controllers and enables multiplayer gaming as well as resolutions of up to 4 K with HDR .
While the Steam Deck and Steam Deck organic light-emitting diode can be streamed to a TV in 4 thousand or even 8 K where support , you ’ll need to pay extra for the dock or a USB - C to HDMI cable to connect the gadget . You ’ll also need to pick up a control or two as the ones on the Steam Deck are non - removable . This makes the whole process a bite more convoluted than it is when gaming at home on the Switch 2 .
The Switch 2 supports physical games as well as digital
Finally , the Switch 2 offers more ways to play games , along with a different assortment of deed of conveyance to choose from .
Like the original Nintendo Switch , the Switch 2 corroborate strong-arm games , digital games and the newervirtual game cards , which are digital games that can be loan to people in your Nintendo Account family group for up to two weeks at a meter . The Switch 2 is also rearward compatible , entail you may play title made for the original Switch .
The Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED , on the other hand , have no plot cartridge expansion slot , meaning you ’ll need to rely on digital copies of games from Steam or other suffer platforms . This gives you access to a vast program library of personal computer games on the go , work it an easy option for any microcomputer gamer looking to take their favourite title on the go .
The Switch 2 , on the other hand , is compatible withSwitch and Switch 2 rubric from an array of storehouse and the Nintendo eShop . These include Nintendo - exclusive franchises like Super Mario , Animal Crossing , Pokémon , Kirby , Splatoon and more , as well as popular deed from third - party developers , both cross - platform and exclusive .
Early verdict
The master advantages to the Switch 2 are how light it is to play game on a TV and in - person multiplayer , while the Steam Deck OLED bests the Nintendo cabinet with its OLED screen .
Both console table also offer different games and ways to get at them , though you ’ll want to waitress for our followup of the Switch 2 to hear our final verdict on how these two portable gaming devices compare .
