The Google Stadia, while innovative, is no longer a viable option due to its shutdown. The Steam Deck 2, though its specifications are not yet fully confirmed, represents a promising handheld gaming device with a focus on compatibility and cloud gaming. Therefore, the Steam Deck 2 is the better choice, assuming it delivers on its anticipated features and addresses concerns about weight and battery life.
| Attribute | Google Stadia (Rebranded) | Steam Deck 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Google Stadia (Rebranded) | Steam Deck 2 |
| Processing Power (CPU) | Custom Intel x86 processor, 2.7 GHz with AVX2 SIMD and 9.5 MB L2+L3 cache | Expected generational leap, speculation includes Zen 5 CPU |
| Processing Power (GPU) | Custom AMD GPU based on Vega architecture, HBM2 memory, 56 compute units, and 10.7 teraFLOPS | GPU with 16 RDNA 3.5 CUs |
| RAM | 16 GB, shared between the CPU and GPU, with up to 484 GB/s bandwidth | Likely at least 16GB, some hoping for 24GB or 32GB |
| Storage Capacity | SSD cloud storage | Expected to have different storage options, possibly starting from 512GB NVMe SSD, expandable via microSD card |
| Display Resolution and Refresh Rate | Up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with HDR support. Base service supported up to 1080p. | Varying opinions, some prefer 1280x800, others hope for 1080p with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Battery Life (Gaming) | Around 8 hours | Hoping for improvements over the original Steam Deck |
| Ergonomics and Comfort | Designed for comfort, suiting various hand sizes. Elongated grips, textured bottoms, and responsive control sticks. High-speed cameras analyzed finger placement during development. | Generally considered comfortable, some users find it heavy |
| Game Library and Compatibility | Library of various game genres. Compatible across devices like PCs, Chromebooks, Chromecast Ultra, and select smartphones. | Compatible with a vast library of games on Steam, including both native Linux games and Windows games through Proton. Compatibility varies, with some games requiring tweaking to run well. |
| Cloud Gaming Capabilities | Stream games without downloads or installations. Games ran on Google's servers and were streamed to devices. | Capable of cloud gaming through services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now. GeForce Now has a native app for Steam Deck, which allows streaming up to 4K 60 FPS with RTX features and can improve battery life by up to 50%. |
| Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Likely to support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Portability and Size | Accessible through various devices, including TVs, computers, and smartphones, without needing specific hardware. | Designed for handheld use, but some find it bulky |
| Operating System | Debian Linux servers | Likely to use SteamOS, possibly with improved dual-booting capabilities |
| Price | Stadia Pro subscription: $9.99 per month. Founder's Edition: $129.99. Premiere Edition: $130 | Likely to be more expensive than the original Steam Deck, some speculate a starting price between $400 and $700. |
| Pros | High processing power, Comfortable controller design, Cloud gaming capabilities, Wide compatibility across devices, Responsive controls, Large game library | Vast game library compatibility, Cloud gaming capabilities, Comfortable controls, Immersive audio experience |
| Cons | Service was shut down on January 18, 2023, Controller battery life not as good as Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or Xbox One | Potential weight issues, Battery life concerns, Bulky size compared to other handhelds |