Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch

[@Luckysquirrel1256]

When you talked about cost, one things that is worth mentioning is that Switch games on a whole tend to be more expensive than Steam games, as well as Steam games go on sale more frequently. Another point is that if you already have a library of games on PC, you don't need to re-buy them for the Steam Deck. The Switch would require you to re-buy them.

[@185CMBOI]

Plus digital downloads on switch does not have the refund option right ?

[@jeremywp123]

Not to mention going to G2A and getting games for a few bucks and adding them to steam.

[@jeremywp123]

@@185CMBOI true

[@alucard-jy8wh]

@@jeremywp123 yeah but the steam deck is all digital console and has no physical media and all digital games are worthless because you can't resell them, if I wanna sell my switch games and console its not gonna be easier to sell because it's has allot higher demand and theirs the physical and digital market with the switch where as the steam only offers a digital store and nothing else

[@jeremywp123]

@@alucard-jy8wh I guess, but since they're already cheaper and you can play them on any computer or steamdeck forever it's pretty good. With the switch the only way you could play those games in the future is if you still have a switch

[@EvilHeadBoy]

My favourite part of the steam deck was games I purchased on steam 12 years ago are immediately accessible, and they're all the same "version". Especially considering PC games are a whole lot cheaper. I made the mistake back on the wii buying a lot of wiiware and VC games, only to find out nintendo won't transfer them onto their new system.

[@raspernor11]

THIS

[@thedeadpoolwhochuckles.6852]

i did that with my 3DS, then i realized i still have my 3DS so it wasn't a big deal.

[@AndyAndyAndy11111]

I find it weird that barely anyone mentions this lol. There are people out there with hundreds or even thousands of steam games that they've been building up over the course of a decade. The fact that you can suddenly play these titles on a handheld without having to rebuy them is a massive selling point imo

[@raspernor11]

@@thedeadpoolwhochuckles.6852 Enjoy hauling them both around then, or picking and choosing.

[@jaspelino1963]

@@AndyAndyAndy11111 Make that almost two decades. :)

[@ShadowMan64572]

The Steam Deck has 0 need to compete with the Switch. All it needs to do is be successful enough to push handheld PC gaming forward, paving the way for not only successors to the Deck but also better, cheaper PC handhelds as a whole.

[@ADreamingTraveler]

Exactly. Handheld PC gaming was only a thing for rich people. Just about every single handheld cost over $1,000+. Steam Deck being $400 makes it viable for a ton of people now while offering the same or better performance and build quality than its competition in the pc handheld space while being 2 to 3 times cheaper

[@grafvinestarry]

@God Dixon agreed

[@khaledm.1476]

@@ADreamingTraveler My thoughts are that Handheld gaming will remain mostly for the rich, i.e the other companies won't change their approach. Only valve is able to release a device with such a low cost, because they're then able to recoup the costs later using software. The like of the ayn odin, gpd win and Onexplayer can't compete with that.... So they won't, instead the steam deck will become the mainstream device for the midrange. These companies will instead compete in the high-end OLED, QD-OLED, VRR, 120fps beefier cpus and gpus with much larger batteries and wattages. Onexplayer is already 3x the wattage of the steamdeck at 45W. These companies will simply release much stronger handhelds and slap premium features and continue to sell in the same price bracket. TL:DR Nothing will change, the other companies will release much stronger RDNA 2 handhelds with zen 3 cpus slap some premium features like oled and 120fps and remain to sell over 1000$

[@mathisblair2798]

the switch has zero ability to compete with the switch. Or an ayn odin for instance.

[@kosahemdok3372]

Just wish this pushes Nintendo to add more features to the switch

[@SirDanomen]

Speaking from experience, "unsupported" doesn't really mean anything. I've tried 18 unsupported games so far and only 2 actually didn't work while the others worked perfectly. So if you wanna play a game on your Steam Deck then don't even bother looking at the verification, just download it and see if it works.

[@nik021298]

That's if you already have the game or have a pc to also play it. The chance is low, very low even, but there's still a chance that won't work.

[@SethStovallVO]

The fact the steam is selling games that isn’t supported for the steam deck, but accessible makes me not want to get it. I like to be able to buy a game that can function like it’s supposed to instead of buying a game that doesn’t work. It defeats the purpose of being able to take your games on the go.

[@SirDanomen]

@@SethStovallVO If you're like that then you should only buy verified games.

[@SethStovallVO]

@@SirDanomen I would rather have the switch that way any game I downloaded will work. I understand what you’re saying about the steam deck, but I’d rather be able to download a game without worrying about whether it’s supported or not. There could even be a rare case that a game that claims to be supported for the steam deck may not work.

[@SirDanomen]

@@SethStovallVO Nope, not true. If you download a verified game then it is guaranteed to work. Playable games are guaranteed to work as well with some minor inconveniences.

[@Food4Dogs]

Excellent overview, thank you. I appreciate how you focused on the User Experience.

[@claytonyoung1351]

Not at all. He was dead wrong on nearly all of it. I own 4 switches and a steamdeck. Solid fail on his entire video.

[@brxstle]

Hehehe

[@KevinKenson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@claytonyoung1351]

@@KevinKenson live in an echo chamber much?

[@cheezyfriez12]

Honestly, i'm a big homebrew geek, so part of the fun I get from a game console is the tinkering. The steam deck is essentially made for that in my eyes.

[@Medsas]

you can get a v1 switch for homebrew too

[@sonicandroxas]

@@Medsaslol im actually selling my homebrew capable swith and all accecesories (payload injector, grip etc.) for the steam deck. Ik the V1 switch is almost a once in a lifetime device n all, but i feel the SD and beyond is right up my alley

[@JaredJBinks]

@@Medsas Counterpoint: You don't need to homebrew the Steam Deck to do things like game mods or a desktop interface.

[@Rogar555]

In the end, just do what you feel like is best for your lifestyle.

[@Medsas]

@@sonicandroxas wtf straight up deal? its a steal if true, congrats man. I kept my v1 and got the 256 SD lol

[@Strongestlink360]

Got a SWOLED and a lite. I have been in love with Nintendo for 30 years, that Deck does intrigue me and to have Steam on the go would be awesome to have just for having a huge library of new and old games. Get what you love to play and get gaming kids.

[@tinystar3010]

Or just use a laptop for mobile steam gaming and use a Bluetooth controller. Tbh, most 3rd party Switch controllers like 8Bitdo also work with laptops and pc. You're pretty much covered for both if you own a Switch and a Laptop. All the Steamdeck does is slightly compact the experience.

[@atulkandiyil6424]

@@tinystar3010 the steam deck is cheaper than most gaming laptops tho, plus you need to have a laptop plugged in to get playable framerates in most games which makes it less portable

[@TerraWare]

@@tinystar3010 A laptop defeats the whole purpose of a handheld considering it has to rest on your lap and when you ad a separate controller it becomes even more restrictive than before. PC gaming on the go has been something a lot of companies have been after for years now and Valve has chance of making it mainstream. It's a really awesome device.

[@tinystar3010]

But most of us who are gamers and are into pc gaming already own laptops so that defeats the "higher" cost debate in most situations. And a laptop is still just as mobile. If anything, its easier on the hands too holding a true controller over a weighty handheld system. Laptops easily fit in a backpack same as a handheld and will have further uses outside gaming as well. The Steamdeck is the same argument now as the new Xbox Series consoles. Microsoft is now making their library available through pc defeating the purpose of needing a Series X|S. Ultimately it comes down to Steamdeck offers you nothing that's a must need to access. However, Nintendo has games unavailable elsewhere with its console. That's my point here. There's little reason to spend money on something unnecessary compared to something necessary.

[@Dracossaint]

@@tinystar3010 id argue the UI is actually pretty nice (what hey you can have on the regular pc too just takes a bit of configuring) and some of the stuff like emudeck is pretty cool. but yep you're 100% right

[@Anna_Rae]

I also have been really enjoying my Steam Deck, the included carrying case is an amazing edition.

[@Spyder-nn5fw]

No replys? Let's add some.

[@tatendamuwori7098]

count me in 😁

[@captainnelson9833]

@@Spyder-nn5fw A splendid idea

[@nathanszabo6284]

Steam

[@crazygamingyt7245]

Nintendo switch better

[@FrameTheTime]

I love the Steam Deck. I've been using the Steam Controller for years so I'm used to the tinkering to get the perfect control scheme. Gives me hope that they'll make a Steam Controller V2 with Nintendo having their Pro Controller and Microsoft with their Elite Controller.

[@komali2]

Bro same if they came out with a steam controller 2 I'd probably buy 20 day one. I've already killed one of my four steam controllers and I've yet to find anything that comes close to replacing it.

[@FrameTheTime]

@@komali2 Dude, same lol I just swapped out my first for one of my 4 haha what are the odds?

[@TurkeyFaceX]

Finally, someone who not only recognizes the similarities between the two, but more importantly understands that these devices target different audiences and offer a different overall experience. Too often people try to directly compare the two, leading people to assume they're very similar when the form factor and portable gaming focus is about the only two things these devices have in common.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

Finally? Literally most of the people out here are Nintendo apologists. Relax. 😂

[@clumpyschlipz7571]

@@ganganthefatman1382 some of these nintendo simps are so annoying

[@Aries73]

@@clumpyschlipz7571 The same can be said of you PCMR clowns.

[@jedimojojojo1603]

He still compared the 2, sir

[@TurkeyFaceX]

@@jedimojojojo1603 Perhaps you didn't read my comment. I clearly stated "someone who not only recognizes the similarities between the two" meaning that a comparison is still expected.

[@zacharys8090]

The biggest thing for me, is that the cost for getting the switch, is NOT in the hardware, but the software. The steam deck uses your existing Steam library. (I have had mine for like 15 years lol) Whileas the Switch, if you didn't have a switch previously, you have to pay for all of the games. Steam has better sales as well. So although the cheapest Steam Deck is $50 more than the most expensive switch, if you already have a steam library, the Steam Deck is cheaper.

[@Rogar555]

Yup, in the end, just get something that is worth YOUR time.

[@tylerdurden6917]

Same I can’t wait for my Steam deck!

[@dof8406]

Plus all the steam keys that you can buy on different sites. Steam Deck's gonna save you money in the long run.

I don't have a single Steam game. However, I'll buy the Deck anyway, because a game on the Valve platform goes from $60-$10 over the years. On the Nintendo console it cost the same $60 forever, Zelda: Breath of the Wild is still at launch price 5 years ago... and another $20 for the expansion pack!

[@bigstv15]

You could just mod the switch

[@oscaspunkja]

You can add Chrome to steam deck and pretty much do whatever you want there without switching to desktop mode, like opening KZbin, discord, Spotify, etc

[@jjk5693]

How? Steam Deck 2 release date?

[@greyfox111483]

Honestly the thing I love the most about Switch was that it stopped the debate of whether a game was right for handheld gaming sessions or not. Having games like Skyrim, The Witcher 3, Doom Eternal, etc. put the decision in the gamers' hands and took it out of the corporation's. Now the Steam Deck is Hopefully going to show that it's not a fluke- people like playing AAA games on the go and not just paired down, bite-sized versions.

[@hand8007]

…… was there ever a debate? I think it was more a hardware power issue and switch if anything proved it wasn’t ready so many of those games you mentioned were miserable for friends I had that played them. They made huge graphical sacrifices from what I know and had poor performance.

[@Hackzyyz]

@@hand8007 facts the witcher as much as its amazing that they were able to run it on thr system looks like dog shit in switch hard to even get immersed in it because of how slow it feels as well when playing after playing it on pc or even the ps4

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@hand8007 agreed

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@Hackzyyz honestly bro

[@MorrisseyMuse]

@@Hackzyyz it looks fine on Switch

[@23kirbylover]

Didn’t realize how big the screen bezel is on the steam deck compared to the OLED

[@chungus1149]

switch is definitely the more polished product at least at the moment. but the steam deck is really filling an untapped market. I think steam deck 2 will likely be something I pick up

[@williedee1003]

I agree, I’ll be interested in the steam deck once there’s a oled version,

[@khaledm.1476]

Sadly I don't see the vita 3 happening for the same reason I can't see Nintendo abandoning their hybrid concept. Nintendo has finally combined both their handheld teams and dedicated console teams to create massively popular games. This combination has allowed nintendo to reach insane success. Making the vita 3 would mean doing the opposite of what nintendo did and splitting development resources over 2 different ecosystems. It would weaken and split the development teams and divert resources away from sony's big singleplayer AAAs on the PS5. Vita 3 sounds nice in concept but doesn't make sense in reality

[@Anna_Rae]

While PC gaming has extra hoops to jump through, the customization it offers blows consoles out of the water and makes it worth it (I love consoles btw). Getting to play with whatever controller I want, using it however I want, better visuals and framerate if you have the hardware, as well as support for mods. The customization makes it a godsend for accessibility too, while Nintendo kinda laughs at disabled people with their games.

[@empty9926]

Console players always comparing each console to eachother meanwhile PC can literally do it all but 10x better lol

[@Anna_Rae]

@@empty9926 PCs definitely can’t “do it all but 10x better”. Just look at tons of UE4 games on PC and you’ll find shader compilation stutters that won’t ever exist on consoles. Or you look many games that have poor PC ports but excellent console versions. I love PC gaming but it’s not perfect, be honest with yourself.

[@NoSmoke1]

@Ayustria Salma I miss the good old days when there were no "console gamers" and all games were made for PC

[@bnr32jason]

Valve should have offered an OLED screen instead of the etched glass screen on the 512GB model. That's my only complaint on my Steam Deck so far, going back and forth between my Switch OLED and even my Vita (which I still play) and the Steam Deck, the screen is so much worse. If I play it for a couple days without touching my Switch/Vita I start getting used to it. But since I switch back and forth so often, it's a jarring difference. I gladly would have paid an extra $100 or so for a Steam Deck OLED.

[@hand8007]

Power issues and cost were the reasoning I heard

[@nicolasdg4660]

@@hand8007 OLED screen consume less Energy. Just cost to not get into a laptop price

[@nicolasdg4660]

The OLED screen on Switch kills the experience on Steam Deck. The screen is worse than a regular cellphone

[@novantha1]

IMO, as someone with a Switch, Vita, 3DS, PS5 (which I frequently use for Remote Play off a tablet), Smartphone running Linux (relevant for its ability to play my PC game library after jumping through hoops) and now Steamdeck, I would use any of these devices, but in different situations. My Vita and 3DS are for casual play, and exclusives. My Switch is for hybrid play and exclusives. My Steamdeck and Pinephone Pro are for global saves and an intergenerational game library hundreds of games large, as a companion to my gaming PC, not to replace it. Generally speaking, the way I game, if I'm playing with friends, 90% of the time it's in Discord in a PC game, and it'll be on my PC, but sometimes I might want to grind while I'm on the go so I'm not spending all of my spare time just keeping up with my friends, which the Steamdeck is great for. Sometimes I might want to keep up a with a Visual Novel which I already have on Steam, which the my phone is much better suited to. Or, sometimes I'll have friends who have similar tastes to me, so I'll buy a game physically on Switch just so we can share it, and have something to chat about casually. Sometimes I just want something I can keep in my pocket because I'm too busy to sort out something for my Switch or Steamdeck, which is where my 3DS and Vita shine, and sometimes I'm kicking about the house, so I'll remote play something on my PS5. I have a great deal of love for all of these devices, and the ability to use them in a mobile way has been absolutely lovely for me, with each of them having its own niche and feel that gives it a reason to be in my collection... But I do understand if other people don't feel quite the same way about certain entries in my collection, but I still hold out hope that they'll find something equally well suited to them.

[@johannessguten2527]

Mod that 3ds if you can it’s made the system 10x better

[@novantha1]

@@johannessguten2527 All of my mobile consoles have been lovingly Homebrewed. For the Vita, the extra storage space has been a game changer, but the sheer versatility of the 3DS has also been lovely

[@johannessguten2527]

@@novantha1 i play pokemon hacks and translations from it

[@JoeGrizz1y]

As someone who owns a powerful gaming Pc, I find no need to purchase the steam deck. If I want to play my Pc titles I could just get on my Pc. This is why I chose to go with the Switch as there are titles not available on Pc and it comes with easy accessibility. Not to mention the switch is beginning to go heavy towards ports and remastered of older titles. As much as the steam deck offers it doesn’t compare to the need of a switch ultimately. I don’t to make my Pc a little more useless by buying an on the go device I would probably choose to use more. I would say the only thing I’m missing out on is being able to play those bigger titles on the go.

[@oop2611]

Another difference I have noticed Nintendo Switch: Go to local store (even walmart) and purchase system Steam Deck: Put a down-payment online, wait for several months, hope you have the money still by the time they reach out for you to purchase, order system if nothing happened to you financially during the wait, wait more months to receive you system. Not bashing the deck because I love what I've seen of the hardware and would love one but like :/

[@NKCubed]

yeah, hopefully they can get to a place where they have enough to put them in stores sooner than later

[@Adamchevy]

The problem with all of this financial wait is also how quickly this space is innovating. By the time you finally get to make your steam deck purchase Nintendo may be announcing the Switch 2 or any number of other factors. What if you decide you really don’t need a mobile gaming device? What if you decide to purchase a Mac Mini M1 instead and just move on? Really we are so spoiled to even be having these conversations about how we are going to spend 200-649$ on a leisure device.

[@NKCubed]

@@Adamchevy I wouldn't put quickly innovating and nintendo in the same phrase if I was you, but it is weird cause it's a hybrid between the slow moving console market and the fast moving pc one

[@Adamchevy]

@@NKCubed True, they certainly don’t quickly innovate, but the Switch 2 will probably be coming out next year alongside BOTW2. But who knows, Nintendo said the Switch is in the middle of its life cycle.

[@8BitCerberus]

When you get the email that your reservation is ready to complete, you don’t “wait more months”, it’s 3-4 business days. You get 72 hours, or 3 days, to complete your reservation when you get the email, and once you pay it gets shipped to you. Or if you don’t pay within that time, your reservation is given to the next person in line.

[@alexgamez1872]

I just want Sony to get back in the handheld game with today’s games would be epic

[@GonzalezJio]

they suck at supporting their handhelds.

[@zozzinator]

@@GonzalezJio ehem psp

[@gdlpe05]

*they suck at supporting the vita

[@raheimcumberbatch387]

Playstation users aren't going back to handheld now we got wireless remotes and big flat-screen graphics

[@crestofhonor2349]

As long as they don't make the same poor decisions as they did with the Vita with it's proprietary memory cards which sucked and were overpriced

[@V3ntilator]

I already own Switch and will buy Steam Deck. Steam Deck is basically a portable gaming PC, so it's not in the same market as Switch.

[@JAYJAYBEBE]

Why The Switch is better 1. Better battery life 2. Tabletop mode option 3. Removable joycons on dock mode instead of needing external controller 4. Physical games and digital games instead of just digital options 5. Less expensive 6. Nintendo Exclusives without the headache of trying to run an emulator with buggy software 7. Sleek (better looking), smaller, and lighter 8. No need to tinker with games to make them work right, they just work 9. Better motion control and HD rumble 10. Doesn't overheat/ no noisy fan 11. Better customer support 12. Overall reliability (less crashing etc.)

[@scottsanchez2425]

This is the video I've been waiting for. Thank you for taking the time to create an in-depth video!

[@KevinKenson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hafluq2979]

Very informative video. Though I wish you mentioned the pricing of the games because you can amass a massive amount of quality games at much lower prices especially during sales from Steam compared to the Switch.

[@vivid8979]

I think everyone knows that.. Unless you really don't have any ideas how gaming works..

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@vivid8979 not everyone knows that dude Steam has the better deals and you’ll be surprised how many ppl don’t know that

[@hafluq2979]

@@vivid8979 well I didn't know that switch games would cost a lot of money even when used when I got mine so there ya go

[@vivid8979]

@@tylerdurden6917 You're new into gaming then if you don't know that steam is one of the cheapest digital shop for games.. Also Steamdeck is not marketed for Mainstream currently and is not being mass produced.. There's no way you will know about steamdeck and decide to purchase it without knowing what is steam first right??

[@vivid8979]

@@hafluq2979 You're pretty new to gaming? Steam has been around for over a decade now..

[@justjoeblow420]

I was hunting for a normal Switch last year up until the Deck was announced as while I have a thing for handhelds in general. The Deck even with the extra money it's costed me over buying a Switch has ended up a much better fit and as some one that's all ready a PC gamer my Deck has ended up with a much larger library than I would of ever built out on a Switch. I borrowed a buddies Switch a year or two ago for a while and while it's a nice system in a lot of way the Deck definitely suits me better as some one that doesn't mind having to occasionally tinker with things. Plus long term I come out ahead money wise with a Deck as games can be had for much cheaper on PC than on Switch. I do have to agree that while they do overlap in the sense both handhelds their core markets they are targeting are a lot different.

[@MetaGamingDojo]

Same for me but the opposite!

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@MetaGamingDojo same but the opposite

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Kevin doesn't seem to favor either one. Same. I quit that gaming fanboy stuff back in the 90s. Once I started working, I'd buy all the consoles. I don't think there's a point choosing only one. Buy them all. Enjoy them all.

[@obsidiansands]

It comes down to moddability for me, the newer versions of the SWITCH does NOT guarantee moddability as they seemed to be able to stymie modders/crackers of the software with a hardware "fix". Nintendo has always been militant in locking out modders and homebrewers, the Steam Deck is basically a free-for-all modding "mall" where you can install other software with some caution.

[@BrianD0313]

I loved the 3DS and I love my Switch. I think I play it in handeld mode 90% of the time, even if I'm at home. I really love that benefit of being able to go mobile, something you CANNOT do with XBox and Playstation. Every now and then I find myself bringing the Switch to work so I can make progress on break instead of having to wait to get home. I love Steam and the variety of games available. Steam games also don't go obsolete. I still have games like Half-Life that I can play without having to purchase an older/newer console version. The only downfall to Steam is I have to play it at home (though I guess laptops give mobile opportunities but laptops can be bulky). Since I love the Switch, I do love the idea of the Steam Deck and look forward to getting mine this winter.

[@dman1848]

You can go mobile on Xbox. Xcloud

[@khaledm.1476]

I think comparing the UI of the switch vs steam deck and how the switch is a much cleaner experience is a valid argument. However I would like to play devil's advocate, the switch has been on the market for 5 years obviously it had more time to clean up the ui. Not that nintendo has progressed towards improving the ui, the og interface was quick and basic and it has barely changed over the years. It took over a year for youtube to come to the switch, sorting games took over 2 years (Ver 8.0.0), folder support was just added this year (5 years after launch), the eshop was basically never updated, and we still don't have themes. Meanwhile valve has shipped with all those and is constantly improving the steam deck, even a 1 week difference is insane and we're constantly getting new things and news. Valve has shown they're willing to listen to the community, to an extent which Nintendo has never reached. Yes in the here and now the switch's ui might be simpler and yes you buy a device for today not for the future of the device. However this is my take about the situation, Valve's ui will constantly evolve and Nintendo's will remain stagnant. P.S I've seen you addressed it by the end of the video

[@Videogamer96_]

Steam Deck has received more meaningful update to its UI in two months than the Switch has in five years combined

[@grizzlyadams1929]

TLDR: The switch is a decent handheld to pick up if you're on a budget. If you **can** afford a Steam Deck it's the obvious choice over the Nintendo Switch in my opinion. With a little digging you have the capability to emulate nearly any current/previous gen console game, including nintendo switch & they run quite well. There are simply more tools at the user's fingertips with the Steam Deck whereas you are severely limited with the capabilities of the Switch.

[@Tomohiko_JPN_1868]

Good. i didn't think Emulating Nintendo games on Steam Deck. it is really attractive for gamers who wanna play only { Zelda BotW, Mario Oddesey, Kirby} . (offline Nintendo games)

[@ITX-EcoClass]

Those are only net positives for the user if they're looking for that, however, and most folks aren't

[@joareth]

I play both mine regularly but the biggest difference to me is Steam Decks ability to play third party triple A titles the switch just can't possibly do, as well as titles unique to PC.

[@bnr32jason]

I guess maybe I'm just not that picky, but even on games that dynamically go to really low resolutions like Xenoblade 2, I never said to myself "wow this looks bad". I was enjoying playing the game so much that it was even noticed. I honestly can't think of a bad experience I've had on the Switch.

[@haunteddreams7856]

@@bnr32jason and you sir are a true gamer. I have every platform so I've played a game on pc and again on switch and yeah there is a big difference in quality but it's fun to play! I personally don't care massively about AAA games but I have a Xbox series S and ps5 for those but I love the Indies on pc and switch

[@SkipperWing]

TL:DR: 1. Because they're attempting to solve the same problem (console gaming on the go), yeah, they are competing. 2. "Potential" isn't reality, especially when devs rarely stick around to realize that potential. 3. Ignoring the casual market/usage skews the conversation in an unrealistic light. The "they're not competing" argument reminds me of a conversation I had with friends years ago, about who won the the Xbox360vsPS3 generation. I interjected that the Wii won. Both friends' rebuttal was that "the Wii wasn't competing for the same audience." Later on, I realized why that argument didn't sit well with me; regardless of who the specific audience was, the target product (games) still competed for the same audience. An audience Sony and Microsoft clearly wanted to court, given their pivot to Wii style motion controls with the PSmove and Xbox Kinnect, regardless of how motion controls actually played out. By that metric, the Wii had "won," regardless of whether the core gamer community wanted acknowledge the implications or not. Pretending two similar devices that present similar answers to the same problem (console/PC level gaming on the go) not competing or that anyone, if forced to choose, wouldn't pick one over the other seems like a bit of a dodge. If that is a route you wanted to insist on pursuing, it would probably be better to create a profile of the type of person who would pick one over the other: higher customization and gaming quality experience at the cost of a high price point, higher user skill ceiling and long delayed acquisition for the steam deck, vs easier access and a lower price point at the cost of library diversity and gaming quality experience for the Switch. It's also important to note that there's no guarantee of a "Steam Deck 2," given Valve's track record (the Steam controller, the Steam machine) so far OR the track record of other non-phone/tablet Nintendo handheld competitors (the Sega Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket and Sony PSP/PSVitas). I'm not sure its wise to bank on "potential" or "what it could be" if there's no guarantee we'll ever "get there," and make the forecast appear misguided and naïve in hindsight (see: the other Nintendo Handheld competitors, especially the PSP and PSVita) Speaking as someone who has both the Switch and the Deck, but leans more casual in their usage (since my daytime profession leaves gaming as a personal aside, rather than a major focus of my day), I like what Valve is attempting, and Nintendo desperately needs competition. BUT. There's a lot of quality of life things Nintendo did on both the hardware (the joycon designs, the size, ease of multiplayer) and software (the UI, the games) sides that were clearly for reasons (marketing for the comfort and ease-of-access of all ages and lifestyles) that Valve didn't feel were important (the placement of the buttons, navigation/installation/access of games). And I don't think those choices helps Valve in the long run as much as a lot of KZbinrs want to believe it does. Since I haven't made it my job to report on tech/gaming, the deck, I don't always have the time to check for/install updates, set up custom profiles for everything, research/apply fixes/mods, etc, like many KZbinrs seem to. To say nothing of how hard it is to acquire the Steam Deck (Pre-order and hope you get one sometime next year) vs the Nintendo Switch (walk into Walmart/BestBuy/Target and get one immediately). I hope the Deck does well, both on its own merits, and because Nintendo needs the competition. But that requires both the pundits and the audience to consider multiple perspectives, and not just their experiences and hopes for the Deck. I can recommend and buy a Switch for anyone (yes, even the hardcore gamer). I can't do the same for the Deck, and that's something Valve should take notice of.

[@AQDuck]

For the button layout "issue", you can bind the trackpads to be facebuttons so if you instinctively go down instead of up you can still trigger the action.

[@michyan82]

Bonus points for playing Persona 4 Golden in your shots

[@khaledm.1476]

I think the switch killer for me was the oled switch, it killed my expectations for the switch pro this gen. That was kinda dissapointing to realize, I've mostly moved on from my switch besides the occasional Nintendo game (Kirby and switch sports are a blast and so worth it). My switch used to be my indie device, I would literally wait months/years for indies to come to the switch just so I can play it portable. Eventually tho with the switch's aging hardware even indies started to struggle (Hades on switch is 30fps with occasional stutters, no thank you fighting hades is problematic enough I don't need a stutter to screw me) , and that sealed the switch's fate to me. The steam deck has a much larger variety of indies, at a lower price and you can max out everything and still lock 60fps. Now I just wait for botw 2 and hope when the switch 2 comes around in 2025-2026 the jump to switch 2 is significant (anything less than 10x is still weaker than 1060 and that is unacceptable in 2025)

[@tylerdurden6917]

Same I got the steam deck and man it’s a beast!! I stopped playing my Switch OLED lol

[@BitchChill]

The Steam Deck isn't gonna very impressive anymore in 2025

[@khaledm.1476]

@@BitchChill oh absolutely, I will go on to say the steam deck won't be very impressive by the end of this year. Atleast in terms of raw performance other manufacturers will simply update to the RDNA2 apu with the zen 3 CPU juice up the wattage and sell the device for a 1000 dollars. This is already happening both onexplayer and Aya have confirmed these new devices are coming and onexplayer is 45W as opposed to SD measly 15 W with a bulkier build, bigger battery and zen 3 cpu Vs the zen 2 of SD. Aya on the other hand is smaller, stronger and ships with an oled screen. The SD is a trailblazer inspiring other companies to follow suit, and by the time 2025 comes we will probably have SD 3 but not only that so many different devices and choices. The future of the handheld market is looking awesome

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@BitchChill still going to be relevant

[@jjk5693]

@@khaledm.1476 Should I wait for a new handheld PC?

[@killerseppe4432]

Been a Nintendo fan for about 15 years and currently own the Switch OLED. Personally I feel nothing can copy the charm the Switch has, but wow! The& Steam Deck look like a beast!

[@stevenjohnson8736]

Ive been a fan of Nintendo for 37 years ever since the first Nintendo console came out in 1985 call Nintendo Entertainment System i got the whole set the Nintendo bot the gun and 2 games

[@Thornskade]

About the KZbin App point. It would be fair to mention that Steam Deck asks you if you want to install Chrome when you first set it up, and you can run that from Game Mode, you do not need to switch to desktop. It has a touchscreen so there is no real need to figure out controls. But the Switch? It's only had the KZbin app for a few months, but it's been out for five years. Soooo... yeah. AFAIK it still doesn't have a web browser, Twitch, music players, Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, Disney+ etc., Parsec, Xbox streaming, PS Now streaming, PC streaming... it cannot do ANY of those things. And it couldn't even do KZbin. If I have to choose between tons of options with a bit of friction for setup or not even a fraction but a dedicated app (which even could after all still come to the Deck) then I will pick the former any time of the day.

[@tinystar3010]

Switch does have Twitch but afaik it requires an outside device to use chat in twitch. I think it has netflix and disney plus too? But I have looked in awhile. I'd have go check. The 3DS had netflix so I dont see why Switch wouldn't.

[@kyrow123]

KZbin App released on the Switch 11/9/2018, so a wee bit more than a few months. ;)

[@tinystar3010]

Ok, just checked, no d+ or netflix, kinda surprised but not upset really. Anytime I want a mobile movie watch I usually use my tablet anyway. Bigger screen and better resolution than handheld gaming.

[@Thornskade]

@@kyrow123 What was the other feature that took way too long then? Was that bluetooth headphones? I'm gonna be honest there are so many things the Switch can't do it's hard to keep track of when things are added. That the Switch released without KZbin at all is just sad.

[@kyrow123]

@@Thornskade Yeah it was Bluetooth and to be quite honest...it doesn't work all that well anyways. I still enjoy the Switch for what it is, mainly a Nintendo first party portable that can also dock for TV mode. I have the Steam Deck on order as it is a really solid piece of tech from what I see. If Nintendo does a Switch Pro right (fingers crossed), they include backward compatibility with the OG Switch library, include all the basic features we come to expect in 2022, and beef up the capabilities in the graphics department it will be an interesting time for us all.

[@hailhydra5061]

Very timely video! My wife just got me an OLED switch and I am trying to figure out if I keep it or pay a bit more and go for the steam deck. My main concern is a lack of ‘adult’ games for the switch and the inability to play non-nintendo games like the steam deck can.

[@STAXONDECK1]

I think adult games is an oxymoron

[@khaledm.1476]

@@STAXONDECK1 Not all games are safe for kids, unless you're the type of person that watches hentai with the family

[@khaledm.1476]

I think if you're financially able get both. The switch has a massive library of awesome games and the steam deck allows you to play the large steam library. There's some intersection but there's alot of cool games exclusive to the switch and alot of games exclusive to the steam deck (i.e not on the switch) such as any semi-demanding AAA game and you don't want to wait years for a port. My game recommendations for the switch: Mario+rabids, DQ 11s, Kirby and the forgotten land, Cadence of Hyrule, Luigi's Mansion 3, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury and of course the other obvious ones My game recommendations for the steam deck: GOW, Horizon zero dawn, sekiro, elden ring, DS3, DMC5, Monster hunter rise (available on the switch don't buy it there, no cross-save and much better on SD), Shovel knight and untitled goose game (available on switch, much much cheaper on steam)

[@STAXONDECK1]

@@khaledm.1476 dudes that ridiculous 😂 but my point is these companies just made it socially acceptable, like if they wanted to keep selling rattles to you and they added nudity and guns to them

[@khaledm.1476]

@@STAXONDECK1 You laugh but that's exactly why censorship exists for hentai, they put a mild blur on the dick/vagina and now it's perfectly safe for kids. So in japan's eye hentai is a family friendly activity

[@SocialNetwooky]

good comparison, but I think you're missing an important point when it comes to pricing : many people have impressive Steam game backlogs (*cough*thanks Humble Bundle) and whilst the console in itself is slightly more expensive than a Nintendo Switch it is easily outweighted by the need to purchase new games in the first place.

[@alvallac2171]

*outweighed

[@SocialNetwooky]

@@alvallac2171 thanks

[@Eduardo-ig6qm]

I wish future handhelds (and controllers in general) would move away from analog sticks in favor of trackpads. They can do pretty much everything a stick can, don't take any vertical space, don't drift, provide a much faster way of typing, a natural way to turn gyro on, and much more.

[@dramaticmudderer5208]

That's what the steam controller was doing

[@jaspelino1963]

Yeah, no. I love Steam Deck's track pads for desktop mode and point 'n click games, but you'll never take away my analog sticks man.

[@Eduardo-ig6qm]

@@jaspelino1963 What do you think analog sticks do better than trackpads? Or is it purely a familiarity thing? Also I don't think the steam deck's pads are quite there yet, they need much better haptic feedback to fully replace the sticks.

[@yakarotsennin3115]

With the way one holds a controller, trying to position my fingers to run along a smooth flat surface feels usual. This in my opinion is why many prefer analog buttons to touch screen interfaces for many applications. Gyro is built into the console (move it to use Gyro). Why would trackpads serve to replace it?

[@Eduardo-ig6qm]

@@yakarotsennin3115 yeah that's why haptics need to improve, I understand why many would prefer sticks right now. I said trackpads provide a natural way to turn gyro on, as in only turn gyro on when trackpad is touched, so you can reposition the console without screwing with your aim (granted capacitive sticks also have that, forgot about those). Anyway, never said they should replace it.

[@xxcnd83xx]

I have a Switch and I'm interested in the Steam deck too, I just hope it will get easier to get hold of in the future. I get it's probably not something that you will find in every stores on the planet like the Switch but it would be nice if you could order one and get in a month or so. For me, it looks like the only down side of it, that and the weird touch pad placement, but I guess that's something you get used to.

[@13guns87]

Contact steam, ask them if warranty is transferable owner to owner under serial number. Buy one off eBay. Can't speak for where you are but here for 512gb it's just £20 over valve price. I'm not kidding when I say this will probably be like this for a good year or so. I got one last week and I ordered pretty quick once it stopped crashing. Pre orders might only be 30 mins in from pre order starting. I was done about 10-15mins in. Demand high. Sometimes it's best cutting your loses as paying ebay.

[@ocelotmadness6287]

@@13guns87 definitely never encourage buying used ones. Ive seen people on the forum say that they contacted valve to get the warranty transferred and the SD ended up having been stolen.

[@eggbag4182]

Still waiting for my Steam Deck order to be payable. I hope Valve expands the Deck lineup, like the Steam Machines of the past. A smaller form factor that just ditches the touch pads wouldn’t be my kind of thing but would probably sell very well

[@matKilla9801]

I would hate to use the Steam Deck without the trackpads. It is still a PC and navigating with a mouse cursor comes up more than you think. Also the trackpads are way better for typing with.

[@megaredpandas1856]

Showing off Persona 4 on steam deck was a nice touch. A lot of people want it on the switch, so showing it might make people want a deck more.

[@Buffypoodle]

Not to mention P3FES on PCSX2, OG P5 on RPCS3 and P5S on Steam. It’s the whole gang 🤤

[@drewthousand700]

Kevin, you should really do a deep dive into rouge likes vs rouge lites. You have a great way of explaining things, with your own anecdotes, and actual facts, I think this would be a great topic for the masses.

[@okanut]

Great video! Definitely some really interesting stuff to think about, since I'm mainly a portable player.

[@KevinKenson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevenjohnson8736]

@@KevinKenson the battery on the steam deck is just absolutely terrible i would not take the steam deck on the go unless u got yourself a extra battery pack with u

[@ITX-EcoClass]

Good points, all around. May I also add to it Valve's astounding support of its console and userbase? For instance, earlier this year when it was discovered that the PC version of Elden Ring was poorly optimized and suffered from bad stuttering (and as a subsequent result, ran poorly on the Steam Deck), Valve went out of their way to patch their system, to fix this issue for Steam Deck owners before From Soft even had a chance to implement one of their own. Add in their efforts to verify the PC marketplace's prodigious back catalog (as you've discussed), patching in timely optimization options for their UI, their commitment to the right-to-repair movement by securing part-replacement partnerships with iFixit - it's evidently clear that Valve's interest in making their users happy is paramount. And the same can't be said for Nintendo: the lack of promised 64GB game cartridges, for starters, or the Switch's lifelong joy-con drift issues. Allowing poorly performing games onto their closed platform (I'm looking at YOU, Blacksad and Skyrim: Anniversary Edition), the awful online service or the plodding effort to implement Bluetooth audio support. Maybe, as you claim, we can't compare the two consoles in terms of performance because their target audience is just too disparate, but their business practices are certainly fair game as far as I'm concerned - and in this arena Valve comes out on top.

[@SirDanomen]

KZbin is a lot more accessible than you explained on the Steam Deck. During the Steam Deck setup it will ask you if you want to add Chrome to your device, if you click yes then it will add a shortcut to Chrome directly to your non steam apps category on your Deck. You can easily open and close Chrome that way and watch your favourite KZbin videos.

[@bloodlinegate7]

He has to please nintendrons in some way.

[@jjk5693]

@@bloodlinegate7 How?

[@bloodlinegate7]

@@jjk5693 By trashing the competitors

[@Theatre_Of_Noise]

Reading through the comments to see if there's any detail on the stand at 0:58 and oh my heck people are mean. So just want to say you make great videos, they are totally chill and informative, make me happy, and I have both switch and steam deck and both are great for different reasons - it is perfectly valid to compare these two devices and you did a great job with it.

[@pixelmentia]

I don't know why people always bring up pocketability of handhelds. Like do y'all really walk around with handhelds in your pockets? Seems uncomfortable. Plus, what guy has space for any handheld after you're already packing your phone, wallet and keys?

[@johannessguten2527]

The 3ds xl fits in my pocket nothing bigger though

[@Gingerlion777]

When i first saw the stick placement it looked weird, but actually it feels really natural! Personally xbox stick placement is my favorite. But this configuration surprisingly feels very natural.

[@DyrmishiStyle]

Great video, BUT... you forgot one major point of comparison: e-Shop VS Steam. We all know who is the winner in here ;)

[@bugs181]

Mostly agree with the points but a couple side remarks. Lower cost of entry: If you already own Steam games AND/OR want potential savings with future devices, Steam Deck makes sense. Ease of use: In the video you mentioned just use eShop/buy a cartridge, pop it in and go. I gotta say I'm feeling pretty burned by my last Nintendo experience. My last purchase for the Switch was Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. I paid $40 so that my wife and I could couch co-op. This was EVEN advertised on the eShop page. Low and behold, this feature does NOT exist on the Nintendo version of the game (single player only). I asked for a refund only to be denied. They said it was MY fault that I did not research it thoroughly. If I would have just bought it on Steam, I would know EXACTLY what I was buying with their in-depth feature analysis, better refund policy, AND having access to it on the PC.

[@NickNoir]

out of pure curiosity, when you look off camera are you glancing a script? I struggle with how to shoot videos without memorising the script atleast partially. you make it look easy!

[@vivid8979]

You could make cuts and such if you really need to pace yourself out if you cannot memorize long lines of scripts.. Then just edit the clips and transition accordingly to mask out the cuts evenly.. I'm pretty sure alot of them don't even memorize their scripts themselves it just serves as a guide...

[@Tomohiko_JPN_1868]

as a ex-PC main gamer, i Bought Dicey Dungeons(Switch) for $1 last week. Some indies PC games/Retro games shines on Switch Handheld.

[@KuittheGeek]

For me, it all comes down to the games. And the Steam Deck is going to win that hands down. Steam just has a larger library, and being able to play PC games that are 20+ years old is actually an option. Granted, I am no a Nintendo fanboy, but the switch has never really appealed to me. I have looked into it a few times, hoping to find something there, because it is a cool concept, but their aren't enough games for me to want to play. Then I still have to pay the full game price for a 4-5 year old game? I have a library of over 250 games on Steam because of Steam sales and humble bundles, where I have gotten games for a few dollars. Plus all of the free Epic games that are building up in my backlog. Then add in all of the other launchers... And yes, we don't have Mario and Zelda, but we do have a lot of other PC exclusives, we just might not have a mascot. But at the end of the day, the Steam Deck is going to be a handheld gaming system, that has a large library from day 1, granted not everything can run on it yet, it comes with a premium carrying case, has expandable storage, the games can be very cheap, and it is your system. Yours. You aren't locked into what Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo will allow you to do, you can do whatever you want. Freedom. That alone should be worth the price of entry. As someone who spent years hacking the PSP and PS Vita just to get it to run games or homebrew it wasn't "supposed" to, the Steam Deck is absolutely made for me. It also helps that I have been a Linux gamer for years, and a Linux user for longer. But that's another story. End of the day, it comes down to what You as an individual want to play and do. If you want a set top box, their are options for that. If you want a handheld, there are options. If you want to do anything with your system, including both of those, AND don't mind tinkering, there's an option with the Deck. I know where my money is going.

[@Ruzado2]

For me it is a Switch killer FOR the right community, you can play Switch games on a Steam Deck and all the retro games for free (on nintendo u need to pay the nintendo online to play some retro games)

[@Dracossaint]

whenever you open the store on the steam deck, it actually defaults to great on Deck. all the games that work on the steam deck without any playing around.

[@Dracossaint]

Also when you first set up steam deck it does prompt you to add Google Chrome to it without ever having to go into the desktop ui >.> Kevin, sir i understand you have some crunch, but kindly please be a little more patient in the future and read prompts

[@ZaberfangX]

Bigger part about the steam deck over the switch, it's a pc so don't have to rebuy all set of same games. As long the stores still around unless people use GoG for their games.

[@andrebrait]

The audio quality difference can be quite noticeable specially with headphones. On The Witcher 3, for example, sound is pretty bad on the Switche (relative to the PC version on the Steam Deck).

[@antusFireNova]

That must be the compression in the switch port

[@Al-ok1lj]

Hybrid consoles are definitely going to dominate the future of gaming. Although they are not direct competitors, I’m very excited to see what the Switch successor will be.

[@ImThatGhostz]

For the price id still choose a steamdeck at $399 since its only $50 more and can do a whole lot more. I personally got the 256 gb and should be receiving it next week. My switch hasnt been used in months

[@Buffypoodle]

The Switch is a joke for that price

[@ImThatGhostz]

@@Buffypoodle lol yea seriously

[@ImThatGhostz]

@Naymul Islam still rather take the deck

[@Droogie128]

@Naymul Islam can emulate the exclusives on the Steam deck

[@stillbald5827]

What kind of monster uses their Switch/Steamdeck’s speakers at max volume?

[@GonzalezJio]

i think stream deck is competing with the market as a whole. PC. Handheld. consoles.

[@eureka5407]

Had the SD for about a couple weeks now and it plays perfectly imo the fan isn't even noticeable and how much battery life you have is entirely up to you

[@khaledm.1476]

They fixed the fan noise with 2 updates now, I do still have fan trauma from my ps4

[@johnnymonsters9717]

The Steam Deck is my replacement for Xbox and PS. I will always own some from of Nintendo console. Always have always will

[@exazebra]

You can just add a web browser as a non steam game and then you don't have to use the desktop mode for youtube or other browser stuff.

[@Harvey2Tall]

I think both have their place in the market. Hope both companies continue to succeed. What a time to be a gamer! Edit: forgot to say one thing. Kevin your channel just gets better and better! Keep up the great work, always love your reviews!

[@KevinKenson]

Much appreciated!

[@Tomohiko_JPN_1868]

Reminder: Switch cost you Must-Have-Subscriptions for Owners. 　　　(Valve's Steam Deck never cost Subs). 1. am pretty sure, You need to subscribe for "Switch Online" ($20/Year). 2. You likely to subscribe "Wide Care" ($20 per Device・Year). 　　　Conclusion: Nintendo does cost you +$40 per Year (than Valve Steam Deck).

[@miguellozano308]

Glad you made this video, first time I actually see the steam deck, and actual comparison of the two. I will stick to Nintendo, it is just easier to move along with, also for an adult like me I don’t have time to play everything, so Nintendo makes it more confortable playing while traveling and at home. Plus Portal is coming to switch so,, yeah

[@wilsonakawislonly4868]

Waiting for someone to say that the deck has portal you probably know that lol and are just saying both have it

[@HDGamerofficial]

Love the comparison! I’m a Nintendo boi, and I love my day one switch and my Oled but it’s nice for people that wanna play pc games or emulate games and don’t want a switch! Always gotta love having options 👏👏👏

[@jjk5693]

The Switch has the better games while Steam Deck has the better hardware. That is how I view it

[@stupendously_silly]

He forgot to mention how much cheaper steam games are via bundles and summer sale.

[@apostolos8734]

That is a huge plus.

[@youplaymenot]

Everybody says that these do not compete, but all I read is people who have a steam deck stop playing the switch.

[@brimbles4999]

a huge factor i feel a lot of ppl forget is that the switch isnt REALLY $300, once you factor in switch online and a basic portfolio of games that will at MINIMUM be another $150, while the deck many ppl already have a decent library of games that are compatible on the deck and the fact games on steam can be found for relatively cheaper than what they'll be sold for on switch *cough* (bethesda published games)

[@nicolasdg4660]

The steam deck is just to big. Switch OLED is perfect for me. Confortable, just the right size with the hori aluminum case. Great library and the simplicity to jump to TV and variaty to adult single players / family local multiplayer is just great

[@tylerdurden6917]

Dude! Buy one! I recently got my Steam deck and it’s PERFECT!👍🏻 I have small hands too and I never realized I would love the ergonomics of the steam deck but I do! U don’t know unless u try it and for me I definitely thought it was going to be too big but I’m happy to say I was wrong about that and now I’m in love with the steam deck, I actually stopped playing with my OLED switch 😅 gaming on the switch is kinda uncomfortable for longer sessions and I would kinda get cramps when I do, however the steam deck changes that for me and to my surprise it resembles an Xbox controller and the analog sticks all fit perfectly together for a comfortable experience.

[@nicolasdg4660]

@@tylerdurden6917 For me is not the size on hand. For me OLED is just fine to hold. Is portability. Steam Deck is just to big.

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@nicolasdg4660 honestly bro OLED is amazing NGL but from my personal experience while the Steam Deck doesn’t have OLED the screen it does have is not crappy in fact it’s really vibrant and looks really good. I love my OLED Switch but I honestly prefer the ergonomics, Software and power of the Steam Deck. I mean I can play my Pc AAA games on the go with much better graphics and performance than my OLED Switch. If u care about OLED then cool bro more power to u but as someone who really enjoyed playing with the OLED Switch the Steam Deck is far better for the price. It’s basically a beast of a device and I’m glad I bought it.

[@nelforeign]

@@tylerdurden6917 I have the Switch OLED and Steam Deck and I personally agree with Nicolas DG. The OLED screen mops the floor with the Steam Deck. I love my steam deck but I still prefer my Switch OLED, I also love the sleek design and simplicity of the Switch ecosystem over the bulky Steam Deck, it’s huge and I wouldn’t really carry it outside lmao. Steam Deck will get there it doesn’t have that charm Nintendo Switch has.

[@tylerdurden6917]

@@nelforeign that’s true OLED is far better of course but that doesn’t compensate for the features & possibilities the Steam Deck has to offer as I think that the Steam Deck still wipes the floor with the Nintendo switch in terms of performance, ergonomics, and freedom of doing anything u want on it just like u would on a Pc. It’s far superior in that respect but to say the Nintendo Switch is better just because it has an OLED is an understatement. However if u don’t care about not having an OLED screen then I’d say get the Steam Deck. Personally I really don’t care and also the screen on the Steam Deck looks really good despite it not being an OLED, it does the job right. While the Steam Deck is bigger compared to the switch it really is to my surprise super light!!!!!! And the feeling of the handheld is far superior in design than the Switch. I have both and honestly I prefer the Steam Deck as I’m slowly abandoning the switch, I’ll only use it for exclusive titles.

[@NostraSamus]

I'll argue a point for the V1/V2 switch and Oled models about portability. The tablet easily fits in the pocket, and the joycons are small enough to put in another pocket. I am able to fit all those components in a denim jacket, and I dress in a slim-fit style. I can't do the same with a switch lite. I understand the market the lite is intended for, but the "switch" moniker doesn't fit its uses.

[@Sailorheroblue907]

I Like Nintendo Switch Oled It’s Just My Opinion

[@brianboisen1487]

Every body forget one important thing does not matter if u like xbox series x, Playstation 5, steam deck, nintendo switch or pc All that matters is your playing the games!! 😉

[@MrAustin1qb]

Since to got my steam deck last week, I can’t play on anything else. Playing God of war on a handheld is just amazing. It is what I always wanted the switch to be.

[@Enubatan]

Everyone is comparing the steam deck with the switch but I'm more of the mind that Gabe isn't trying to compete with nintendo, he's gunning for Microsoft

[@AlecsLee]

I have a different point of view on the target point, or at least i think we shouldn't generalize asumming that all the Nintendo switch audience only wants a switch in order to play Nintendo exclusives or they don't want to have anything to do with the pc world, or they don't want to mess around with game settings etc.....because there are a lot of people out there, including myself, that bought a nintendo switch back in the day, mostly because we wanted to play triple A on the run (being the triple A market on switch an important part of its catalog btw) and it was the chepest way to do so, nor because we were affraid of the pc world or messing around with configs, and from that point of view, the steam deck covers that exact same porpuse, at a similar start price point, with a lot more potential and a bigger catalog. So, yes, i agree that if we take the case of a person who only have a switch to play nintendo games or because he doesn' t want to mess aroung with nothing more than power on and play, yes, we can consider steam deck out of his target, but if we take a person who, like me, had a switch to play triple A anywhere in a cheap way (nor the price level of a aya, gpd, one x player etc), both the deck and the Switch, cover the exact same purpose and so they are perfectly comparable in terms of the price, options, catalog etc, and, having the two machines, i would suggest buying a steam deck if you are the same target as me, because you will have a bigger triple A catalog, with a lot better sales and general prices, with a lot more power, and all the options that a pc gives to you.

[@yakarotsennin3115]

I mean, playing AAA games is part of the demographic that Nintendo aims towards, but if you watch the trailers that's not the largest demographic. Nintendo primarily aims for non gamers and casual gamers. Not those who have an extensive Steam Library per say and have been gaming for decades.

[@KW1LL1S]

Showing the hades sound comparison worked out perfect

[@BlackAesop]

Great vid! Still waiting for my email. Q2 Gang! lol

[@hummel003]

you forgot an important point. Which steam deck did you use? Because they have different screens

[@Tomohiko_JPN_1868]

and more. The subscription things, Nintendo costs you.(Valve never cost) "Switch Online" ($20/Year). "Wide Care" ($20 per Device/Year). Cost +$40 per Year, than Steam Deck.

[@molopower2354]

I've actually received a steam deck and personnaly I think it's simply a flat upgrade to the switch. It's just better.

[@molopower2354]

Heh, I've watched the video in it's entierety. And, just some personnal tidbits, the ui is actually really simple and intuitive. Then again, I have been using steam for a few years now. You can access chrome without going through the desktop mode. I'm a person who didn't really use controllers apart from the switch before and I could ajust really quickly, I love those touchpads they feel great. Why I feel the steam deck is a must buy for anyone who wants a good handheld is the ability to have access to the entirety of your steam librairy. It's a godsend.

[@divixxx15]

Love them both. Both companies doing great things for handheld gaming. That's what I want. I already have a Switch and loving it to the max. However my next gaming pc will be replaced with a Steam Deck

[@deth_boi3284]

Both. Both is good.

[@Vartazian360]

The only major con about my steam deck is the battery life. Its dies very quickly especially in aaa titles. The switch often lasts 2x longer in general. However playing crysis 2 at max settings 60 fps on a handheld, or playing elden ring at 30 fps locked medium settings are both mind blowing experiences

[@Buffypoodle]

Just wait for the 40hz update. Smoothness without the extreme battery drain.

[@Vartazian360]

@@Buffypoodle yeah I haven't opted into the beta.. I heard there are issues with the 40hz mode at the moment hopefully they fix the input delay on 40hz and roll it out to the main build.

[@hollow6178]

Waiting for the fanboys to fight to the death in the comments

[@Aries73]

Most Switch owners aren’t even thinking about these PCMR clowns. They stay thirsty for attention.

[@kozmnavt5158]

I love my Switch Oled and I play it quite often for those Nintendo exclusive and other RPGs but I’d be happy to own a Steam Deck as well if I can get my hands on one. Having a handheld Pc would be amazing and I often enjoy handheld gaming more than playing on a tv or sitting at a computer desk lately. Idk if I got a steam deck I’d enjoy playing my favorite Pc games in the comfort on my bed more so instead of at a desk. I like the feel and idea of handheld gaming it feels comforting.

[@senorsnipey1595]

The Nintendo Switch will remain the most popular handheld on the market. Nintendo has conquered better handhelds since the beginning. The system has a massive library and the most important thing... It has Nintendo games. The steam deck is amazing and for those with a steam library there are clear benefits. But its more for that crowd or ppl interested in PC gaming. The switch is still an amazing handheld with games that can't be found other places. Just got the OLED after 5 years of the original and its beautiful with an amazing battery life. The sales found on the switch also rival Steam sales. Its lovely

[@crestofhonor2349]

What do you mean by rival steam sales? Steam isn't sold

[@senorsnipey1595]

@@crestofhonor2349 the video game sales that occur on steam are amazing. The switch also has regular and awesome sales. Thats all I meant

[@crestofhonor2349]

@@senorsnipey1595 Oh ok that makes sense

[@Trail_Clydesdale]

AAA library size and average price of games is a big factor is this comparison and should be considered by buyers.

[@The_RedVIII]

Nothing can beat the OLED screen. The Steamdecks LCD is bad, even compared to other LCDs. I'm saying this as someone owning both devices. I like that the Deck can play pretty much everything, and the Analogs sticks feel much better than on the Switch. But because of that OLED screen I will always prefer to play less demanding Indie games on the Switch over the Deck.

[@Thornskade]

And then in a year or two we have affordable PC handhelds with OLED screens and our indie libraries will just carry over. But oh no, Nintendo's next console is not backwards compatible and your Switch library is stuck on the Switch. Actually, now that I think about it the Switch has pretty terrible ergonomics, so even with a better screen and if you kept your games, I think I'd rather not

[@TerraWare]

Yeah I love the OLED screen on the Switch, it partially pushed me to finally get an OLED TV for gaming but I'm going to hold off on the Deck. I've no doubt Valve will release a more premium version and I'll probably jump on it than. Still a really nice start for Valve to bring pc gaming in a handheld form in an affordable way.

[@Monkey_SK]

I have a gaming PC at home with a big screen, mouse and keyboard. I have a Switch for gaming on the go and family party games. The Steam Deck looks like a nice idea but just doesn't fit my needs.

[@Goalbound01]

You got to remember the switch was made in 2017 not 2022

[@arvinlim9062]

But the switch is using technology from like 5 years ago regardless if it was released in 2017. It took them so long to get modern updates that could’ve been done on day 1. It didn’t even have Bluetooth for years.

[@NoCapNick698]

@@arvinlim9062 the hardware isn’t really 5 years old it’s comparable to Xbox 360 hardware i don’t even know why the switch still exists

[@GOODEUSMAXIMUS]

Switch really got me through years of OTR trucking but I was really disappointed by the first party games being incomplete. Can’t wait for steam deck.

[@cergam_misteri]

Play Nintendo games using Switch, play steam games using Steam deck as simple like that

[@vlt96]

When talking about price, it obviously looks cheaper and people won't look twice at $200 vs $400 (you can literally get 2 for the price of one which opens some possibilities). But on the other hand, if you already have Steam games, the cost of playing is minuscule. I have a backlog of hundreds of games that I gathered over 10 years for free, on steep sales, or bundles, and spent maybe $100. On the Switch, it's $30 to $80 per game, with the added online membership, which quickly adds up. It takes 3 months of actually using the device for it to be more expensive.

[@lunasmokezim1718]

The Steam Deck killed the Switch for me. Nintendo's first party is just not meant for me. In the five years I have owned my Switch, I have bought 3 first party games. More comfortable hand grips. Better audio. Better hardware. Better games, subjectively. Bigger library and ever growing. Customizable. The only thing the Switch has over the Steam Deck is battery life.

[@stillirise85O]

I feel the same way, we are twins 😀. I feel like I have "outgrown" Nintendo first party games. Whenever they announce new games, I just don't get excited.

[@ChristopherToro]

It has an infinite library, unlike the switch which will end in 5 years according to Nintendo. The value in the steam deck is infinitely greater - this video doesn't high light that, it only says "please dont hurt me nintendo fans that made my channel".

[@jolanvallee8404]

Battery life is not an argument possible.... Try to play PC AAA games on a switch and see how long it stays on... Oh wait you can't even do that because the switch can't run those games !

[@obi-wan3916]

@@ChristopherToro in 5 years your steamdeck will be obsolete as currentgen games will be unplayable unless you upgrade. Really stupid argument.

[@christopher32074]

@@ChristopherToro What u said is just one big myth. No one’s going to believe that. And it’s Nintendo’s decision on when the Switch support will stop, not yours.