Nintendo Switch Vs. Steam Deck: Which Is Better For Gaming?

The Nintendo Switch reigned supreme as a top device for handheld video gaming for years until the invention of the Steam Deck in early 2022. Since they are both handheld game consoles, gaming enthusiasts are bound to compare them.

For someone new to gaming, deciding between the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck can be tricky. Each console has its own set of strengths, and figuring out which one suits your preferences isn’t always straightforward. 

If you’re considering investing in a portable gaming console but don’t know which one to choose, you’re in the right place. I will walk you through what makes them unique and help you decide which one deserves your hard-earned cash.

Nintendo Switch Vs. Steam Deck Comparison Table

Features	Nintendo Switch	Steam Deck
Release date	March 2017.	February 2022.
RAM and Storage	4GB LPDDR4 RAM /32GB eMMC.	16GB LPDDR5 RAM/64GB eMMC.
Design	Has a hybrid design that makes it easy for it to be played either as a handheld console or connected to a TV.	Has a rugged PC-like design.
Controls	Uses a detachable Joy-Cons or a Pro.	Has a built-in gamepad.
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x USB Type-C.                    Primarily uses Wi-Fi 5.	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x USB Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 support. Has Wi-Fi 6E on OLED.
Display	Has a 6.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels.	Has a 7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels.
Battery	Has a 4310 mAh battery capacity that can last up to 9 hours. Uses a Type C port.	Has a 5375 mAh battery capacity that can last up to 3 hours. Supports 45W quick charging.
Weight	Weighs about 400 grams (0.88 pounds).	Weighs about 669 grams (1.47 pounds).
Portability	Portable and more convenient to carry around.	Portable but not quite easy to carry around like the Switch.
Size	Has a dimension of 9.5 x 4 x 0.55 inches (242 x 102 x 13.9mm).	Has a dimension of 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.8 inches (298 x 117 x 49mm).
Pricing	Basic model goes for $199.99 (About N332,000.00).	Basic model goes for $399 (About N665,000.00).

9 Key Differences Between Nintendo Switch And Steam Deck

The major differences between the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck are battery life, design, controls, display, storage, weight, portability, size, and price. 

1. Battery life:

When it comes to battery life, one would ordinarily expect the Steam Deck OLED, which has a higher battery capacity than the Nintendo Switch-OLED Model, to last longer, but that’s not the case.

Ironically, the Switch, with a battery capacity of 4310 mAh, powers more gaming sessions than the Steam Deck, which has a 5375 mAh battery. That’s because the Switch hardware is optimised for efficient power consumption.

The Switch can last up to 9 hours of playtime, while the Steam Deck can only power up to 3 hours of play sessions. 

The Steam Deck, which supports 45W quick charging, charges faster than the Switch, which uses a Type C port. At least, that’s something to compensate for its battery life.

2. Design

With very similar designs, the choice of which handheld device stands out here boils down to personal preferences. Although both the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck are made of plastic, the Steam Deck has a more textured finish.

The Nintendo Switch has a hybrid design that makes it easy to play either as a handheld console or connected to a TV. This is unlike Steam, which comes in a rugged PC-like design.

In addition, the Steam Deck is currently only available in black, while the Nintendo Switch offers a wide range of colours. 

3. Controls

While the Nintendo Switch uses detachable Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller, the Steam Deck has a built-in gamepad. The Switch offers unique features, such as motion controls, while the Steam Deck has trackpads.

The thing is, both the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck actually offer similar control schemes, and the choice between the two consoles boils down to individual preferences. 

4. Display

Arguably, the Nintendo vs. Steam Deck comparison when it comes to display is somewhat pointless as there are not many differences. Both original consoles have touchscreens and the same refresh rate of 60 Hz.

The distinction here is the screen size and resolution. The Steam Deck has a 7-inch LCD display and a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, compared to the Nintendo Switch’s 6.2-inch LCD display and resolution of 1280×720 pixels.

5. Storage

With a base storage of 64GB eMMC, the Steam Deck offers a larger storage capacity than the Nintendo Switch’s 32GB eMMC (expandable with microSD cards).

Similarly, the Steam Deck 16GB LPDDR5 RAM is significantly larger than the Nintendo Switch 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. This basically implies that the Steam Deck efficiently handles more demanding games than the Switch.

6. Weight

The beauty of handheld gaming devices such as the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck should be its lightness. In this regard, the Switch beats the Steam Deck hands down.

With a weight of about 400 grams (0.88 pounds), the Nintendo Switch is more lightweight than the Steam Deck, which weighs around 669 grams (1.47 pounds).

7. Size

For gamers who prefer a more portable handheld gaming console, they find the Nintendo Switch more enticing due to its smaller size compared to the Steam Deck.

The dimensions of both consoles settle the Nintendo Switch vs. Steam Deck size comparison. The Steam Deck, with a dimension of 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.8 inches (298 x 117 x 49mm), is larger than the Nintendo Switch, which has 9.5 x 4 x 0.55 inches (242 x 102 x 13.9mm).

8. Portability

The existence of both the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck rests on their portability. While both game consoles are portable, the Nintendo Switch, which is about 4.5 times smaller in volume than the Steam Deck, is more convenient to carry around. 

9. Pricing

If there’s anything worth breaking the bank for, it shouldn’t be to buy a game console. Most importantly, before buying any of the consoles, it is only wise to compare their prices in relation to their features.

The basic Switch model costs $199.99 (About N332,000.00), while the Steam Deck, which has more powerful hardware and a wider range of games, costs about $399 (About N665,000.00). You will have to decide which is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Vs. Steam Deck

1. Is The Steam Deck The Same As A Switch?

No, the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch are not the same. While both are handheld video gaming devices, quite a number of features differentiate them.

2. Can I Play A Game I Bought On Steam On Switch?

No, you cannot play Steam games on Switch. Steam games can’t run on Switch. However, you can use a cloud gaming service to stream your Steam games to your Switch.

3. Can I Play Nintendo Games On Steam Deck?

Yes, you can play Nintendo games on a Steam Deck. However, you can’t play them directly from the Nintendo eShop. You’ll need to install an emulator to run Nintendo Switch games on your Steam Deck.

4. Can I Transfer Games From Switch To Steam?

No, you cannot transfer games from a Nintendo Switch to a Steam Deck, as the two platforms use different operating systems. Fortunately, you can run Switch games on your Steam Deck using emulators like Yuzu.

5. Where Can I Buy Nintendo Switch And Steam Deck In Nigeria And Ghana?

You can buy Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch on Cardtonic in Nigeria and Ghana without breaking a sweat. Cardtonic sells quality gadgets at affordable prices. 

6. Do Steam Gift Cards Work On In-game Purchases?

Yes, Steam gift cards can be used for in-game purchases on Steam. Steam gift cards can be used to fund Steam Wallet, which can then be used to purchase games, software, and in-game items.

7. Can I Use A Nintendo Gift Card To Buy Games?

Yes, you can use a Nintendo gift card to buy games. Redeeming a Nintendo Gift Card adds funds to your Nintendo account balance, which can be used to buy games.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that both the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck have revolutionised handheld video gaming. Picking which is better between the two consoles is a tough nut to crack.

Gamers who prioritise battery life, lightweight, affordability, portability, and hybrid design will find the Nintendo Switch a perfect fit. Others who prefer a larger storage capacity and would want to explore a wider range of games will lean towards the Steam Deck. 

And always remember that whether it’s the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck you want to buy, Cardtonic has got you covered. You can always buy any gadget of your dreams on Cardtonic at affordable prices.