Comparisons in the gaming space are something we don’t just do often, we straight-up focus on it at times because we often wonder how one game, franchise, genre, or even consoles compare to one another. Yet, sometimes, we make comparisons that “don’t exactly line up,” and one of those comparisons has to do with the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch. On the surface, you can understand the comparison, as they are both “mobile platforms” to play things that are typically reserved for either consoles or PC. However, when you dive deeper, the comparison ends.
For example, the Steam Deck (as the name gives away) only plays Steam titles, and even then, it can’t play every game on it just yet. In contrast, the Switch plays any title that was made for the platform. The Deck has higher graphics and processing power and can even be adjusted to help suit the players’ needs. The Switch is “good enough” but it does have key issues, including battery life. Yet, the biggest divider between them is sales. As revealed in a new piece by The Verge, among the “PC Handhelds,” Valve’s handheld has done the best over the last three years. However, the sales numbers aren’t as impressive as you might think:
According to analyst data, Steam Deck has sold approximately 3.7-4 million units in 3 years.
This is why Switch 2 really has nothing to worry about in terms of competition from other handheld systems. https://t.co/EX2qkYD37r pic.twitter.com/2SbyyuUSHL
— Stealth (@Stealth40k) February 25, 2025
For context, the OG Switch has sold over 150 million, and it definitely sold over 4 million in 2024, which means it trounces Steam’s handheld. Now, the key difference here isn’t specs; it’s intent. Valve’s device is meant to help those who want to play their Steam games on the go, but you can play them on your PC whenever you’re free, and that’s totally fine.
However, the Switch is meant to be a true exclusive console experience backed up by its insane lineup of titles. You’re meant to take this on the go and have a great gaming time. Also, the Switch is much cheaper, so that helps things too.
As Stealth noted, the fears about the Nintendo Switch 2 “losing out” to the Steam Deck are quite unfounded.
