Nintendo Switch 2 Announced – See How It Compares to the Steam Deck

Nintendo Switch 2has finally been unveiled in all its glory and it is the official replacement of Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017. It definitely brings something new to the handheld console space and really ratchets up competition with the Steam Deck and other Windows-based consoles such as the ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Now, let us compare the Switch 2 with the Valve Steam Deck models and how it stacks up, keep reading.

Spec Showdown: Steam Deck OLED vs Switch 2

Though Nintendo has not made public the detailed specifications of the Switch 2, especially concerning the processor, it is powered by a custom Nvidia chip. It is as powerful as a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro, as can be seen in the quality of games being released on the system, such as Cyberpunk 2077.

For Nintendo Switch 2 specs comparison, the tech specs of the Steam Deck differ significantly, powered by an AMD APU, and carrying 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

Now, on the display: the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen, with full HD resolution, a high 120Hz refresh rate, support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and HDR support. The Steam Deck OLED, however, boasts a 1280x800 panel and 90Hz refresh rate support. Its LCD equivalent is the same resolution but capped at 60Hz.

It changes when it's docked. The Switch 2 can handle output at 4K 60Hz, 1440p or 1080p at 120Hz, and even up to 7680x4320 at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. The LCD version also handles the same. Interestingly, the Switch 2 has HDR10 support, something that Steam Deck models do not have.

The Switch 2 packs a 5220mAh battery on the inside. The Steam Deck OLED and LCD editions carry a 50Wh and a 40Wh battery, respectively. Battery life may differ with the Switch 2 lasting from about 2 to 6.5 hours, the Steam Deck OLED, which provides anywhere from 3 to 12 hours of battery power, and the LCD type battery lasting anything between 2 to 8 hours.

Price and Games

In alignment with price, the Nintendo Switch 2 starts somewhere around $449.99 USD. The OLED variant of the Steam Deck is costlier at $549.99, whereas the LCD variant is available at a cheaper price of $399.99. It is also worth mentioning that none of these variants are officially on sale in the Indian market.

In the case of games, Nintendo is still providing exclusive game titles such as Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 is also acquiring a number of demanding game titles that could not be played before on the original Switch, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6.