Valve recently announced Steam Deck for a December release, a portable platform that runs Steam OS. Though it is different in many ways, the upcoming platform draws many comparisons to the Nintendo Switch, which is also releasing a slightly upgraded model in October called the Nintendo Switch OLED.
Related: Upcoming Games That Will Benefit From The Switch OLED
Some consumers might be wondering which console they should buy. The entries below should help anybody on the fence make a decision. Depending on the type of gamer one is, either the Switch OLED model or the Steam Deck will be the perfect thing for the gamer on the go.
9 Steam Deck: Buy It If You Already Have A Switch
Even though the Switch OLED is a different purchasing option, it does not add anything to the internals of the Nintendo Switch. It has a larger, improved screen but other than that it is not an iteration on the same level of a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X. Those who mostly play their Switch docked will find the Steam Deck offers a more unique, upgraded experience over anything else a gamer already has in their home.
8 Switch: Buy It For The Exclusives
The line between PC and console gaming has thinned in recent years. Even notable Sony exclusives are coming to PC these days. Nintendo is holding on to its exclusives, making the Switch a valuable proposition for anyone interested in Super Mario or The Legend of Zelda.
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Unless something drastically changes in the gaming landscape, do not expect Nintendo exclusives to come to PC anytime soon. The Switch is worth it alone for critical and commercial darlings like Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild.
7 Steam Deck: Buy It If You Are Already In The Steam Ecosystem
The most annoying thing about any new platform early in its life is the lack of new games. Steam Deck immediately does away with this problem for anybody who already has a Steam account with a sizable library. Steam also often has many sales where games can be bought for extremely cheap prices. Using Steam Deck on a train or a long trip might be just the perfect place for someone to peak into those impulse purchases.
6 Switch OLED: It Is Cheaper
Switch OLED is the most expensive version of the Nintendo Switch available at $350. Steam Deck's cheapest option is already coming in at $399. If one is looking to upgrade their Switch or jump into modern portable gaming for the first time, the upcoming Switch is a better alternative for anybody on a budget. Even so, anyone planning to play the Switch exclusively in handheld mode is better off with the $200 Switch Lite.
5 Steam Deck: It Is More Customizable
Steam Deck will be great for anyone looking to bring their Steam library on trips or vacations. Additionally, it is essentially a small PC. Just about anything one can do on a desktop is achievable on Steam Deck. One can even completely change the operating system. Nintendo Switch is all about games and not a handheld PC by any stretch of the word. You can hook up a mouse to Steam Deck and also hook it up to a monitor among many other things.
4 Switch OLED: Multiplayer
Nintendo Switch has its share of party games from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. With the Joy-Cons and other controller options, it is quite easy to make a four-player game without having to invest too much extra cash. While controllers and other accessories will allow for multiplayer on Steam Deck, PC has never been known for its local multiplayer.
If the household already has a Switch, then another one will allow for more multiplayer options. four Joy-cons already allows for multiplayer.
3 Steam Deck: More Powerful
Steam Deck is touting the ability to play most of the Steam Library. Obviously, it won't be on the same level as Xbox Series X or PS5, but early reports indicate it is about as powerful as a PS4.
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The announcements already show Control and Doom Eternal - two visually impressive games - running on Steam Deck. Compare this to Switch which already has a lot of problems running multiplatform titles. Without a hardware upgrade on the OLED model, the new version will have the same problems as before.
2 Switch OLED: It Is Easier To Understand
As a portable PC, Steam Deck takes a little more know-how to get around and understand. The Switch OLED model will work just like the other Switch models. Either put in or download a game and it will work just fine. There is no need to understand settings or graphics options. The more options available on Steam Deck also might make it a little harder to get into for casual gamers. Young kids especially will be better off with the Switch than Steam Deck.
1 Steam Deck: More Purchase Options
The Nintendo Switch's purchase options have slowly diversified over the years. It launched with only one version before the Lite and now the OLED gave consumers more options. Steam Deck is coming out of the gate with three different models. The power is the same, though the main difference being storage size. Options are nice, but just be aware the upgraded models are pricey, coming in $529 and $649.