Side by side
Steam Deck OLED vs Switch 2
Quick verdict
It comes down to the games: Steam Deck OLED for your Steam library, Switch 2 for Nintendo games and easy TV play.
| Criterion | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Games | Depends | Steam vs Nintendo library |
| Handheld screen | Steam Deck OLED | HDR OLED |
| TV play | Switch 2 | Dock included, up to 4K |
| Ease of use | Switch 2 | Just works without setup |
| Weight | Switch 2 | Lighter |
| Value | Depends | Depends on today's price |
At a glance
| Feature | Steam Deck OLED | Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 7.4-inch HDR OLED, 90 Hz, 1280 x 800 | 7.9-inch LCD, 120 Hz, 1080p, HDR |
| Games | Steam library (PC games) | Nintendo games, most Switch 1 games |
| Playing on the TV | Via USB-C dock (sold separately) | Dock included, up to 4K |
| Controllers | Built in, with trackpads | Detachable Joy-Con 2, mouse function |
| Storage | 512 GB or 1 TB, plus microSD | 256 GB, plus microSD Express |
| Weight | About 640 g | About 535 g with Joy-Con |
Swipe sideways to see both columns.
Which one should you buy?
Mister Magelo’s verdict
The choice mostly comes down to the games. If you already have a Steam library or want cheap PC games on the go, take the Steam Deck OLED. If you want Nintendo games, easy TV play and couch multiplayer with family, the Switch 2 is the better pick.
Independent recommendation · Retailers can’t pay for rankingChoose Steam Deck OLED if…
- you already own games on Steam
- you want a brilliant OLED screen for handheld play
- you like tinkering with settings, emulators or a desktop mode
Choose Switch 2 if…
- you want Mario, Zelda, Pokémon and other Nintendo games
- you often play on the TV or with friends and family
- you want a console that just works without setup