With Valve Corporation’s announcement about the launch of a new handheld console called the Steam Deck , many are wondering what differentiates it from the acclaimed Nintendo Switch, which of these is better, and if they should buy .
For this reason, today we will take on the task of telling you the details that distinguish each one so that you can see which is the best option for you.
Index( )
- What are the main differences between the two consoles?
- Size and weight
- Price
- Connection type
- Game Catalog
- Which of the two has the better battery life and why?
- What versions of both consoles are available and at what price?
- Steam Deck versions
- Nintento Switch models
- Compare the philosophy of both companies
- Steam Deck Philosophy – Valve
- Nintento Switch philosophy
What are the main differences between the two consoles?
Each console differs in the aspects granted in its elaboration and destined to offer multiple and advantageous options to the consumers. Among the most prominent are:
Size and weight
While the Steam Deck has a weight of 669 grams and a size of 298 x 117 x 49 millimeters, the latest version of the Nintendo Switch has a weight of 320 grams and measures 102 x 242 x 13.9 millimeters, making the differences remarkable. in size and weight between both consoles.
Price
The price of the Steam Deck has been estimated between 419 and 679 euros , while the Nintendo Switch can be obtained for a cost ranging from 329 euros to 349 euros .
Connection type
The Steam Deck allows connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For its part, the Nintendo Switch only has the option to connect to a Wi-Fi network, which could be a disadvantage for it.
Game Catalog
The Steam Deck’s game catalog features games like Disco Elysium, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Genshin Impact, Grand Theft Auto V, Final Fantasy XIV, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Portal. 2.
To its disadvantage, the Steam Deck does not feature the most iconic video games from the major franchises, which is not uncommon due to its recent appearance.
For its part, the Nintendo Switch catalog is made up of New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon word & Shield, Mario Kart 8 , Luigi’s Mansion 3, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Monster Hunter Rise, and you can even play Street Fighter .
Which of the two has the better battery life and why?
Another disadvantage that the Steam Deck would present compared to the Nintendo Switch, is the battery life. While the Steam Deck is made to last 2 to 8 hours without receiving a charge, the Nintendo Switch has a capacity that varies between 4 and 9 hours.
The reason why the battery life of the Steam Deck has a shorter duration is that that of this console has an approximate power to that of the Xbox One and the PS4 , intended for PC video games .
What versions of both consoles are available and at what price?
Both consoles come in different models that vary in price, size and capacities that you should know before choosing one.
Steam Deck versions
There are three versions of the Steam Deck, the first with a capacity of 64 GB, for 419 euros; the second with a capacity of 256 GB, for 549 euros and the one with 512 GB, at a cost of 679 euros.
Nintento Switch models
Nintendo Switch also has three models: The standard priced at 329 euros, Nintendo Switch Lite, for 219.95 euros and its latest version, Nintendo Switch OLED, at a cost of 349.95 euros. An advantage of the Switch is that you can play with controllers from other consoles , regardless of the model.
Compare the philosophy of both companies
Another very important thing that you should know about both consoles is the philosophy that each one of them presents, to see which one fits your ideals.
Steam Deck Philosophy – Valve
Valve designer Greg Coomer gave his remarks following the comparisons to Nintendo Switch that followed the Steam Deck announcement, noting that both companies work with different philosophies.
Coomer assures that they have designed “a platform that cosmetically shares some aspects with Switch, but that’s where the thing stays.”
It has also made it clear what approach they have with this product. “Valve is much more focused on the game on PC”, as we mentioned earlier, “an audience that is necessarily different from what Nintendo is looking for.”
Nintento Switch philosophy
At Nintendo, they specialize in providing ” unique forms of play that anyone can intuitively enjoy ” … “Developing and integrating hardware and software into their systems” … “To provide experiences that everyone can enjoy”, both on Nintendo Switch and on the rest of its products.
In conclusion, both products are manufactured targeting different types of public. Determining which of these companies offers the ideal product depends on each consumer, who once they know the details of each console, will be able to see which one is better for themselves.
