The the Steam Deck is the Switch 2's biggest competitor at this point - though other handhelds are available, these two are similar in price point and custom OS.

The Switch 2 isn't a handheld PC by any stretch of the imagination, but since the original Switch and the Steam Deck are some of the most popular handhelds on the market today, the comparison is apt. But how do the two compare in of what's inside? Here's a side-by-side look at each of the major components in each console, and which is powerful in each category, as well as a general comparison between the two.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: U

Switch 2's Custom Nvidia & Steam Deck's Zen 2

To be clear, we don't really know what kind of central processing unit (U) the Switch 2 uses. We know it's made by Nvidia, and leaks, reported by Polygon, do tell us it's likely a custom Tegra model, a series called T239. We're using EuroGamer's projection of the T239's specs for the sake of comparison; this is based on leaks and general trends in the industry.

The data in this article is based on the OLED model of the Steam Deck, the most recent version released.

The Steam Deck, meanwhile, uses an accelerated processing unit - an APU - containing a Zen 2 central processor manufactured by AMD, with four cores and eight threads. The table below compares the two Us in of specs, using projected specs for the Switch 2's rumored processor.

In of game performance, the U has a profound effect on a wide variety of game functions. First, it's typically responsible for almost all of a game's mechanics: translating your controller inputs into in-game movement, making physics calculations, directing NPC AI, and, unless your PC/console has a separate sound card, everything to do with audio. It's also often associated with frame rates, as the more powerful a U is, the more accurately it can communicate with a GPU to render games more quickly.

U efficacy is measured in of frequency, sometimes called clock speed, which effectively tells you how many calculations it can make per second. It's typically measured in magnitudes of hertz (Hz). In of U, the Steam Deck is more powerful than the Switch 2 is expected to be, with a far higher U frequency even compared to the Switch 2's docked mode. That may mean faster inputs, quicker enemy AI, and more consistent frame rates on the Steam Deck.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: GPU

Switch 2's Custom Nvidia & Steam Deck's AMD

Next, let's look at the graphics processing unit, or GPU. The GPU works similarly to the U, except it's solely used for calculations pertaining to visuals and graphics. The Switch 2 uses a custom Nvidia GPU, believed to be based on the Ampere architecture, while the Steam Deck's AMD GPU is integrated into its APU.

Just like a U, a GPU's power is measured in of clock speed, and the higher the frequency, the more powerful the unit. The Switch 2 is rumored to have a more powerful GPU than the Steam Deck, which means it may have smoother graphics in certain games. However, we know very little about the details at this early juncture.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: RAM

Which Console Has More RAM?

Next up is random access memory, or RAM. RAM is typically responsible for multitasking, which is especially important for big, open-world games with lots going on. More RAM can lead to faster loading, better frame rates, and greater optimization, especially when running multiple applications (like the Switch 2's new chat function running alongside a game).

Since RAM is a type of memory, it's measured in bytes: more bytes means more RAM. The Steam Deck has more RAM storage than the Switch 2 is expected to, so it's also the more powerful console in that regard.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: Controls

Which Console Has The Better Control Scheme?

While it's relatively easy to compare internal components in of technical specs, things get a little more complicated when we compare each console's control schemes. There's a little more subjectivity and a little less calculation involved here; some people prefer one style of controls, and some prefer another. However, the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck have overall similar control schemes, with a couple of (ittedly crucial) differences.

So, in of thumbsticks and face buttons, the two handhelds are virtually identical. Both consoles have the non-Hall effect thumbsticks that are known, at least on the original Switch, to be prone to stick drift. It is important to note, though, that the Steam Deck has four additional shoulder buttons that you can program to do whatever you like - personally, I'm a big fan of using them to sprint in Souls games.

Both consoles also have unique features as part of their control schemes. The Steam Deck includes two trackpads, one on either side of the screen. I'm sure some people love these, and they can serve as worthy substitutes for a mouse in certain games, but I find their actual utility pretty limited.

You can use external controllers, mice, and keyboards with the Steam Deck if you prefer alternative controls.

The Switch 2's Joy-Cons can be detached to be used much like a computer mouse, a new feature for the successor. This is likely to be pretty handy in first-person shooters and strategy games, but its actual usefulness definitely remains to be seen.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: Screen

Size & Resolution

Next, we'll compare the Switch 2 and Steam Deck's respective screens. We'll consider three categories here: raw size, resolution, and display type. While size and resolution are self-explanatory, there's some value in explaining the pros and cons of LCD versus OLED screens. OLED screens are composed of millions of pixels, each of which emits its own light, while LCD screens use backlights that through liquid crystals.

LCD screens are typically cheaper to manufacture and purchase, which could help keep down the Switch 2's already astronomical price. They also have longer shelf lives compared to OLEDs. However, OLED screens allow for deeper, more vibrant colors and faster response times. Here's how the two consoles compare:

You can argue for either handheld's screen here, but personally, I'd say the Switch 2 has the better display. The OLED Steam Deck screen is nice, but the Switch 2's greater size and resolution make more of a difference to this (ittedly colorblind) player.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: Storage

Internal & Potential For Expansion

The following table compares the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck's internal storage, measured here in of gigabytes. These numbers refer to how much data you can store on the console: that includes ed games, captures taken, and anything else you install.

In of internal storage, even the Steam Deck's base model has the Switch 2 beat. It has twice the storage of the Switch 2's only model, which has 256 GB of storage. Don't get me wrong: that's a fair bit, and a lot more than the original Switch's 32 GB of storage. Also note that both consoles' storage can be expanded basically infinitely with the addition of microSD cards. However, the microSD Express cards used by the Switch 2 are faster than those used by the Steam Deck.

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: Battery Life

Your Mileage May Vary

Finally, we'll take a look at each console's projected battery life. Do note that these are only estimates for both consoles, and that battery life will vary vastly by what game you're playing, in addition to brightness, graphical settings, and anything else you're doing with the console simultaneously (e.g., ing other games or chatting with friends). Still, here's how their estimated battery lives stack up:

In of battery life, the Steam Deck wins. 12 hours is pretty impressive for such a giant handheld console - although that'll only apply when you're playing less intensive games. But even the Steam Deck's minimum battery life is longer than the Switch 2's, which means it's beating the other handheld on both ends.

So, should you get a Switch 2 or a Steam Deck? Ultimately, it depends on what's more important to you. The OLED Steam Deck wins in most regards when it comes to hardware, which means it'll probably do better with most big, intensive games. But the Switch 2's detachable Joy-Cons, bigger screen, better GPU, and library full of Nintendo exclusives optimized for the Switch 2 are also major benefits. There's no objectively correct choice between the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch 2, but hopefully, understanding these specs helps you make a more informed decision.

Sources: Polygon, EuroGamer