Handheld devices have become some of the most popular ways to experience our favorite games, and without a doubt, two of the most prolific ones are the Nintendo Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck. Both devices have captivated demographics far beyond the gamer that’s “tuned in” to the tech space, and despite being quite different, both have sold exceedingly well.
With the Switch 2 on the horizon, though, I’ve had a tough decision to make. I love my Switch and all of its first-party titles, but I don’t think I can bring myself to buy its new big brother. I’m choosing to wait for Valve’s second stab at a Steam Deck, and I know I won’t regret it.
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Both devices fill their niche
There’s no better way to experience games on the go
Both devices have planted themselves firmly as the first choice for gamers looking for something portable. The Switch doesn’t have any direct competition from the console world, as people that want to play first-party Nintendo games can really only do so on first-party Nintendo hardware. Despite telling consumers to just buy the older device if they can’t buy the new one, the Switch 2 will likely be just as successful as its predecessor because of this.
The Steam Deck was the first gaming handheld to truly blow open the PC side of the market. Engineered beautifully with a surprising amount of performance, it has spawned an entire industry off the back of its success. The OLED version of the Steam Deck, while technically a completely new hardware revision, was more of a refresh than a bona fide sequel. The thing that makes a new Steam Deck so tantalizing is that it’s essentially just a computer that you can install any OS on, which is something Nintendo simply cannot compete with.
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Unrivaled access to hardware and software
Complete control over the device and game library
Valve’s Steam Deck giving open access to both the hardware and software is what makes it such a special product for someone like me. I love the Deck because I can install weird operating systems on it, play retro games on emulators, or even use it as a streaming device to pipe in games from my much more powerful desktop. These are things you just won’t be able to do on a Switch 2 without breaking its security.
Valve won’t be axing any of these features with the second Steam Deck, and with more powerful hardware, who knows what will be possible? You can already have a decent experience playing some demanding titles on the Deck, and with AMD’s promising strides in APU technology, I bet we’ll feel the same shock all over again when we see what the Deck 2 is capable of.
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Missing out on some new first-party Nintendo games is a drag
There’s no way around it, really
Source: Nintendo
Opting for a Steam Deck 2 instead of the Switch 2 does mean I’m going to be missing out on first-party Nintendo exclusives, which does hurt. Sure, you can play older titles through emulation on the Deck, but any kind of online play or access to new releases is simply out of the question. The Deck might have access to more games, but the ones you do miss out on are noteworthy. Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and also original Switch titles that will presumably be enhanced for the Switch 2, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
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The Steam Deck 2 will be more capable for longer
More powerful, more games, more utility
I’m totally fine missing out on first-party games if it means my device will be capable of more for longer. Sure, I can’t play my favorite Nintendo titles on launch day, but the fact that I can emulate their entire library of games from previous generations (only the ones I own, of course) makes up for that and more. Not to mention, essentially the entire Steam Store and its plethora of sales is at my fingertips (or thumbs?), allowing for even more access to games. That, combined with the ability to use the Deck for anything you can use a normal computer for, is just too much to pass up for me.
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The Steam Deck won’t always be the perfect choice.
Everyone will have different priorities
If you really can’t get enough of Nintendo’s latest and greatest, the Switch 2 is a must-buy for you. I loved my Switch, but Valve have something really special in the Steam Deck, and I have no doubt that the concept can be taken to even greater heights with the help of hardware and software innovations. The Switch 2 would be a good buy for me, but the Steam Deck 2 will be a great one.
