Steam Deck Review: Can it Replace My Nintendo Switch?

[@iR0CKt]

Honestly the touch Pads are awesome! Apart from being a pointing device they can be configured to show on screen overlays where you can select macros or other things.

[@StewdioGamer]

There it is! I knew someone would disagree on the thumbpads. Going to have to look into using them with screen overlays I don’t know for sure what you mean there. Thanks for the comment truly 🙏

[@CaptainEffort]

Wanted to throw my 2 cents in regarding a couple of things: First, you said the libraries of the Deck and Switch are vastly different, which surprised me as outside of Switch exclusives they're nearly identical. At least in that like 95% of the Switch's library is on Steam, though not vice versa. Second, just a clarification regarding battery life. In general both systems have pretty similar battery life when playing the same games. For example, when playing Dead Cells both will hit around 7 hours or so. It's only when playing games that the Switch physically can't handle, like RDR2 or GoW, that battery life suffers. So all in all they're actually very similar. It only seems like the Deck's is worse since many people just play far more demanding games on it than are possible on the Switch. And third, portability. You own a Lite so obviously your experience is different from mine as I've only ever owned a base Switch. But as someone who has a base Switch I can honestly say that the Deck's portability really isn't all too different. Neither device is pocketable, so both will need a case to travel with, and due to that both are at about the same level of portability-ness. At least in my experience. They take up similar amounts of space. The Deck is effectively the size of the base Switch with the Hori Split Pad Pro grips, to give you an idea. Ofc you have a Lite, which is genuinely a lot more portable than both the base Switch and the Deck. Just sharing my experience as a base Switch owner. I really enjoyed your video though! Definitely going to check out the rest of the channel.

[@StewdioGamer]

Thanks for your comments! As far as the libraries go I’m only talking about the difference between Nintendo exclusives versus the more graphically capable AAA titles on steam deck. You’re right though there is still a lot of overlap. Same thing for the second comment is I’m focusing on the AAA titles for the minimum battery life but also with the Nintendo switch OLED being one of the closest competitors in this price range I felt like it was a reasonable comparison. The third, yeah I think im probably bringing my bias owning the switch lite and being a former owner of a psp and gameboys of old. “Portable” gaming devices are just a lot larger now than ever before. Not a bad thing but when packing it the size is noticeable. Hopefully some of this makes sense or we can always agree to disagree too haha! Seriously though thanks for the comments I love these discussions. I’m not the end all be all and want you all to share your opinions and experiences with me. I learn from my comments too!

[@allhandsonsteamdeck1440]

I SWAER BY IT ITS SO AWESOME I BOUGHT TWO ONE FOR ON THE GO ONE FOR HOME ONE STEAM OS ONE WINDOWS AMAZINGLY VERSITLE DEVICE

[@StewdioGamer]

Dang two?! Glad you are enjoying them 👍

[@elphive42]

I’ve bought one for myself and two as gifts - one for my sister, and another for my best friend. It’s legitimately incredible, and has put almost every other system I own on the shelf since I got it.

[@oladipupodurotimi4754]

I'll also be buying another one too. Maybe the rumored oled one.

[@inferno7528]

​@@StewdioGamer lol its a bot bro

[@meric12131415]

@TheMahayanist actually yeah I second that

[@killingtime9283]

Man the production quality on this video and in depth review is really great. Kudos for that. This definitely deserve more views.

[@StewdioGamer]

What a great compliment thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@igorgiuseppe1862]

i dont think not having an detachable screen is a big deal, you can use any pc controller on that thing, you just have to carry then. you forgot to mention the ammount of games.

[@StewdioGamer]

Yeah it’s not that big of a deal I just really loved that feature on the switch. I actually did but cut it (amongst other things) because of how long the video was getting. At one point it was over 35 minutes 😂 . Figured nobody would listen to me for that long!

[@Dani_1012]

I'll consider the Steam Deck when they come out with an improved bersion that isnt so bulky, wide, and maybe stylized a little better, this first version was a success but I'll wait a little longer

[@StewdioGamer]

Definitely understandable!

[@Dani_1012]

@jacobb3573 I've been dying to get the Switch (my first and only console was the DSi and since I have a soft spot for Nintendo) but I can't buy one at the moment 😭 Ideally I would have both a Nintendo console and another handheld for Steam games and that's enough for me but that will have to be kept on hold for now

[@shlawg]

@@Dani_1012 get a steam deck and just emulate nintendo games lol

[@blitzar2258]

I asked for a steam deck for my birthday, and I got to try it out early to make sure it works and stuff, but now I have to wait 2 weeks to use it again 😭

[@StewdioGamer]

Ah that sucks! But it’ll be worth the wait for sure. Congratulations and happy birthday!

[@megamodspc6436]

people needs to go to the GYM if they find the steam deck heavy

[@StewdioGamer]

Hahaha well it’s not heavy in the overall sense but compared to other devices in the same category. I’d say the overall size is more of a factor than the weight TBH.

[@signe_stilett]

Size is the only thing that stops me from carrying it everywhere. Right now looking for a bag for it and some other stuff when hanging out with minimum of stuff.... And coming up for a pattern to paint on it. Tempted to draw G3 rifle and something fantasy

[@Bdriley-bs7gs]

I use the steam deck as something to play on when I'm at school and in a study hall, for the use I have it for I love it every now and then though the headphone jack doesn't register that I have headphones and blasts the rest of the class with my game sounds

[@StewdioGamer]

That’s not good! Im primarily pairing headphones through Bluetooth so I haven’t had that issue.

[@CaptainEffort]

Ugh I'm jealous. Would've killed for something like the Deck when I was in High School. I was stuck playing flash games on a laptop.

[@Bdriley-bs7gs]

i have bad luck with tech, lol my only par of bluetooth headphones dont work most the time @@StewdioGamer

[@StewdioGamer]

@@Bdriley-bs7gs ah sorry to hear that!

[@Bdriley-bs7gs]

@CaptainEffort people think I just have a really big switch, and I love talking to then about what it is

[@Eevolved32]

Love my steam deck most impressive piece of tech I’ve purchased in recent memory

[@StewdioGamer]

Glad you’re enjoying it. I love mine as well. Just recently added the 1TB SSD from Sabrent. Super simple process and glad I did it for all the plugins, emulation, and loaders I’ve been able to add.

[@TonyJenn]

I have both, well switch, switch lite, and steamdeck. I mainly use the deck at home but i take my switch lite to work.

[@StewdioGamer]

Nice! Perfect use case because of the size.

[@ChronoSphinx]

Get the 64 go and get a 1tb ssd, it’s the same as the 512 gb in price but storage may be even faster

[@StewdioGamer]

Yep I think that’s the right way. I’m going back and forth on a 512gb or 1TB upgrade.

[@ChronoSphinx]

@@StewdioGamer trust me, 512 isn’t enough, not even 1tb, I would suggest getting the 1 tb ssd with a future possible upgrade of 500 gb sd card

[@StewdioGamer]

@@ChronoSphinx that’s what I’m leaning towards. I’m using a 512gb microsd card right now so the 1TB m.2 should be a great addition.

[@Daikun3z]

Why replace Switch? It's a great device for Nintendo games. And also good for travelling, friends and family. Steam Deck is good for comfy solo gaming and for games that aren't super demanding. For super demanding games PC rig is good to have.

[@StewdioGamer]

We decided to keep them all! We have a steam deck, nintendo switch lite, nintendo switch OLED, and PC for gaming/video editing.

[@Switchgal]

I’m still debating,I own a switch oled. I ❤️ love my switch,I’m just looking for some more unique games. Do you think I’ll be disappointed there?

[@StewdioGamer]

Not a chance you’ll love it. I love mine and even better it’s on sale right now! Grab the 64GB and buy you a 512GB SSD. Super easy to put in and a lot cheaper than the rog ally.

[@Switchgal]

@@StewdioGamer I’m sold!

[@meric12131415]

Nope you're absolutely gonna love it 😁

[@m_san_d]

I had already bought more games on my 1 month old deck over the 4yrs of my ps4😅

[@StewdioGamer]

Haha! That’s awesome. Yeah I’ve definitely added quite a few new games since owning steam deck. I was already using steam on my PC too LOL.

[@m_san_d]

@@StewdioGamer for me it was my first time buying on it after creating it 10 years ago😅 i was amazed i could refund anything with no hassle. On the PSstore it is no refund if you already tried the game.

[@oladipupodurotimi4754]

Same here. It's my most spent money on device ever. Loved mine like a baby.

[@meric12131415]

@@oladipupodurotimi4754 🤣 believe it or not I baby mine as well

[@chelsea-nell]

Trackpads are great for FPS games, have much better accuracy. This is the main reason why I am not going to buy ROG Ally (and maybe the ugly RGB lighting).

[@StewdioGamer]

Maybe so, I’ll take your word on it. Nothing will help me these days with FPS. Getting owned by 12 year olds in MW2 got old quick 😂😂😂

[@chelsea-nell]

@@StewdioGamer Well, the trackpad is still not good enough for anything competitive, but at least you don't suffer when playing single player. There are also many other PC games that are really hard to play without a trackpad, such as FTL, Heroes of Might and Magic or pretty much any other game that requires a mouse.

[@signe_stilett]

On Ally you can adjust the RGB lighting or disable it, so that shouldn't be an issue. I am not getting it either, as Steam Deck is perfect for me - better battery life with less demanding games

[@meric12131415]

@@StewdioGamer 🤣 I can imagine

[@meric12131415]

@@signe_stilett agreed

[@amristar736]

I think ill just wait for the SD2. I can wait forever.

[@StewdioGamer]

I hope it comes in the next year and it still offers a reasonable price point

[@XGiveMeLibertyX]

Definitely not gonna replace my PS5 but my steam deck has replaced my gaming laptop!

[@StewdioGamer]

Nice! PS5 is so so good I get it! Thanks for watching 😀

[@meric12131415]

Awesome 😁

[@renegademan83]

I dont need to buy a console for certain games when i can play games on this device.

[@StewdioGamer]

Totally agree. You get the best of both worlds with the ability to take it on the go or dock it at home.

[@jirikasal3302]

Rog Ally ❤

[@StewdioGamer]

Definitely can’t wait to see others review it. Not planning on buying one but looks great!

[@jirikasal3302]

@@StewdioGamer Yes it looks great. Price is amazing when you see how much cost z13 flow with rtx 4050.

[@StewdioGamer]

@@jirikasal3302 I’m just happy there is more competition hitting the market. A good thing!

[@studentzero9576]

@jacobb3573Even if you are a steam deck fanboy, the ROG Ally is a good thing. Both the steam deck and ally are setting the price we want for high end gaming handhelds.

[@Mb0Ng3]

More people should sub to this guy his video quality is like he has atheist 1million subs

[@StewdioGamer]

Thanks for the compliment! I think you meant “at least” so I’ll take it haha 😆

[@edwardwilliams188]

Don’t get rid of the Switch, you’ll regret it and rebuy again.

[@StewdioGamer]

Well we now have a Switch OLED too for my 6 year old 🤣. I think for now the switch lite is going to be our travel console primarily. Still such a great handheld option!

[@jclosed2516]

"You can always upgrade to Windows 11"...... Really? Is that really considered an upgrade? Just joking of course, but on a more serious note - The SteamOS used in the Steam Deck is tailor-made for that device. It has some heavenly optimization under the hood. To get that same functionality under Windows 11, you need a LOT of customization. Also - Windows 11 use a lot of background processes that eat up valuable system resources (and a lot of them are non-removable, because even as Administrator you don not have full control over Windows). Sure - You can install a few games more easy, but you won't have that optimization that has gone into the SteamOS settings. If the game does not run as expected, you are very much out on your own. So - It's nice to have the option to use Windows 10/11, but calling it a "upgrade" is a bit too rich for me... 🙃

[@StewdioGamer]

Hahaha I love this comment! You’re right it wouldn’t be an “upgrade” to everyone. Maybe should’ve said modification or something. Oh well 🤷

[@meric12131415]

It's actually pronounced j socks

[@StewdioGamer]

Thanks for the clarification. I’ve had a few people correct me on that so appreciate it.

[@meric12131415]

@@StewdioGamer no problem 😁