(you like the graphic? graphic design is my passion /s ((girl gets free canva subscription and goes crazy)))

Okay SO! My thoughts on the Nintendo Switch VS Steam Deck for handheld gaming in the current 2025 (soon to be 2026) gaming market.

My answer? Really depends.

Game Prices:

I think the biggest drawback to the Nintendo Switch (2) is the game prices. Steam cannot be beat with sales. I can buy otome games for down to a few dollars. GOOD otome games, not crappy shovelware. On the Switch? I bought a few physical otome games on sale for $25 on Amazon. CRAZY! Steam.. beats the Switch with its deals. Not just on Otome games. Literally with 90% of their sales.

Game Prices: 1 – Steam Deck 0 – Nintendo Switch

Game Variety:

This also depends. Obviously if you want Nintendo games, the Nintendo Switch (going to just say Switch from here on out), is the best console to use lol. I know you can technically emulate games but I don’t, especially for the current Switch generation. The Switch has great Nintendo games, and they keep getting better and better ones (esp. for us girl gamers). 2026 will have GREAT games! Tomodachi Life 2, Pokopia (cute pokemon spin off), Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0 update, etc. You can’t really get those on a Steam Deck. Also just all Nintendo games as a whole. SUPER family friendly and cozy gaming handheld device.

On the other hand.. the Steam Deck has access to.. literally 98% of games available LOL! If it’s not a Nintendo game, it’s probably on the Steam Deck. I did finally decide to buy a refurbished Steam Deck during this Winter Sale on Steam because I was trying to build up my cozy gaming library on my Switch and I was just like.. dang this is so expensive and for what? I already OWN these games. I just wanted the choice to play these games in my bed. So I just bought the Steam Deck. Can’t wait to play all my cute simulation games in beddd. And I bought the Steam Deck Dock which will allow me to hook up my Steam Deck to my TV in my living room.. Yeah.. this system is great lol.

Game Variety: 2 – Steam Deck 0 – Nintendo Switch

TLDR: It depends. I think it’s best to do your own research and just see which system’s games you’d enjoy more. I really love my Nintendo Switch 2.. but why would I play XYZ game on it if I own it on Steam? That’s why I bought me a Steam Deck. If you LOVE Nintendo games, you prob already own a Switch/Switch 2. If you can, could get both! But times are tough and things are expensive. If I had to suggest one, I would get the Steam Deck over the Switch. If you want both, maybe look into a Switch lite for cheap on Facebook Market place or something. It can’t hook up to a TV but has a nice screen and can play a majority of Switch games!!