Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck
type: Article
description: The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console optimized for Nintendo's exclusive library and casual gaming with 4-6 hour battery life, while the Steam Deck is a PC handheld focused on running full PC games with 2-8 hour battery life depending on performance mode. The Switch excels at portable fun and local multiplayer; the Steam Deck offers superior graphics and access to 50,000+ Steam titles.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-08T10:05:07.508Z
date created: 2026-07-08T10:05:07.508Z
date modified: 2026-07-08T10:05:07.556Z
content reference time: 2026-07-08T10:05:07.556Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Nintendo Switch
about: Steam Deck
abstract: The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console optimized for Nintendo's exclusive library and casual gaming with 4-6 hour battery life, while the Steam Deck is a PC handheld focused on running full PC games with 2-8 hour battery life depending on performance mode. The Switch excels at portable fun and local multiplayer; the Steam Deck offers superior graphics and access to 50,000+ Steam titles.
text: Game Library Size. GPU Performance (TFLOPS). Battery Life (Standard Mode). Price (Base Model). Official Exclusive Games. Display Resolution. Local Multiplayer Support
conclusion text: Choose Nintendo Switch if you prioritize exclusive Nintendo franchises, local multiplayer, longer battery life, affordability, and pick-up-and-play casual gaming. Choose Steam Deck if you want access to the vast PC gaming library, superior graphics performance, advanced emulation capabilities, and don't mind the higher price and shorter battery life.
additional property: Display Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 6.2 inches | Steam Deck: 7.4 inches (OLED)
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Display Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 1280 x 720 LCD | Steam Deck: 1280 x 800 (OLED/LCD)
additional property: Refresh Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 120Hz | Steam Deck: 90Hz
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: GPU Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 0.39 TFLOPS | Steam Deck: 1.6 TFLOPS (OLED)
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: RAM
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 4 GB | Steam Deck: 16 GB
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Storage Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 64GB internal | Steam Deck: 256GB (base, expandable to 2TB)
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Weight
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 398 grams | Steam Deck: 575 grams (OLED)
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: Battery Life (Normal Use)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 6.5-9 hours | Steam Deck: 2-8 hours (throttle-dependent)
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: Available Games
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 800+ exclusive Nintendo titles | Steam Deck: 70,000+ via Steam
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Processor
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Custom ARM-based SoC | Steam Deck: Custom Zen 2 APU @ 2.4GHz
additional property: Base Price USD
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: $299 | Steam Deck: $549
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: Operating System
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Proprietary Nintendo OS | Steam Deck: SteamOS 3.5 (Linux-based)
additional property: Global Units Sold (as of 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 153.10 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: GPU Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: ~1.02 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Storage Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 64 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Software Sales Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 1.416 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Launch Price (Standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: $299 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Portability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Fully Portable | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Digital Purchase Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 63 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Exclusive Game Franchises
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Animal Crossing | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: CPU Cores
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 4 cores (ARM-based) | Steam Deck: 4 cores (Zen 2)
additional property: RAM Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 4GB | Steam Deck: 16 GB LPDDR5
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Native Resolution (Docked)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 1080p | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Average Load Time (tested games)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 15-30 seconds | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Portability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Yes (7-inch screen, detachable controllers) | Steam Deck: Fully portable (7" OLED screen)
additional property: Display Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 6.2 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Display Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: LCD | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Internal Storage
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 32 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Launch Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 299 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Weight
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 298 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Battery Life (Gaming)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 4.5-9 hours | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Available Color Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 3 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Game Compatibility
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 2000+ | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Base Model Price (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: $299 (OLED) | Steam Deck: $199 (64GB LCD)
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Battery Life (Standard Use)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 6.5 hours average (4.5-9 range) | Steam Deck: 4 hours average (2-8 range)
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: Handheld Display Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 1280x720 (720p) | Steam Deck: 1280x800 (Steam Deck LCD) / 1280x720 (OLED native, but upscales)
additional property: Weight (Handheld Mode)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 398g | Steam Deck: 565 grams (Steam Deck OLED)
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: Storage (Base Model)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 32 GB | Steam Deck: 512 GB (OLED) / 256 GB (LCD)
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Premium Model Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: $349 (OLED 64GB) | Steam Deck: $549 (OLED 1TB)
  value reference: Nintendo Switch
additional property: GPU Processing Power
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 1.02 TFLOPS | Steam Deck: 1.63 TFLOPS (OLED model)
  value reference: Steam Deck
additional property: Handheld Gaming Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Yes, native handheld mode | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Native Resolution (Docked/Primary)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 1440p standard | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Maximum Refresh Rate (Supported)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 60 fps | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Lifetime Unit Sales (as of 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 139+ million | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Game Pass Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: ~100 Game Pass titles | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: MSRP at Launch (2020)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: $299 | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: CPU Core Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 4 cores (custom ARM) | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: Display Size (Handheld Mode)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: 6.2 inches | Steam Deck: N/A
additional property: GPU Performance Increase
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nintendo Switch: Baseline (Maxwell architecture) | Steam Deck: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/nintendo-switch
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/nintendo-switch
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/steam-deck
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/steam-deck
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/nintendo-switch-vs-steam-deck)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/nintendo-switch-vs-steam-deck)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-vs-steam-deck
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-2-vs-steam-deck
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-vs-playstation-5
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/steam-deck-vs-xbox-series-x
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ps5-vs-steam-deck
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-vs-ps5
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-vs-nintendo-switch-oled
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/steam-deck-vs-lenovo-legion-go
teaches: How to choose between Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck
genre: Gaming

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Nintendo Switch
type: Product
alternate name: NS
language: en-US
description: Original hybrid gaming console with 6.2-inch LCD screen, released in 2017.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Nintendo Switch
subject of: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck
image: ImageObject
  caption: Nintendo Switch

Steam Deck
type: Product
alternate name: SD
language: en-US
description: PC handheld gaming device running SteamOS with access to 50,000+ games via Steam
image: ImageObject
  caption: Steam Deck
subject of: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck
image: ImageObject
  caption: Steam Deck

Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck. Contains 108 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Display Size
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variable measured: Display Resolution
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variable measured: Refresh Rate
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variable measured: GPU Performance
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variable measured: RAM
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variable measured: Storage Capacity
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variable measured: Weight
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variable measured: Battery Life (Normal Use)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Available Games
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Processor
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variable measured: Base Price USD
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variable measured: Operating System
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Global Units Sold (as of 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: GPU Performance
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variable measured: Storage Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Software Sales Volume
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variable measured: Launch Price (Standard)
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variable measured: Portability
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variable measured: Digital Purchase Rate
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Exclusive Game Franchises
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: CPU Cores
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variable measured: RAM Capacity
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variable measured: Native Resolution (Docked)
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variable measured: Average Load Time (tested games)
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variable measured: Portability
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variable measured: Display Size
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variable measured: Display Type
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variable measured: Internal Storage
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variable measured: Launch Price (USD)
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variable measured: Weight
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variable measured: Battery Life (Gaming)
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variable measured: Available Color Options
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Game Compatibility
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Base Model Price (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Battery Life (Standard Use)
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variable measured: Handheld Display Resolution
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variable measured: Weight (Handheld Mode)
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variable measured: Storage (Base Model)
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variable measured: Premium Model Price
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variable measured: GPU Processing Power
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variable measured: Handheld Gaming Capability
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variable measured: Maximum Refresh Rate (Supported)
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variable measured: Lifetime Unit Sales (as of 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Performance
variable measured: Game Pass Library Size
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variable measured: MSRP at Launch (2020)
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variable measured: CPU Core Count
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variable measured: GPU Performance Increase
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variable measured: Maximum Docked Resolution
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variable measured: Handheld Battery Life
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Launch Price (MSRP)
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variable measured: Available Game Library
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variable measured: Backward Compatibility with Previous Gen
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variable measured: Handheld Unit Weight
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variable measured: Maximum Gaming Resolution
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variable measured: Internal Storage
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variable measured: Console Life Cycle
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Game Pass Titles Included
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Exclusive Major Franchises
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Maximum Resolution
variable measured: Maximum Frame Rate
variable measured: Launch MSRP (Base Model)
variable measured: Available Games in Library
variable measured: Game Pass Subscription Cost
variable measured: Battery Life
variable measured: Launch Price (Base)
variable measured: Exclusive AAA Games
variable measured: Screen Brightness (Peak)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-vs-steam-deck)

Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck.
has defined term: Display
has defined term: Hardware Specifications
has defined term: Hardware Specs
has defined term: Portability
has defined term: Software Library
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Software
has defined term: Sales & Adoption
has defined term: Hardware
has defined term: Software Ecosystem
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Digital Distribution
has defined term: Content Library
has defined term: Form Factor
has defined term: Price
has defined term: Design
has defined term: Library
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Graphics
has defined term: Market Performance
has defined term: Battery
has defined term: Content
has defined term: Display Output
has defined term: Storage
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Game Library
has defined term: Service
has defined term: Display Quality
has defined term: Gaming
has defined term: Connectivity
has defined term: Value
has defined term: Games

Display
type: DefinedTerm
term code: display
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware Specifications
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware-specifications
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware Specs
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware-specs
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Portability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: portability
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Software Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: software-library
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Software
type: DefinedTerm
term code: software
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Sales & Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: sales-&-adoption
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Software Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: software-ecosystem
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Digital Distribution
type: DefinedTerm
term code: digital-distribution
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-library
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Form Factor
type: DefinedTerm
term code: form-factor
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Price
type: DefinedTerm
term code: price
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: library
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Graphics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: graphics
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-performance
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Battery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: battery
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Display Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: display-output
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: storage
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Game Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: game-library
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Display Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: display-quality
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Gaming
type: DefinedTerm
term code: gaming
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Connectivity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: connectivity
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: value
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Games
type: DefinedTerm
term code: games
in defined term set: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-08T10:05:07.556Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: nintendo-switch-vs-steam-deck)
main entity: Can you play Steam games on Nintendo Switch?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No, Steam games are not officially available on Nintendo Switch. The Switch's hardware (0.39 TFLOPS GPU) cannot run most demanding PC titles. However, the Switch has its own exclusive library of 2,500+ games optimized for its architecture.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is Steam Deck better for emulation than Nintendo Switch?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, the Steam Deck significantly outperforms the Switch for emulation due to its superior CPU/GPU (1.6 TFLOPS vs 0.39). It can accurately emulate Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, PS2, and Dreamcast at full performance, while the Switch struggles with demanding retro systems. However, the Switch has no official emulation support.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which has better battery life for long gaming sessions?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Nintendo Switch offers more consistent 4.5-6.5 hour battery life. Steam Deck's battery varies from 2.5-8 hours depending on game intensity—demanding AAA titles drain it in 2-3 hours, while indie games last longer. For predictable all-day gaming, Switch wins; for high-performance gaming portability, Steam Deck requires more frequent charging.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can you play Nintendo Switch games on Steam Deck?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Not officially. However, the Steam Deck can run emulators of older Nintendo systems (NES, SNES, N64, GameCube). Modern Switch games cannot be played on Steam Deck without copyright-protected emulation, which is illegal in most jurisdictions.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which is better for local multiplayer gaming?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Nintendo Switch is superior for local multiplayer. Its detachable Joy-Con controllers allow 2-4 players to play immediately without purchasing additional hardware. Steam Deck requires external controllers (sold separately) for local multiplayer, making it less convenient and more expensive for couch co-op gaming.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck
type: HowTo
description: The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console optimized for Nintendo's exclusive library and casual gaming with 4-6 hour battery life, while the Steam Deck is a PC handheld focused on running full PC games with 2-8 hour battery life depending on performance mode. The Switch excels at portable fun and local multiplayer; the Steam Deck offers superior graphics and access to 50,000+ Steam titles.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Game Library Size
step: Consider: GPU Performance (TFLOPS)
step: Consider: Battery Life (Standard Mode)
step: Consider: Price (Base Model)
step: Consider: Official Exclusive Games
step: Consider: Display Resolution
step: Consider: Local Multiplayer Support
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Nintendo Switch if you prioritize exclusive Nintendo franchises, local multiplayer, longer battery life, affordability, and pick-up-and-play casual gaming. Choose Steam Deck if you want access to the vast PC gaming library, superior graphics performance, advanced emulation capabilities, and don't mind the higher price and shorter battery life.

Consider: Game Library Size
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Game Library Size: Nintendo Switch has 2,500+ games, while Steam Deck has 50,000+ games (via Steam).

Consider: GPU Performance (TFLOPS)
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: GPU Performance (TFLOPS): Nintendo Switch has 0.39 TFLOPS, while Steam Deck has 1.6 TFLOPS (Steam Deck OLED).

Consider: Battery Life (Standard Mode)
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Battery Life (Standard Mode): Nintendo Switch has 4.5-6 hours, while Steam Deck has 2.5-8 hours (varies by game).

Consider: Price (Base Model)
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Price (Base Model): Nintendo Switch has $299, while Steam Deck has $549 (512GB OLED).

Consider: Official Exclusive Games
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Official Exclusive Games: Nintendo Switch has 500+ (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon), while Steam Deck has 0 exclusives.

Consider: Display Resolution
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Display Resolution: Nintendo Switch has 1,280 x 720 (6.2 inches), while Steam Deck has 1,280 x 800 (7.4 inches OLED).

Consider: Local Multiplayer Support
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Local Multiplayer Support: Nintendo Switch has Detachable Joy-Cons for 2-4 players, while Steam Deck has Requires external controllers.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck
review body: The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console optimized for Nintendo's exclusive library and casual gaming with 4-6 hour battery life, while the Steam Deck is a PC handheld focused on running full PC games with 2-8 hour battery life depending on performance mode. The Switch excels at portable fun and local multiplayer; the Steam Deck offers superior graphics and access to 50,000+ Steam titles.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck

Maximum Docked Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 1920×1080 (1080p) | Steam Deck: N/A

Handheld Battery Life
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 6.5 hours average | Steam Deck: N/A

Launch Price (MSRP)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: $299 | Steam Deck: N/A

Available Game Library
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 6,500+ games | Steam Deck: 50,000+ games
value reference: Steam Deck

Backward Compatibility with Previous Gen
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A (original generation) | Steam Deck: N/A

Handheld Unit Weight
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 398g (original model) | Steam Deck: N/A

Maximum Gaming Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 1440p docked / 1080p handheld | Steam Deck: N/A

Internal Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 32GB | Steam Deck: 256-512 GB SSD
value reference: Steam Deck

Console Life Cycle
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 7+ years (2017-present) | Steam Deck: N/A

Game Pass Titles Included
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 0 (no subscription service) | Steam Deck: N/A

Exclusive Major Franchises
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 4+ (Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, AC) | Steam Deck: N/A

Maximum Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 1440p docked | Steam Deck: N/A

Maximum Frame Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 60 fps | Steam Deck: N/A

Launch MSRP (Base Model)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: $299 | Steam Deck: N/A

Available Games in Library
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 2,100+ games | Steam Deck: N/A

Game Pass Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: No equivalent service | Steam Deck: N/A

Battery Life
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 4.5-6.5 hours | Steam Deck: 2.5-8 hours (game dependent)
value reference: Nintendo Switch

Launch Price (Base)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: $299 | Steam Deck: $549 (OLED)
value reference: Nintendo Switch

Exclusive AAA Games
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 500+ | Steam Deck: 0
value reference: Nintendo Switch

Screen Brightness (Peak)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 400 nits | Steam Deck: N/A

Contrast Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 1000:1 | Steam Deck: N/A

Current Market Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: $199-249 | Steam Deck: N/A

Built-in Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: 32 GB | Steam Deck: N/A

Base Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $399.00

Minimum Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 256GB (64GB discontinued)

Weight & Portability
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: Heavier and bulkier form factor

CPU Architecture
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: AMD Zen 2 (4 cores, 2.4GHz)

Display Type
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: OLED (2024)

Native Display Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 1280x800

Launch Price (2026 USD)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $549 (512GB OLED)

Available Game Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 25,000+ Steam + Game Pass

Maximum Resolution (Docked/TV Mode)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 1280x800 (portable max)

Maximum Framerate
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 60 fps at 1280x800

Game Library Access
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 50,000+ Steam games

SSD Read Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: ~400 MB/s (base model)

Launch Price (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $649 (OLED)

Starting Price (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $199

Battery Capacity (Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 2-6 (depends on game)

Native Game Library
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 40000+ (Steam)

Graphics Performance (Teraflops)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 1.6 GPU

Docking/TV Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: Yes (official dock available)

Display Refresh Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 60Hz

Base Model Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $349

Average Battery Life (Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 4-8 hours

Optimized Native Games
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 60,000+ Proton-verified

Storage Options
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 256GB/512GB/1TB NVMe SSD

Battery Life (Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 5.5 hours average

Launch Price (Base Model)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $399 (OLED base)

Compatible Game Library
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 70,000+ verified games

Average Game Load Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 30-60 seconds (typical)

Compatible Games Library
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 7,000+ verified compatible

Native Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 1280x800

Expandable Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 2000GB (via microSD)

Battery Life (Light Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 6-8 hours

Launch Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: $399 (256GB)

Compatible Game Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 70000+ (variable compatibility)

Average SSD Read Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 2400 MB/s

Typical Game Load Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 30-60 seconds

Maximum Refresh Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Nintendo Switch: N/A | Steam Deck: 90 Hz (OLED) / 60 Hz (LCD)

SpeakableSpecification
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Nintendo Switch — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Steam Deck — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/nintendo-switch-vs-steam-deck)
object: Nintendo Switch
object: Steam Deck

Maximum Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Graphics

Maximum Frame Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Launch MSRP (Base Model)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Available Games in Library
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content

Game Pass Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service

Battery Life
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Battery

Launch Price (Base)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Exclusive AAA Games
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Game Library

Screen Brightness (Peak)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display Quality

Contrast Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display Quality

Current Market Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Built-in Storage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Hardware Specs

Base Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cost

Minimum Storage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Hardware Specs

Weight & Portability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Design

CPU Architecture
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Hardware Specs

Display Type
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display

Native Display Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display

Launch Price (2026 USD)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Available Game Titles
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Library

Maximum Resolution (Docked/TV Mode)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display

Maximum Framerate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Game Library Access
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content

SSD Read Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Hardware Specifications

Launch Price (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Starting Price (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Battery Capacity (Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Battery

Native Game Library
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Gaming

Graphics Performance (Teraflops)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Docking/TV Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Connectivity

Display Refresh Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display

Base Model Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Value

Average Battery Life (Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Optimized Native Games
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Software

Storage Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Battery Life (Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Battery

Launch Price (Base Model)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Compatible Game Library
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Games

Average Game Load Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Compatible Games Library
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Software

Native Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display

Expandable Storage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Battery Life (Light Gaming)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Portability

Launch Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Compatible Game Titles
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content Library

Average SSD Read Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Typical Game Load Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Maximum Refresh Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Display