Steam Deck vs Switch: Which One Is the Best Choice?

The Steam Deck and the Switch are two of the hottest handheld consoles out there right now. The Switch is known for its exclusive games and portability, and the Steam Deck offers PC-level performance and a huge library of games. Which one is the best choice for you?

This blog will compare their performance, game selection, design, price, and online features. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an avid gaming fan, this blog will help you decide which handheld console is best for you.

Brief Introduction of Steam Deck & Switch

Released in 2022, Steam Deck is designed for hardcore gamers. One of Steam Deck’s biggest strengths is its PC-like experience. It allows users to install Windows, run modules, and even emulate classic games. It comes with a customized AMD processor, a large touchscreen, and a trackpad for precise control.

Launched in 2017, the Switch introduced a number of exclusive games that quickly gained popularity among casual gamers and families. Its hybrid design revolutionized the gaming experience, allowing players to switch between handheld and TV modes.

Designed with a focus on ease of use, portability, and fun, the Switch is perfect for younger gamers and those who love Nintendo’s first-party games.

Both devices offer a unique gaming experience, with the Switch being simple and fun and the Steam Deck being powerful and customizable. But which one is better for you? We compare them for you next:

Steam Deck vs Switch: A Comparison

We will compare them to you in several key aspects including hardware performance, game library, online features, portability, and price.

Hardware Performance

Compared with hardware, Steam Deck is better than Switch. However, Switch is lighter than Steam Deck, so users can carry it easily.

Steam Deck features an AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, comparable to PS4 and Xbox One X, to run some of the biggest 3A titles like a PC. Its 16GB of RAM makes running PC games even smoother. It also supports SSDs.

Switch features a mobile-optimized NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip. This chip consumes less power and lasts longer, and Switch also uses an OLED version of the screen with more vibrant colors.

If you want more powerful hardware and a PC-level gaming experience, the Steam Deck is a better choice. If portability and battery life are more important to you, the Switch might be a better fit.

Game Library

The game library is also one of the most important factors in your decision to go with Steam Deck or Switch.

The Switch is better suited for families and casual gamers with a good multiplayer experience. It also offers a lot of exclusive games, including many free Nintendo Switch games.

The Steam Deck is more versatile, as it’s compatible with Windows, and emulators, and can even run Switch games.

If you like Nintendo exclusives, the Switch is the only choice. If you want a more diverse gaming experience, the Steam Deck is better.

Portability & Design

The portability and design of the handheld will also have a direct impact on the player’s experience. The Steam Deck is larger and heavier than the Switch, making it more comfortable to hold. If you want to hold it for a long period, the Switch can be carried around to meet your needs, while the Steam Deck can be carried at home or on short trips.

Price & Value

Price is an important consideration for many gamers when choosing a handheld. Overall, the Switch costs less for the initial purchase but can be more expensive in the long run, while the Steam Deck has more expensive hardware but cheaper games, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

The Steam Deck starts at $399, with the larger 256GB SSD version available for $529 and the 512GB high-end version available for $649.

The standard Switch is $299, the OLED version is $349, and the Switch Lite is $199, making it a much cheaper option than the Steam Deck. It is an ideal choice for gamers on a budget.

However, games on the Switch are rarely discounted, and Steam Deck has frequent discounts and even sales that can be as low as 50%-90% off. The cloud archiving and online multiplayer features on the Switch need an additional subscription. Steam Deck’s online games are completely free, with only a few games requiring an additional subscription service.

Online Features

Online functionality is crucial for modern gaming, especially for gamers who enjoy multiplayer online battles or cloud gaming. The two offer not the same level of openness to the Internet experience; the Switch has more regional restrictions than the Steam Deck.

The Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer completely free online multiplayer, and if you want to play games with your friends, you’ll have to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online.

Steam Deck runs the full Steam platform, so its online capabilities are the same as those of the PC version of Steam, which isn’t as limited as the Switch.

Using LightningX VPN to Unlock a Better Gaming Experience

Whether using a Nintendo Switch or a Steam Deck, a VPN can help you unlock a better gaming experience:

LightningX VPN enables you to reduce Ping. It offers over 2,000 servers in more than 50 countries, through which you can connect to VPN servers closer to your game servers, reducing data transfer times and increasing internet speeds.

You can also buy digital games at lower prices by connecting via VPN to countries or regions where the games are less expensive.

LightningX VPN offers advanced secrecy algorithms and protocols including AES-256, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks. The ability to hide your real IP address in-game prevents you from being maliciously attacked and logged by ISPs.

If you want to get better deals on the Switch or Steam Deck, a VPN is a must-have tool.

Conclusion

Steam Deck and Switch each have their pros and cons, and the final choice depends on your needs. If you care more about portability and long battery life, the Switch is probably better for you. If you’re looking for more hardware performance, the Steam Deck is a better choice. Make your decision now and start enjoying global gaming content.