The Nintendo Switch 3 prioritizes portability and a streamlined gaming experience with its proprietary OS and established game library. The Steam Deck 2 aims for higher performance and broader compatibility with PC games, offering more flexibility but potentially at the cost of portability and battery life. The better choice depends on individual preferences for game library, performance, and portability.
| Attribute | Nintendo Switch 3 | Steam Deck 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size and Resolution | 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with 120Hz refresh rate in handheld mode, up to 4K resolution when docked | Rumored 8-inch screen with 1080p resolution or 900p OLED screen at 90 Hz. Some suggest sticking with 1280x800 resolution. |
| Processor and RAM | Nvidia Tegra X1, 4 GB LPDDR4 | Expected AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme with Zen 5 architecture or 6-core Zen 4 CPU and a 16 CU GPU. Expected to have LPDDR5X RAM. |
| Storage Capacity (Internal and Expandable) | 32 GB internal, expandable via microSD cards up to 2TB | Current Steam Decks come with 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB internal storage options. All models include a high-speed microSD card slot for expandable storage. Expected to have PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD support. |
| Battery Life (Typical Usage) | 2 to 6.5 hours | Steam Deck OLED has a 50Whr battery, offering 30-50% more battery life than the original. The original Steam Deck's battery life ranges from approximately 2 to 8 hours, depending on the game and settings. Graphically demanding games can drain the battery in as little as 1.5 to 2 hours. Less intensive titles or game streaming can extend battery life to 5 hours or more. |
| Game Library and Compatibility | Vast game library available on physical cartridges and via digital download from the Nintendo eShop. Backward compatible with most Switch games. | Compatible with the user's Steam Library. SteamOS displays a compatibility rating for each game. Can run many AAA games, though performance may vary. Some games may require lower settings or frame rate caps for smooth gameplay. |
| Ergonomics and Comfort | Can be uncomfortable for users with larger hands during extended play. Accessories like grips can improve comfort. | Designed for extended play sessions with full-size controls. The rear of the device is sculpted to fit various hand sizes. Generally comfortable for extended play sessions due to its ergonomic design. Some users may find it heavy, leading to wrist strain. |
| Weight and Portability | Around 297 grams | Original Steam Deck weighs approximately 640 grams. The Steam Deck OLED is slightly lighter. |
| Docking and Display Options | Outputs up to 4K when docked via HDMI | Steam Deck Docking Station allows connection to external displays, wired networking, USB peripherals, and power. The device can output to external displays at resolutions up to 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz. |
| Online Services and Features | Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) includes online multiplayer, cloud saving, voice chat, and access to classic games. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offers additional retro games and DLC for select titles. | Uses SteamOS, providing access to Steam's online services and features. The Steam Deck OLED comes with Wifi 6E for faster downloads and stable online play. |
| Controller Options and Compatibility | Joy-Con controllers, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and many third-party controllers are available | Has gamepad controls, including A B X Y buttons, D-pad, analog triggers, and assignable grip buttons. It also has Bluetooth 5.3 support for external controllers, accessories, and audio. |
| Operating System | Proprietary microkernel based on Nintendo 3DS system software | Uses SteamOS 3, which is Arch-based, with KDE Plasma for the desktop. SteamOS is designed specifically for handheld gaming, offering an advantage over Windows 11 in terms of optimization. |
| Price | $299.99 (original Nintendo Switch launch price) | $399 to $699 (Estimates) |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |