Poll: So, Will You Be Getting A Switch OLED Or Valve Steam Deck?

The Aya Neo looked more promising.

Not gonna lie the steam deck is tempting, save for the exclusives most games you can get on Switch you can also get on Steam, and for much cheaper and they will run and look better. The Steam Deck is going to be better for 3rd parties and playing games the Switch may never get until the Switch successor comes out.

As someone who has plenty of games on his Steam account, but doesn't spend much time on his computer, this is a pretty major announcement! I'll be able to play Sonic Adventure 2: Battle on a handheld, and if I so desire, I could make it a randomized run, assuming mods will be easy enough to use. My big complaint is that this thing is pretty expensive compared to the Switch, and I'm not just talking about that $400 price point, because that does not include a dock, and if the Switch's dock goes for $80 and doesn't output in 4K, it makes me wonder how much the Steam Deck dock will cost.

Switch OLED pre-ordered! As someone who only owns a Switch Lite (and can’t actually “Switch”), this was the time for me to jump in and get the full hybrid console experience. I know the OLED model was a disappointing announcement for a lot of folks, but I am PUMPED!

I already have a Nintendo switch and the OLED provides no reason to upgrade whatsoever, but if this steam deck allows me to download any steam game plus gamepass compatible then il definitely add it to my collection

I landed a white oled yesterday. I’m oddly not particularly jazzed for it. I’m really only doing it because the battery life on my launch switch is laughably bad.

I'm wondering where they cut corners to get that price point. There's no way the Steam Deck is as good as it sounds.

I have a Switch v1 and I was tempting to upgrade to OLED. Now I intend to keep my Switch and may get Steam Deck next year

STEAM DECK!

If Steam Deck works also with Game Pass, its going to be a monster! Probably will cancel my OLED preorder, unless one of my friends wants it.

Means I could use RetroArch and play OoT randomised on a handheld!

New switch OLED for me as I play mostly In handheld so for me it’s more than worth the price 😊

I got my oled preordered and I’m ready for it to accompany my family of switch’s! I can’t wait unbox that baby and welcome it to its new home! The steam deck does sound interesting, but I’m already committed to my decision!

Got the white OLED pre-ordered. I am interested in the Steam Deck, but Valve dont have the greatest track record when it comes to supporting the hardware they release, I am also wondering how hot this thing is going to be when running, also Quite a large proportion of my steam library does not support a controller, key board and mouse only so will be curious to how this issue is dealt with and the QA that was released was oddly vague about this. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those sounds good in practice but not in execution situations.

Steam deck. Switch OLED isnt different enough to warrant me spending that amount on it. The steam deck however opens up a ton of content to me.

Are you freakin' serious?!

Bunch of pathetic pseudo-Nintendo fans!

I plan on eventually getting a steam deck, but not any time soon, as a PS5 takes priority for me. The switch OLED just seems like a waste of money for anyone who had a base switch.

I already have an amazing laptop, so neither. But I'd throw my money in for the Steam Deck.

@DK-Fan you’re joking right?

Very tempted to get both…,

@Savino It doesn't run your whole Steam library, only the games that support Linux because that's what it is under the hood. They're integrating their version of the WINE Windows compatibility layer into it, but it's very much hit and miss proposition.

Being a physical collector first and foremost, the Steam Deck is of little interest to me. In fact my Switch collection (physical+digital) outnumbers my Steam collection back from when I dabbled in PC gaming years ago so the Switch OLED upgrade made more sense as I play almost 50:50 docked and portable.

Steam deck as long as it’ turns out to be good. I ain’t paying 300$ for a switch with a bigger screen.

Steam Deck is really interesting. But if I'm spending that amount of money, I'll be getting a PS5 first. I do hope it's successful however, and I may get some kind of revision or successor in the future.

@dsparil You can easily install any OS you like on it, so if you wanted to open it up to more games that would be as simple as inserting a flash drive and setting up Windows. Steam Proton is really picking up though, give it a year and we will see tons more available as Linux versions.

I'm not getting either. Not for now at least. I prefer spending my money on Metroid Dread and Shin Megami Tensei V. And maybe Advance Wars too.

Anyway, for those hesitating, keep in mind that the Valve Deck comes without any dock and any kind of pad to play on TV. By launch it's a purely portable device. And remember you'll also need a big SD card if you plan to get the cheapest version of it!

I don't play PC games, but a super-nice screen on my Switch would be nice so I'm getting a new Switch OLED (though I'm still hoping for a Switch Pro/2/Advanced next year. The Switch I have can be a spare for when we have guests. Could make for some nice LAN gaming more often.

By the way, Steam Deck having 2 - 8 hours of battery time sounds kind of vague. Even the old Switch models had a slightly more specific 3 - 5 hours.

No one will even remember this Steam thing in two year's time.

@DK-Fan ah yes I had forgotten I have to purchase useless hardware upgrades to be a "fan," silly me

@CivilMadman I remember people saying the same thing about Steam when it first came out, all those years ago!

Steam is very tempting. My biggest gripe with Nintendo is that it wants 3rd party developers games on the Switch (I think, although I'm having my doubts), but they are happy for their customers to settle for cutdown versions of these games.

Do we assume that there is no Switch Pro on the horizon, in which case Steam looks like the way to go.
If there is a Pro then maybe we could hang on.

Is Steam Deck really a bombshell announcement?
I have a har time seeing it as anything but yet another tiny, mangled pc-in-a-box.

@the_beaver
True enough, but supposedly, any existing PC equipment you have will hook up to it via USB-C.

I'm sure there is an audience for the steam deck, but those who would be interested in it will already have games on steam... which means they have a capable pc to run them. And it seems unlikely that many people will buy a handheld specific steam machine outside of novelty or they just have no pc(?).

As for me its not to steam deck and switch oled. i have a pc so the steam deck is pointless, and i have a switch so the oled is pointless too

Steam deck actually looks really cool. I'd buy more steam games if it was easier to play local multiplayer

I don't really see the point in the oled switch. Definitely not worth the cost of an upgrade.

I've got a laptop and an Xbox Controller to play steam on. A lot of AAA PC games really won't feel great in this format in my head and the unit size / weight puts me off a bit.

I've preordered the OLED Switch because mine is an original, well used switch that has a bit of a knackered battery / screen now. I get why people wouldn't bother with it though.

Handheld is all about having the right games for the screen format, so if the Steam handheld does that then totally fair enough. I'd probably enjoy older games more than new ones running on a tiny screen that are meant to be on big monitors.

Are these reviewers just not in-touch with reality. Even JPN consumers already said they won't buy it just for the OLED. It's using v2 chipset and slapping higher prices for what. Profits is the name of the game. By doing so - they can move out old v2 chipset with a fancy screen with no real benefits when Docked. At that point this means there is a pro or Super Switch coming. They sell to suckers the old hardware whole preparing to sooner then later release the Super Nintendo Switch. And the kicker for the same price as the OLED model but instead 4K Docked mode. That will be a kick in the nuts.

As I mentioned before, I think Nintendo missed the boat on this one. The OLED is not good enough to make me want to get one.
However, the Steam device is everything I was expected the mythical Pro Switch to be. On the top of that the price is right on the correct mark to make it a very attractive option.
I'll wait for the reviews of the Steam device and if they are good I'll get one on the first opportunity. This time my money won't go to Nintendo.

Gonna be perfectly honest: Nintendo exclusives aside, the Steam Deck really does seem like the Switch Pro we were hoping for. The price is a little scary, especially if you want the best version, but does look like a neat piece of hardware.

Seeing the results of the poll up to this point is pretty interesting.
This is a Nintendo specific news site, most people here like Nintendo. At this point, there are more people interested in the Steam Deck than the Switch OLED.

Who knows, maybe Steam Deck has the potential of becoming a big success?

Getting both. Will spare my PC of having to download games that I’ve always wanted to play but never pulled the trigger for

@moodycat Same here

@Kirgo FYI - Polls can be made to give the results you want. Hate to burst your bubble this isn't a scientific accurate polling. So if that's what your grabbing onto then keep grabbing it's not changing.

I’ll be saving my money for Metroid Dread and Advance Wars 1+2 instead. Plus whatever’s good in the post holiday sales. Oh, and I have to buy two Pokémon games for my offspring!

I don’t know about this... I feel like it’s Nokia with N-Gage for some reason. I like Steam, but I am not sure I want their handheld.

@DK-Fan "Are you freakin' serious?!

Bunch of pathetic pseudo-Nintendo fans!"

Yeah, where's your blind brand loyalty?! smh 😤

When a Nintendo site wishes it was called Steamlife.

(/s for those that need it.)

I won't be getting either, Switch OLED doesn't make any sense for me when having the regular one (aka waste of money)

Nintendo missed that boat.

And Steam Deck is just too heavy, Switch is already too heavy for me but just on the edge.

@Severian It should be fine considering it is regular PC hardware.

Neither here. I'll get an OLED Switch if and when my current one dies.
I have no interest in Steam or the SteamDeck, and it sounds like there are a lot of caveats with it and what it will and won't run and how well they will run and for how long. And that's before we get into the fact the games themselves aren't necessarily going to be designed for gamepad, for that small resolution or with portable play in mind. Does it have rumble? I've not heard anything about that yet. The fact the controllers aren't detachable for a tabletop mode is a bit disappointing too. Plus with Valve's record of supporting this kind of stuff and the "painful" price to them (they must be loosing a good chunk on each unit) I can't see it sticking around long.

No I'm holding out for the PlayDate.

Considering that the Steam Deck is a smaller PC, which means it'll be able to run emulation software, which means I can have PS2, gba, n64, gamecube and wii on the go and that alone should tell what the obvious choice is, for me at least and that's besides the expanded storage and customization options.

Not getting either. I am happy with my normal switch. I am also saving up to make a pc so no need for Steam Deck

I won't be getting either for now since I have a perfectly functional Switch and I'm more than contempt with continuing to game on PC since the control layout for the Steam Deck doesn't really look that comfortable as someone who primarily plays controller-enabled games on Steam

I do think the Deck looks pretty damn tempting though for those who already have a Switch and say, want to get in on games that likely won't be getting ported to it anytime soon

I voted neither, but eventually I may get the Switch OLED.

…IF I can find one.

Considering that I am still loving my perfectly working 2017 Switch and the fact that the Oled switch is nothing but a better looking screen (No Exclusives or Higher Power), the real question is if I am finally going to buy a PS5 or the Steam Deck, if any. A matter of exclusives vs (another) portable

399, plus 80 for the dock, all digital and clumsy interface? No thanks Valve. I hope people who want it, get it. But, big pass from me. The dock doesn't even come with it. If I was rich? Even then, no. I could just use a PC if I want a PC experience.

Will it be a hit? Maybe, but I don't see it doing that well.

@Thaliard Agreed. I just don't see this thing panning out

Steam Deck looks pretty cool, however, am I the only one that thinks the storage is a major problem with it? Not to mention, the battery life is going to be a problem. PC gamers arent known for their conservative settings for gaming, so I can see this being a two hour or less system on the go. Also, it is much bigger than the switch, which people already say isn't portable enough. Also, this is digital only system, period. Anyone with a Steam library will be doing a lot of shuffling games around, no matter which version they go with. Oh, and isn't is suspicious that they didn't announce the price of the dock? You know it is going to be 150.00 or more. These are issues that are going to cause big problems once the initial thrill of the power info wears off. I still may get one at some point, but not right away. Have a good weekend everyone!

The Steam Deck sounds sooo amazing. I absolutely have to get it.

Steam Deck isn't going to be sold at retail in the US. I don't see it taking off, tbh.

I'll be getting a Switch OLED. I pre-ordered a White OLED model from Gamestop yesterday. I've never been a PC gamer but the Steam Deck does look interesting. I'll have to wait and see reviews first before I decide if I want to spend that kind of money on something I don't know will be around or supported that long. I know the Switch OLED will be supported for years to come so no worries there. Besides I'm already heavily invested in the Switch ecosystem with over 200 physical games so far.

Meh I probably rather wait for my Analogue Pocket instead.

Neither, play 95% docked so OLED is a no go for me. Steam Deck is of no interest.
I'll just be getting a few Switch retail releases and a couple of E-shop games from now until 2022..
Along with my backlog and Xbox Gamepass Ultimate subscription that's more than enough gaming to keep me busy..

I'm not planning to get either, but I would defiantly get a Steam Deck before a Switch OLED.

I plan to get both down the line, but I'll be focusing on the Steam Deck first. The Switch OLED looks great, but it's not as big of a deal as the Steam Deck is to me. I have a pretty big Steam backlog but haven't really felt like using my PC lately since I also use it for work, this will help a ton with that! I'll get the OLED eventually when it's easier to track down.

Got my steam deck reservation! After about half an hour fighting with the website

Preorder a white OLED. Not excited at all. Might cancel.

With emulation the steam deck will have a better VC library than the Switch

@Sahnec Did you have to cancel the pending order?

So does this play literally EVERY game on steam?
If yes, then this could be serious competition for the Switch, given that the steam library is way larger than the switch one (it spans games since the 90s). I just wonder how many future releases will run on this console.

I have little interest in either device, but the amount of prospective Steam Deck buyers who answered that they've never used Steam before is shocking. I figured pretty much everyone who's ever used a PC (certainly, anyone who's used a PC and is happy to plunk down $400 on a dedicated handheld for it) would have something on Steam by now, but I guess kids these days really must just be growing up that much on their phones instead of on the ol' family desktop?

Definitely keeping my Switch OLED preorder. For the Steam Deck, just went with the entry level model. The idea of a portable PC sounds quite interesting to me, but it will never replace the Switch for me.

Won't be getting an OLED Switch because I'm perfectly happy with the Switch I already have, but that Steam Deck is certainly tempting because it's actually a mini-PC that can be used for more than just gaming. Not to mention the unbeatable software library.

Just reserved my Valve Deck. I already have a Switch (OG version) and its still great. My switch never leaves my place so the bigger screen and stand does nothing for me. However, I also have a gaming PC with a big Steam library and being able to have all of those games available in my living room, bed, toilet (lol but true), etc is amazing.

Steam Deck- cancelled my OLED pre-order. I'll get the OLED on sale next year at some point.

Switch OLED definitely. Same slime form factor and handheld mode is leagues more enticing. I love playing in handheld and I only play on my TV because the colors don't pop or the screen is a lot harder to see due to brightness. The Deck looks nice and would be in theory but PC games take up more space which just makes even 512 GB seem measly. Also it's much heavier which is a big con to me. Much respect to the Deck tho.

Things you need to consider when buying Steam Deck:

1- Base storage (64GB) isn't enough in the age where game data, especially AAA titles, is between 50-200GB in size (excluding DLCs and expansions). Even if you want to expand the storage, it'll cost you extra money for a faster NVMe SSD solution.

2- The battery life, while it sounds promising on paper, may suffer from graphics heavy games that suck more juice. Not to mention the system's thermal performance, since it's essentially a portable PC that allows you to adjust game's graphical settings, which the more textures, the more power it requires to run.

As for Switch OLED, I understand some fans' frustration for not being a "Pro" version and Nintendo is playing safe here. I believe that, and this is my opinion, that Nintendo does not need to release a beefed up version of Switch for reasons:

• Switch is still selling great. It's going to reach about 100M unit sold soon.
• This Switch revision fixes some the console's flaws, like kickstand (if you play in tabletop mode) and LAN port equipped dock. I don't know about the Joy-Con drift, as I have never experienced it since launch.
• It isn't a must have console, unless you don't own one. I have said this many times that it's an incremental upgrade if you are looking to replace your current Switch. For new customers, however, it's a must have.

@IronMan30 not to mention, it's Valve we're talking about here. They burned up that straw bridge when they saw smoke from the Steam Machines.

I hope it does well and finds a niche, but I can't see it taking off. The Switch and the Steam Deck couldn't be more different each other. Aside from the switching between handheld and TV, plus the gyroscope, the Steam Deck doesn't allow for local multiple and doesn't have joy-cons nor optional motion controls. Also, I more than likely wouldn't take my Deck on trips, but my Switch would go with me. Finally, the dock is an optional accessory, I'm fearful that's where Valve will make up some money and do a cash grab on the people wanting the "full" experience. I'll just be running a USB-C to HDMI cable.

Literally just reserved a 256GB Steam Deck. A handheld with 16GB of RAM that lasts 3 hours (Vita life span) amazes me. I bet it's a retro emulation beast (might get the cheaper 64GB and use that as a retro deck). Looking forward to it's release.

@UltimateOtaku91 You can literally do anything on the Deck, its a mini PC. So yes, GamePass will work on it

@Hunter-D or wait for the next hardware revision of the Switch. I'm doing the OLED because mine is barely hooked up the TV. The screen and dock motivated me to trade up my v2 unit.

@KayFiOS Pretty sure valve said that you can just use any hdmi cable on the steam deck, you don't neccesarily need the dock

I won´t get the new Switch it, but i must say a OLED screen is a big improvement. The other day my cousin got an 600€ iPhone 11 "Retina Display" and we tested the screen playing the same video on my 300€ AMOLED Samsung. The difference was stunning in favour of the AMOLED screen from the first frame ("black" on the iPhone, real black on the Samsung).

Just reserved my Steam Deck. Looking forward to replacing my Switch in my backpack with the Steam Deck later this year. Won't be bothering anymore with the Switch unless it's a Switch exclusive. Sorry Nintendo, but you dropped the ball. This is what I was looking for.

Also, there´s a web reporting what games would run atm on the Steam Deck just out of the box: https://www.protondb.com/

@progx You've got to consider how powerful the steam deck is though, it seems to be a very good mid end pc, you can dock it and plug a keyboard and mouse in, and you've got a very good, capable, mid end gaming pc for a very good price, plus you can plug in an external ssd while docked, those aren't too expensive, but from a purely portable perspective, yeah, the storage i see being an issue

the steam library is steep competition, which i think is whats makes this console so tempting to begin with. you want switch pro specs, PC level customization, and an endless library of games? the deck has you covered

and if you still want nintendo games then by all means, we'll still have our switches

@plutoplatinum Yes you can use 3rd party docks or even a USB-C display adapter that costs about £25 if you're not worried about usb and ethernet connections. You don't have to use any official Steam hardware with it.
I will buy the £25 display adapter as I have a spare bluetooth keyboard and mouse in my drawer, also I can connect any bluetooth controller I like to it.

@The_New_Butler I have a gaming pc so I am aware of these things.
The issue with storage is, that it is limited, now matter which version you go with. A large SD card, 1TB for example, is 200.00. I have 8TB of storage on my pc. So, you will need multiple cards, solutions, at the ready for use with the Deck. This makes the system less portable.
You do have choice when it comes to settings, which may affect battery life, however, the battery is limited, so your choice is limited to a degree when you are travelling.
The Deck is lighter than a laptop, but is still big and there will be complaints that it is not portable enough. This is for gaming, not general use, like a laptop, so that is going to be an issue.
I bring up the dock because this is being compared to a device that comes with a dock, and the overall value is being brought up. If a dock is not necessary, then why make one?
I am not bagging on the system, I just think the comparison with Switch is pointless.
This device is not going after the same audience, it just looks similar. For a PC this thing is priced great, but for a handheld gaming device, the ideal model is above what main stream audiences will pay. Take care.

@Kirgo Not really surprising, as everyone here already has a Switch XD, as it's a bit pointless for us to get this one. The important thing is: will this OLED model sell well among the rest of the people?

I pre-order both yesterday.

I feel like this is going to seriously hurt Nintendo. They have had zero competition for years and now for $100 more you get something way more powerful with an insane library. Meanwhile the switch is still running 5 year old tech and a 5 year old OS with no real updates since launch. Nintendo still has its prime 1st party franchises but 1 major franchise release every 1 or 2 years wont do much.

Dont get me wrong, the Switch will still do well, of course it will. But i also hope this lights a fire under Nintendos ass and make them release the Switch and Switch OLED are very outdated tech and they cant rely on it.

@UltimateOtaku91 need internet for most games which makes the steam deck pretty useless as a portable.

“ 64 GB, expandable with MicroSD cards” is on the same tier as the Xbox 360 Core, 64GB isn’t even enough to store big game like Metro Exodus or Doom Eternal and if the SD slot is really only U1 then it’s pretty much useless as that’s slower than any modern HDD and ill suited for games eating up 7+ GBs of memory.

I'm not getting either. I'm patiently waiting to hear when the Playdate will be up for preorder.

Internet needed for most steam games so no steam deck at all. Why have the portable when I can just use my laptop or my pc in my house. Both run games much. Enter than this would anyway.

The only real reason I'd get a Steam Deck is to play the games that developers chose not to port over to the Switch. However, I still don't want to be lugging around two handheld consoles if I could just stick with the Switch.

An hour and a half for my order to go through, I ordered the 256 nvme storage version, it really is worth it for the much quicker loading times of that fast SSD and larger storage for bigger games. I also have a 512gb SD card for indie and older games from my Steam library.

@plutoplatinum I'm aware it's more powerful than the Switch, but it offers far less than what Nintendo is packaging with their hybrid system. You don't get the dock, motion controls, rumble and local multiplayer. I'm getting the $399 model to tinker around with it, but I'm still with the Switch.

Also, as I've said in numerous posts today, Valve is their own worst enemy. When the Steam Machines showed a little smoke, they jumped off the boat and left everyone with a whole bunch of questions. Much like those past Steam Machines, the Steam Deck will have some life afterwards if they totally abandon it.

I'm saying yes to steam dock simply because I'm disappointed with the switch OLED. I really wanted an upgrade. Guess we are waiting for Switch 2.

@hammers1man it took an hour and 15 minutes to push through my 64GB model too. Don't know if Steam wasn't expecting the rush or their system was trying to weed out some scalpers.

If I had money to throw around, I'd definitely get the Steam Deck. I already have a Switch, I don't need another one.

I have my normal switch docked (when im home I always play on tv (my monitor specifically) but I am on the go alot so when I play portable I have my switch lite so I dont need an oled to me the normal switch is too big for me because I like my switch lite being able to put into my pocket and not stick out, but I definitely will be getting the steam deck even if its a bit clunky, because I would absolutely love to play Team Fortress 2 while im on the toilet lol

I'll wait and see the reviews for the Steam Deck. There's no rush.

@progx did think that- doubt it will be announced anytime soon though & I only play handheld on Switch anyway. We'll see.

I would rather wait for the SWITCH 2.

@damo I have to ask someone: Why does everyone compare the Steam Deck to the Switch OLED yet no one compares the Steam Deck to the Switch Lite?

Lite and Steam Deck do not have remover controllers for tablet or 2 player out of the box, Lite can't do TV out, Steam Dock can't do TV out w/o a dock which we don't know the price for?

Sure OLED is the new Switch come October and Steam Deck launches in December but for what you get shouldn't we really be comparing the Lite $200 price to the SD $400 price? For the internal hardware I think it's obvious the Deck outweighs the OLED at those price points, but at double the price for similar controller configurations the Deck looks like a Lite to me, and I'm nto sure it's worth double the price, and the Switch OLED is basically the same internally as the Lite. It's been 24 hours and I've seen NO ONE compare Deck to Lite. 🤷‍♂️

neither. ill get a switch pro or whatever, whenever it comes out until that im good.

I'm buying the one that can run Metroid Dread.

@rjejr The Switch Lite can't be connected to a TV/monitor, for as little as £25 the Steam Deck can.

@moodycat Yep...lots of fuss, but finally went through.

I already have a Switch and the OLED model doesn't seem worth upgrading for. Steam Deck on the other hand... sounds rather tempting considering the enormous Steam library. Realistically though I probably won't get it anytime soon.

Does steam actually advertise their games, hardware, or service? That might be the difference between finding mainstream success or carving a niche. If they want mainstream success then they will have to advertise to core and casual.

Also, lol at another device entering the games market and the doom and gloom being cast at Nintendo. In actuality this Steam device might be more dangerous to Microsoft and Sony.

Laptops are also portable and potentially more cost effective than this device. Regardless it's a matter of the market's interest and both should be able to coexist.

Nintendo is still in a good position. They are about 5 years into the Switch lifecycle and haven't had to do a price drop yet while maintaining market dominance. By the time the other competitors impact Nintendo they will be ready for the next console.

Both here. My household needs a 2nd Switch, so the OLED is a fine addition, and this Steam Deck looks way too good to pass up.

I definitely have my eyes on the Steam Deck. I have a 1st generation GPD Win that I got at a decent price, but find its hardware, firmware, and build quality lacking. They've released better built and beefier models, but dropping $800-$1500 on the newer ones is really hard to justify as a replacement secondary gaming computer (I have a VR-capable gaming laptop). Plus it was annoying that it had Windows 10 Home on it by default (it's more or less impossible to turn off many of Windows 10's "features" without being on Pro).

The Steam Deck's entry price is low enough that I could give it a try; not like I'd need to buy games for it on top of that, my PC library is already huge. And something intended to support a Linux OS rather than Windows right out of the box appeals to me, as I'd like to dabble some more in using Linux. I also like the overall form factor. I imagine it will also have much better community support than the GPD lines for compatibility and optimizing settings and such, with the force of a company like Steam behind it.

Steam deck. Hopefully XC3 comes out on Switch so I can skip the next Nintendo console too.

Or maybe I'll just wait for emulation.

@Hunter-D there will be another Switch revision. It may happen next year when the components are better available, but I think it'll be 2023. V2 and Switch Lite are both going to be 2 years old this year. There's a rumor going around a better spec version was supposed to be released with the OLED model, but Nintendo didn't want to have scalpers gobbling up inventory from customers.

Judging how the preorder went for the Steam Deck, I think it proved Nintendo did a smart thing by making sure there plenty of Switch units to buy during this time. The PS5 and Xbox Series consoles... time will tell on what damage the scalpers did to the user base of those systems.

The button placement on the steam deck is atrocious.

I might get the Steam Deck if it's easy to get hold on. However pre-orders were terrible already today. Maybe late 2022 for me.
Edit: I finally actually got a reservation in for the 256GB model.

I did also pre-order the OLED Switch. So I'm picking both.

I reserved the 256 GB model, it seems the release date has been moved to Q1 2022. The reservations servers are being hit hard and Valve has put protection in to prevent scalpers from snatching them up. I can't order more than one (good to stop scalpers) and no Steam accounts newer than last month (that lifts on Sunday).

@VoidofLight If you can, definitely get a PS5 before getting either the OLED or Steam Deck. I was able to get a PS5 last week and gave been binging Astro's Playtoom and Ratchet and Clank. It's absolutely incredible.

The Steam Deck is basically a handheld PC. It combines things that do not fit well together, without a proper ecosystem and optimization to support it. Consoles like the Switch have both, which is a big part of why they work well.

Other than that, the Deck's control elements are inconveniently placed and will lead to an unstable gaming experience, while doing certain motions or button combinations. Apart from the handles, ergonomics are obviously an afterthought. That will annoy the players in the long run. This device will suffer the same fate as the Steam Controller and remain a niche product with no further development. Typical case of "We can do it, so let's do it!", without thinking about whether it makes much sense to do it.

Thus, in my books, it would be wasted money to buy it.

PS:
To those who wonder why I am formulating my text this way: I always do this with my friends, as a kind of competition, ... and I am ALWAYS right with these things, ... because I drink beer and know stuff ... **readjusts spectacles** ... You're welcome.

I don't want to choose. I just want a Nintendo Deck! And I'd like it to have an OLED screen that is capable of at least 144fps. And an NVMe SSD for minimal to non-existent load times. And the ability to run both my Switch and Steam libraries! And a dock that can boost basically any game up to 144fps at 1080p! That would be an epic system!

The Steam Deck is not what expected. I have heard it can play games with powers up to WiiU/PS3/XBox360. That is similar to the Switch. If it played modern PC games as the same power then that would be something to look at. As of now, no.

The Switch OLED is not hot either. I feel the Switch 2 is being developed and is way more powerful. I would hold on. The great thing about the OLED model is that it won't have exclusives like the New 3DS did. That was annoying.

@B_Lindz Of course Ratchet and Clank is great. It is the only Run and Gun game of its kind. It feels good without being mindless.

@B_Lindz I'm keeping my eyes peeled. I honestly can't wait for Final Fantasy XVI, and I've been saving some other games I own for when I do eventually get a PS5.

@Mgene15 Might as well wait for a Switch 2. If Nintendo puts out another Switch upgrade then that would seem ridiculous at this point.

I'm definitely interested in the Steam Deck but would honestly rather purchase a PS5 first.

@60frames-please You're in luck, a Nintendo Deck already exist. Also I'm your 144th comment 😁

I went through 2 hours of hell trying to pre-order the Oled just to find out about this gem an hour after? Uh, I know what I'm ebaying. Sorry Nintendo.

@MysteryCupofJoe Steam deck is more in line for power with PS4 and Xbox. But as it runs at a lower resolution it with run games at better framerates than those consoles.

@nessisonett I already Retroarch on my PS Vita 1000 with OLED screen. It’s pretty great

@zool If there is a Pro then maybe we could hang on.

There is no Pro.

On the other hand, maybe this will kick Nintendo into gear. They can no longer rely on people believing that they can't make a more powerful handheld gaming device.

I already own a Switch and the OLED model really isn't that big of an upgrade. Steam Deck is the more interesting of the two and it's not close, frankly.

@MarcianoMD I also have a Vita 1000 but I usually just use RetroArch on my laptop since CRT shaders are pretty intensive at times. Plus RetroAchievements has added loads to my desire to play some of the older games in my collection!

Well those results are very interesting, especially as they are on a Nintendo-specific site. I guess that shows just how compelling Valve's value proposition is.

Very tempted by the Deck, but I'm sticking with the OLED because I need one and my PC plays my Steam Library. Would buy one in the future at a lower price.

It will make me rethink buying indies on Switch for a while.

OLED because its pretty screen (I only play handheld) and there are many nintendo games I want to and still have to play.

I will get the steam deck someday though.

@impurekind Well those results are very interesting, especially as they are on a Nintendo-specific site. I guess that shows just how compelling Valve's value proposition is.

It does blow Nintendo's product out of the water. The poll results also show that many people play both PC and the Switch (that is to say that they do share the same audience and ARE competing).

steam deck! i own a switch, i don’t need the oled version. both would be ok also but well i really don’t need the oled version (did i say that before?!)

@KayFiOS it depends on how precious you are about the look. Any standard PC hub type dock will work with it and you can get them on Amazon for about $30. That'll give you HDMI out, DP out, a few USB's and Ethernet normally.

I don like play on pc so i will buy 3rd switch (oled) i hace v2 and light and i still waiting for pla date <3 and analogue pocket <3

I am trading my current Switch for the Oled model. I may get the Deck during tax time, depending on how it does when it releases. It looks like a cool piece of tech.

Gotta say I'm not overly shocked by those results. Most people here probably already have a Switch and the OLED isn't a massive upgrade.

I think this survey would be more interesting if you could ask people who don't currently have a hand held gaming device.

@moodycat It was a pain in the ass, but after 1hr 10mins of being constantly warned that I'd tried to process my payment toomany times, it eventually let me check out and I secured my pre-order.

@Crono1973 maybe you are right.

Or should I be thinking of the PS5, since I never had a PlayStation?

@the_beaver the Steam Deck doesn't require the dock for tv output, just a cable, and not a proprietary one at that. The dock is an optional extra.

Never used Steam. But since my main draw to the Switch was the hardware and not the games I might be gone here now and sell my Switch.

I hope some of you are gonna miss me. 🙋‍♀️

Ill be getting the steam deck!
Saw the prototype in action. Amazing!

OMG It's Dreamy Erik!! (Long-time NLife members who hung out in the Treehouse livestream chats back in the day....you get the reference!)

Getting neither, myself. Best buy cheated me out of my OLED cart with in-store only, Amazon gave me 404 Dalmations, and Walmart consumed a chunk ofmy credit limit and flagged me for fraud, and left me empty handed. I was tempted by Steam Deck, but without a real Steam Library and a huge library on PSXB, I'd end up double dipping to make use out of it and would end up using it as a glorified Xcloud streamer. I'm now looking at doubling down on cloud streaming for my portable play.

@Yanina I will. But I hope you get pleasure from your new hardware.

(Did that sound a bit wrong? Naaah, that didn't sound wrong.)

@GrailUK Haha

The Steam Deck is certainly interesting enough to keep an eye on it and look out for reviews. It's something I can see myself getting down the road if the controls are good and durable and it holds up well. I do prefer PC gaming at this point and I like the look of the Steam Deck so far. But no early adopting for me. I fact, the Switch is a good example of the downsides of early adopting these days. That the joycons are still faulty after four years is terrible.

Even if the Steam Deck will be a powerful device, I'll get the Switch OLED and sell my old Switch. The selection on Switch is too good. Besides, I'm not a fan of digital only

The votes don’t line up between the two polls; I think folks voted in the 2nd one even if they weren’t buying a Steam Deck.

looking at this poll, nintendo is doomed

@Thaliard They're probably selling below cost on the lowest model, and enticing buyers with the added Bell and whistles on the premium models. Valve's pockets run deep thanks to the 30% cut they receive on every Steam transaction, so they can definitely afford it.

@Mijzelffan They have always been doomed.

@DK-Fan Pathetic? Oh the irony...

Also, as you mentioned in another comment software does influence sales. This thing, if done correctly would have several games that Switch owners have asked for years. Combined with a better hardware and not a fatal error like the special memory cards on the Vita and... Well let's just say that it has a good chance. If the Steam library is completely available people could have stuff like Metal Gear 5, Grand Theft Auto 5, Red Dead Redemption 2, Arkham series and other major games on the go and for cheap with a good performance.

@Mijzelffan lol no they're not. $400 is not entirely consumer friendly pricing for a dedicated handheld device. And there isn't a dock included. This will be niche at best. I'd like to be proven wrong because competition is definitely healthy, but looking at the numbers, I don't see it causing much of a problem for them. At least not yet.

Plus, is this even going to be available in big box stores, or is this strictly through Valve like the steam controllers? Their hardware track record isn't quite flawless.

I'm planning on buying a gaming PC next month, so this around this time next year I might get a lot of use out of the Steam Deck. I thought about just getting a Steam Deck instead of a gaming PC altogether, but preordered units won't be available til Q1 2022 I think. But still very much interested, here's hoping I'll have the extra cash in 12 months or so.

If Gamepass is available on this, that's a wonderful proposition, but I'm by no means in the market for any new hardware for a while. Best of luck to them.

I'll be looking for the tablet portion of the oled model on eBay further down the line and will get the steam Dex or something similar later on in the year for emulation purposes.

I'll get an OLED Switch IF they're widely available enough that I can upgrade at Gamestop after the model releases, since the upgrades are fairly attractive. I'm not expecting that to happen, though. I'm expecting it to be yet another device that's difficult to obtain unless you haunt product pages and wait for random drops.

Switch Deck is intriguing, but I'm going to bide my time and see how this thing actually functions in the wild. I could definitely see myself investing in one down the road, though.

I put in my reservation for the 512GB Steam Deck. I'll set aside the money for it with each paycheck. I'm still not sure if I'll actually order it when the time comes. If not, I'll have an extra $650 for Christmas.

So very tempted by the Steam Deck, but I think I will wait to see how it does first and get some proper impressions on it. I can't deny the button layout looks quite awkward to me, but everything else sounds fantastic.

Also already pre-ordered a Switch OLED, seeing as I wanted a Switch with a better battery than my launch Switch anyway.

Nintendo only for me.

Oled pre ordered ✔️

I never play the Switch in handheld mode so there is no incentive for me to upgrade from my launch model.

Neither for me. They sound good for people who want what they offer though

I'm more likely to get a second Switch Lite than either of those

Just preordered the base Steam Deck and can always throw a 2tb micro sd in it. States 1st quarter 2022 (ordered 7pm gmt)

Have the more powerful onexplayer coming next week through the indiegogo campaign, but there is something to be said from getting the maximum bang for your buck and hopefully the steam deck will deliver on that front.

I like the idea of the Deck, but with a wingspan of almost a whole foot (not even counting height and depth) my biggest worry is how it might be just a bit too cumbersome to use as true portable device.

The Switch is already pushing it with its size, but it has the utilitarian advantage of shaving off a couple of inches by shifting from handheld mode to tabletop mode.

Until they can shrink its size a bit, I'd rather put money towards a new gaming laptop.

@zool Or should I be thinking of the PS5, since I never had a PlayStation?
That's up to you, I am sure they will be readily available soon. Personally, I am more interested in the Series S/X (I play on a 32 inch TV so the S is fine) than a PS5. Sony has really lost my favor lately.

Seriously looking at both. I want to upgrade to an OLED screen and have better sound quality on Switch. Steam Deck is also looking really solid. Both will compliment each other for a portable gamer like myself.

@DTFaux The deck can be played in tabletop mode with any Bluetooth controller.
I am glad this doesn't have detachable controllers as the Switch always feels a bit flimsy for my liking because of the detachable controllers.

If you already own a switch, splashing out £300+ just for a small screen update is extravagant. If you have the switch already and want to splash cash, why not try the deck? Then you will have the best of both worlds.

It really puts into perspective just how outrageously overpriced, and under spec’d the switch now is.

@hammers1man I know it can technically do tabletop with an extra controller, but if traveling, that requires you having an external controller on hand, adding to more bulk to take with you.

"Utilitarian" was the key word for me, personally. Most of the Switch's core design serves a purpose, even if slightly compromised. And even the underutilized (like the IR camera and Home light-up button) dont add unnecessary bulk.

I preordered a Steam Deck today. Boy was it difficult to complete that order. I failed on the OLED Switch - but eventually I’ll upgrade my launch model for one.

The steam deck is still a "wait and see if it'll actually work". Goodle Stadia sounded pretty cool on paper but look what's happening with that.

Why are so many disappointed of the OLED version of the Switch? It’s not that Nintendo promised anything!

They history repeats.
Nintendo Switch = Gameboy
Steam Deck = Sega Game Gear
We all know what happened.

The steam deck is a massive announcement. Absolutely huge. Should in all reasonable logic be the grim reaper for switch for anything except Nintendo 1st party. But I think the Switch will shrug it off in the end. I'll definitely be getting one though without doubt. Such an awesome looking handheld.

Having access to Steam out of the box and those specs make Steamdeck an interesting option. But there are 3 main issues with this option.

The biggest issue is the controls. The button layout looks like absolute trash. Bad, cheap, 3rd party controllers in 2003 standards. It actually makes 2000's Mat Catz crap look good by comparison.

But also: Valve/Steam have tried to make hardware in the past a few times, and always abandoned it only a couple years later.

And last - despite Steam's amazing library, it's lacking in exculsive first party titles. There's very little on Steam that's not also elsewhere. And honestly even though I do use Steam a lot, there's nothing on Steam that I love like I do most of Nintendo's offerings. There are virtually no games that only Steam has that are on the level of Nintendo's unique franchises.

I'm not interested in this device for the same reason I wasn't interested in iTunes at first: it's missing a key feature that I want. Just like iTunes was missing The Beatles' catalogue, this thing is missing Mario and Zelda.

Now, I know lots of people pretend that Mario and Zelda are just two of many great videogame franchises, but they don't know how to perceive reality properly. The fact is that Zelda, Mario and Dragon Quest are the ony three series that are worth 10/10, while everything else is at least a notch below them. When Steam gets Mario and Zelda, I'll be interested.

I just pre-ordered the $530 Steam Deck. That's about 8 days' pay for me. Easiest money I've ever spent. I have 380 Steam games, most of which I've never played. I've never felt compelled to buy a Switch, at least not until Breathe of the Wild 2. I'm a TV gamer but have also enjoyed playing my Wii U in bed. Even now, I play my Steam games on my Android TV with Steam Link. The Steam Deck is exactly what I've been wanting. I cannot wait until December.

Probably not going to buy the Switch OLED until I need to replace my Switch, should that happen before the mythical/rumored Super Switch or whatever arrives. But OLED Switch, OG Switch or whatever comes next, my support for Nintendo isn't going anywhere.

Definitely feeling strongly about the Steam Deck though. I already put in a reservation.

@Moistnado costs more tho

@Dpishere a lot of ps and xbox games on it now too

I've never used Steam. I have a Switch, a PSP and a 3DS, and those three devices allow me to play every great game ever made. I'll never understand why people use Steam. I ask everyone I know, and they give me nonsensical answers, i.e. "Steam allows me to play [insert mediocre game title here]".

My point to Steam-users is the following. While I'm playing Super Mario Odyssey, you're playing an inferior 3D platformer. While I'm playing Breath of the Wild, you're playing an inferior action RPG. While I'm playing a New Super Mario Bros game on my Switch or 3DS, you're playing an inferior 2D platformer. And so on. No one can compete with Nintendo at the best genres.

None. I live in Brazil.
Maybe in a few years.

Having a Steam console is like having a stereo that doesn't play Charlie Parker and Miles Davis CDs. Having a Nintendo console is like having a stereo that doesn't play Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake CDs.

Neither, and I don't use Steam.

My launch day Switch is still going strong, and I have a Series S with Game Pass locked in. I'm sure the Deck will find it's audience and it's a capable machine, but it's not for me.

I may get an OLED if they do a BotW2 special edition, that may be too much to resist.

Lol at the fanboying and bashing going on though....... Some of y'all are pretty insecure and immature.

@TheWingedAvenger That's such a dumb analogy. I hope you don't think that's clever.

Good luck trying to get a hold of a SteamDeck.

@TheWingedAvenger I use Steam as it has the best library of past and current games available by a country mile. I bought a Switch for probably 8 Nintendo exclusives as the the 3rd party games on the device are very underwhelming or run like crap. The Nintendo e store is a mess also, filled with rubbish looking mobile type games. The worse thing is that most games on Switch are so overpriced. Even if I didn't have a Steam library the Steam Deck games are going to be so much cheaper.

@Krysus Tbh this won't run Cyberpunk, it will run GTA 5 very well though.

I haven't bought a game on Steam in over 2 years, but I will be picking up a Steam Deck as it becomes more widely available in 2022. I want it just to play modded games.

Strange the number of people who can’t see this taking off, when the poll and comments clearly show a large number of Nintendo fans are interested in getting one…

For me, I think it’s great. The OLED Switch is pure disappointment. This lets me play (via emulation) many of the games I was hoping Nintendo’s online service would already have available, but doesn’t?!? And I have a Steam library which I’ve never touched, as I don’t enjoy games on a laptop nearly as much as a handheld. This is the solution.

In terms of docking, can’t we just use the Switch dock?

Check out the ONE-NETBOOK ONEXPLAYER HANDHELD PC REVIEWS as the Deck will perform very similar to that machine at the fraction of the cost

@TheWingedAvenger
your taking your own feelings about these games as fact rather than oppinion, for example there are many 2d platformers i enjoyed more than the new super mario bros games, even within the mario series itself, and dismissing steam games people give an example of as "mediocre" feels like you arent giving them a chance.

im not really into pc gaming but when it comes to a portable device there are quite a few third party ports and games which really suffer on switch, and i say this as someone who's favourite console is the switch, but if for example i wanted to play Ys IX on a portable system, having an option which doesn't frequently drop below 30fps is nice to have.

granted if a new, more powerful switch was announced i would be all over it.

If Nintendo had released an upgraded Switch processor/power wise, it would be day 1 for me. To improve some of the games which struggle (age of calamity I'm looking at you) would be great. Since my release day Switch is running fine bar having to fix several joy-cons for drift there is no need as things stand. Roll on Switch 2, I am ready and waiting.

Ugly... It's kind of funny because there's already a bunch of these type computers for sale from Chinese manufacturers.

@Mgalens
You seem not to be convinced of what you're saying. Otherwise, you might have given an example of a 2D platformer that you thought was better than Super Mario Bros 3, or a 3D platformer that you considered superior to Super Mario Odyssey. Maybe you didn't want to make everyone laugh?

Let's be real: while everyone has their own personal taste, it's also true that there exist good taste and bad taste. And it follows that some taste is better than others. You may think Justin Timberlake is the best musician of all time, but he isn't. That's just a fact. Some things are factual.

Yes, a few third-party games run less well on the Switch, but that's a nitpick. The games that run poorly aren't the best games. The worthwhile games run well enough. That small drawback is nothing compared to the huge benefit of having Nintendo 1st-party games.

the fact that the steam deck is winning a pool on a Nintendo dedicated news site is really telling

The Steam Deck is very intriguing, but I'm not leaping into bed with it just yet. I wouldn't want the base version for sure - it seems like it's intentionally hobbled just so they can say the Steam Deck starts at $400. I would probably want the most expensive model, and when I get to that price point I start remembering that I actually need a new laptop more than another way to play games. And an actual gaming laptop will definitely cost more, but will be infinitely more useful.

The OLED Switch isn't screaming, "buy me! Buy me!" either. It's nice to have a bigger, more vibrant screen, more storage and beefier speakers, but none of those are necessities, and I just bought a new Switch like six months ago. I might upgrade in a year or so, but I'm not going to stand in line waiting for the store to open on launch day for it.

@IronMan30 The PS5 and Xbox Series haven’t been sold at retail so far, they took off.

Since internal memory + sd card is the only way to play the games on the Steam deck, I suppose there will be a lot of switching out the games you want to play. I hope they have figured out a good cooling system that is not too noisy. I like the idea, but I'll wait for reviews and consumer reports, there are still lots of question marks here.

@abdias the fact that the steam deck is winning a pool on a Nintendo dedicated news site is really telling

It tells me that Nintendo screwed up when even their own fan base is looking to Valve for a more powerful hybrid.

i have a decent gaming laptop that i use most of the time anyways, my phone is more than capable for emulation on the go (plus have new 3ds xl and a og switch that is fine) so although i like the sound of the device i don't think i really need it unless someone gave it to me for a gift.

No I have a gaming laptop already.

Deck is a weaker machine that is a 400-600~ waste.

Steam Machine 2.0

Don’t expect this to take off for a multitude of reasons.
PC gamers are gonna prefer to stick with their better machines and most of the Switch base won’t bite due to the higher price barrier/not gonna be sold in common retailers/Horrid button design/and most importantly lack of the first parties [No most won’t use emulation]

It will only appeal to the niche gamer enthusiasts demographic that browses video game news daily.

I'm not getting one for myself but I am getting one for a friend who plays mainly on playstation

@JasmineDragon exactly, my gaming laptop cost nearly 800 and it has a built in graphics card (not on board graphics), 1tb hard ssd drive, touch screen and gaming on the go with a controller if i wanted to, i really don't see the point in getting this portable steam device imo.

@Arawn93 i agree also, for a bit more you could get a decent gaming laptop that can perform better imo unless some people like the mini portable form factor cause that is all you are paying for

@Thaliard Valve are taking a hit.

Guarantee Steam Deck will be emulating Switch games this year. Then next year it will be running them better than Switch, goodbye 240p Switch Doom and Wolfenstein!!

@TheWingedAvenger
in your first example you used "new super mario bros" rather than super mario bros 3, and yes, smb3 is a platformer i enjoyed more than the new super mario bros games, same with super mario world, i found the new super mario games to be functionaly sound but lacking in personality.

in terms of 3d platformers i would say some of my favorites over the past few years would be Crash bandicoot 4 and bowsers fury (though i wasnt really a big fan of 3d world)

in regards to the comment about all the worthwhile games running fine on the system i would disagree, for me games like Ys IX, Trails of cold steel 3 and 4 are all very much worthwhile games and have some pretty bad performance issues, monster hunter stories also had some issues with framerate on switch with it fluctuating wildly and i would also consider that a worthwhile game.

The reason why i may not have seemed confident and used words like "i feel" was because im not stating these are facts but simply that i enjoyed those games more, yes i certainly had a lot more fun with Crash 4 over 3d world, others would have enjoyed the latter more, it doesn't make either opinion "wrong".

I personally don’t want the Steam Deck badly enough to even consider it. However, for most of us who already own a Switch and want to buy a new handheld, spending $50 more on a Steam Deck makes a lot more sense than OLED Switch, IMO.

I'm interested in the deck but enough to shell out €500-600. Maybe next year.

Told a few people IRL about the Steam Deck today; several of them put in a reserve deposit in direct response to said information, while others are now cautiously optimistic and awaiting reviews/demonstration. It's kind of impressive how much hype this thing's announcement has managed to stir up.

I've decided to commit instead of observe, and put in a deposit. Going for the "bells and whistles" version, because why not. This seems much more in line with what I had wanted the original GPD Win to be when I'd picked it up a couple years ago (a direct portable PC equivalent of the Switch), so I want it to succeed. Hopefully it won't disappoint.

Um, I have a Wii. It plays GameCube games. Who needs 50 GB ram, it plays GameCube.

I will get the steam deck to install windows on it that way I can play the Nintendo games that Nintendo should have released on the switch. There are so many modded retro games that are better than anything Nintendo has re-released. I kind of want to get the steam deck in hopes to make Nintendo sweat a bit.

Loving how easily fooled people are... no actual gameplay has been shown just pre-recorded footage and an IGN interview... yeah... IGN lmao good luck kids

The Steam Deck doesnt interest me at all personally. Itll have zero exclusive titles built to really make use of its substantially greater specs(in comparison to Switch) relegating it to just an alternative way to consume my pc games in comparatively low fidelity.

I don't see this making a dent in the Switch's success. They attract different consumers. The ergonomics of this device are questionable and its not as convenient for spontaneous on the go multiplayer either. This is great for those who enjoy gaming on the go but dont like Nintendo titles, or those who already have a Switch but want access to titles that Switch will never get or has a port of but runs it poorly.

Its a great concept and the positive response indicates there's a market for it. But theres enough differentiation for this and the Switch to co-exist peacefully

I won't be getting either, but it's worth saying that I'd rather pay 400 bucks for a device that plays the entire Nintendo library vs. the Switch OLED

@VoidofLight Keep this on the DL, but go download the app HotStock. Good luck.

@MysteryCupofJoe I just finished it a few minutes ago, and yeah, it's awesome.

No physical copies of games - not interesting

@Winter_Samurai To be fair, there's no physical copies on PC either, which this is.

As a long time docked-only Switch guy and a Mac owner I'm very interested in the Steam Deck. It's a relatively affordable way to break into PC gaming. It's not perfect by any stretch but it puts a multitude of games I've never had access to into my hands in a highly accessible fashion.

Already have my OG Switch for Nintendo games

Jumping ship on 3rd-party ports for Switch to play them on a Steam Deck instead, and they're already purchased

And as Yuzu gets better and better I'll probably put my whole Nintendo library on the thing someday so...yeah. Steam Deck. Get to mod everything and even code games in desktop mode. The thing is awesome!

@Wargoose Steam has Play Anywhere Together. You can play local co-op games with your friends online, with only one copy of the game. You can also use Parsec to do the same thing.

@Heavyarms55 Both Microsoft and Sony are releasing their games on Steam now. You can use any controller you like with it.

Very chunky and 50% heavier. The minimalist in me can't do it until Steam/Proton proves that this is a frictionless experience.

@Moistnado I have one and it is awesome.

I have two Switches and got a deposit on the Steam Deck. They’ll all get a lot of use in our house.

The positioning of the D-Pad on the steam deck is terrible. At least it has a D-Pad though!

@TheWingedAvenger here i can give you some examples if you like.

While you're playing your overpriced 4 year old Breath Of The Wild.

I can play 3 "generic action RPG" called Horizon Zero Dawn, Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 for the same cost.

While you're playing Mario Odyssey I'll be playing Sekiro or Nioh 2 or GTA 5.

You're acting like you have better taste in games just because you play Nintendo games, it's a little bit ridiculous to be honest.

I see too many comments about price and how the Deck is too expensive, but a Switch OLED plus 4 first party Nintendo games would set you back anywhere between $550-$590

You could buy the mid range Valve Deck and 4 AAA games for about $550-600 (depending on which games you get, you can get most new AAA games for $20 or lower these days).

So the price argument is legitimately stupid at this point, Nintendo are badly over priced and this really highlights that further.

@Scrubicius Steam had approximately 120 million monthly active players in 2020... just sayin

Most people here already have a normal Switch, so of course, they're gonna vote for the Steam Deck. As for me, I voted neither.

I will choose Switch OLED for making 2nd island of ACNH.

@Thaliard The price IS the catch...for Steam.
https://kotaku.com/gabe-newell-describes-steam-decks-price-as-painful-for-1847301377

The entire point of the Steam Deck is to bring people into the Steam eco-system as a customer. They actively encourage 3rd parties to make their own Steam Deck versions like they attempted with Steam Machines around 2015.

So yeah, this is very expensive for Steam to do. Just like with Consoles (aside from Switch), the Steam Deck is selling at a loss.

@TheWingedAvenger wow dude. You need to lay off that Nintendo kool aid. I assume most of us here have a soft spot in our hearts for big N but you’re really taking things to the next level. And not in a good way. Your tastes in video games are just that. YOUR tastes. Not everyone else agrees and that’s a good thing. Variety is the spice of life. Life would be so boring if everyone liked exactly the same things.

@Realness you do know you can swap the battery on the switch for ~$40

@Mgalens
Firstly, facts exist. Some things are objectively better than others. For example, Mozart is a better composer than I am. That's a fact. I compose music, but I'm mediocre at it. That's just a reality that I have accepted. I certainly have the right ot say that I'm better than Mozart, but you also have the right to point out to me that I'm wrong. And you should. That's what I mean when I say that Mario is better than Sonic and Crash Bandicoot. Any 2D Super Mario game - yes, even any of the New Super Mario games - is better than any 2D Sonic game. And any 3D Mario game is better than any Crash Bandicoot game.

Ys IX looks like a great game but I haven't played it yet. I haven't heard anyone complain that it has serious issues though. The Trails of Cold Steel series isn't even a videogame series. Those games are just picture books that you read on a videogame console. I haven't played Monster Hunter Stories II but I played the first game. It's pretty good, but its obtuse combat system makes it a 7/10 at most. Everything about it is great but bad combat is unforgivable. The Switch and 3DS allow you to play legendary A-level RPGs such as Dragon Quest, Zelda, Kingdoms of Amalur, and Dragon's Dogma. Why waste your precious time on subpar stuff?

@Restryder
While you can play Horizon Zero Dawn, Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2, I can play Breath of the Wild and The Witcher III. That means I play two A-level games while you play one A-level game and two B-level games.

Sekiro is an obnoxious game. The only great GTA game is Vice City / Vice City Stories. The other ones have zero personality. I haven't played Nioh 2 and it looks good but probably B-level.

You're the one who's making this personal. I just said that there is good taste and bad taste. If I tell you that the American soccer league is better than the Italian soccer league, you should tell me that I have bad taste, because Italian soccer is just better.

Well, since I already own a Switch, almost NEVER play it in Handheld Mode, AND Switch OLED is only $50 shy of the more capable Steam DECK, I see no reason at all for myself to choose the Switch OLED over the Steam DECK.

So for me, it's a Steam Deck!

Now, if you're brand-spanking-new to Nintendo Switch (or just reeeeeeally love Handheld Mode that much and the $199 Switch Lite is just too inexpensive for you), then perhaps the Switch OLED is the choice for some of you. ⭐

@contractcooker
I agree with a lot of what you say. While you may think you're in complete disagreement with me, you're actually very much in agreement. The "variety" of tastes that you mention is necessary to make the best things stand out. Lots of people think McDonald's is good food. Now, they're wrong, but it's thanks to them that we have something to compare good taste to. But imagine if, as you seem to wish, we prohibited people with good taste from pointing out the bad taste of McDonald's-lovers. We'd have even more people eating at McDonald's, and good restaurants would gradually disappear, and that would be terrible.

The Steam Machine didn't do so well. I have my doubts about the Steam Deck until I see it in person.

The Switch OLED isn't worth the price and the Steamdeck will be dead within a year, so neither. Waiting for Switch 2.

@Nerdling MOST people who own a Switch play in handheld mode.

@Chamver

I do not.

So again, "for myself", I see no reason at all to choose the Switch OLED over the Steam DECK.

So I am passing on the Switch OLED and getting a Steam Deck.

@Guitario yes this is true, the Aya Neo is more expensive than a base Steam Deck. The 500gb Aya Neo is comparable in price to the 512gb Steam Deck and Aya comes with a full version of Windows, which cost about $100(hence the valve work-around). Steam Deck will probably need windows, when we find the proton Linux work-around is not all Valve suggest.

i hope this makes nintendo realise that they cant just release garbage hardware and sell it for 300 dollars.

@Gryffin Yeah online play is fine. I mean local multiplayer. When you've a few friends over. It's just extra effort by the nature of PC gaming.

If they release a dock for this it might encourage me to buy more games on Steam. As it would be way cheaper than buying on console

@TheWingedAvenger - "You're the one who's making this personal. I just said that there is good taste and bad taste."
'Taste' is entirely subjective (much like our actual taste sense), so you're not exactly doing much better to be honest.

As for the Switch vs Steam Deck question, honestly, why not both? If the Steam Deck ends up doing everything it's advertising, then it becomes the go-to place for 3rd party handheld gaming, leaving Nintendo the place to go for 1st party Nintendo titles, which is essentially what's been happening now with Nintendo and Sony/Microsoft in the console market for quite a while.

And that's assuming the Steam Deck delivers. Which it may not.

Cancelled Oled pre order, and got the Steam Deck pre order live. Already have the V2 switch and a switch lite. Nintendo really looks a bit foolish with their ‘upgrade’ and ridiculous price point. Lotta love for the Big N here, but they kinda dropped the ball. Curious to see what’s next in their ‘blue ocean’ strategy.

No game in box ...
And this steam thimg is not a console soo maybe i will buy ps5

I'll be getting neither. I already have a Switch, and a good pc so either one is redundant at best. The PlayDate is the only new console I'm interested in.

Probably neither to be honest, but I will probably upgrade my laptop later this year. While I like the idea of the Steam Deck, I think there are to many compromises involved here: size, weight, battery life, screen, possibly thermals, being reliant Proton support and so on and so forth.

It's basically a cheaper but also severly more compromised version of any gaming laptop out there. I'll say this though: the pricing is really competitive - no argument there. When I play something on I mostly to do it for mouse support anyways - certainly not for touchpads.

The Switch OLED is kinda tempting because it might finally offer a real option for playing outside, which the shoddy Switch screen always turned into a chore due to low contrast ratio and glare. But I figure the next iteration in two years or so, will offer the same benefit + beefier hardware 😅

@BloodNinja Not me, but in any case that's talking apple and oranges. Steam as a software service makes sense. This Steam Deck thing though... is the Atari Lynx/Game Gear to the OG Gameboy, or the PSP to the DS - technically superior, but doomed to fail.

Or to put it another way (as I did in another thread) this is the Zune to the iPod. Again, technically superior but doomed to fail - and butt ugly to boot.

And that's without even taking into consideration Valve's fantastic (cough cough) history with hardware launch/support.

I'd actually prefer it if things were different, cos a bit of competition would be good to keep Nintendo on its toes (and because I owned/loved both the Lynx and the PSP - I'm actually pretty platform-agnostic) but this just gives off such strong Zune vibes (and how I laughed at the M$ fanboys back then insisting the Zune was a guaranteed "iPod killer") I am getting crazy deja vu. Nintendo needs proper competition, but this is definitely not it.

With specs like that the battery charge in game won't even last 1 hour. This is the game gear problem all over again.

I'll get neither. While both interest me, I'll wait for reviews and would prefer a special edition Switch OLED as my new one. I also expect all versions of the Switch to drop in price soon after the OLED arrives or even at launch. Watch for prices to drop $50, $30 and $20 for the OLED, Standard and Lite, respectively.

My big concern with the Desk is the ridiculously small storage. Realistically, most people won't get the base model unless their Steam library is mostly small and older games. Also, the nature of PC games, hardware quickly becomes redundant, and so you could be buying a new one every 2 years to keep up.

Overall, the Steam Desk looks a great device and it'll be interesting to see its progress. Hopefully better than the Steam Machine.

@zool There'll be no Switch Pro. It was always a fantasy largely born by false labelling of upgrade rumours as "Pro" devices. Both never were, proving to be usual Nintendo minor iterations. Your best bet is watch for a Switch 2 for the real Switch upgrade, likely late 2022 with BOTW 2 as a launch title.

I want a PS5 myself but its out of stock

@HalBailman Late 2024-2025

@HalBailman are we not talking about the same thing? A Switch Pro or Switch 2. A rose by any other name is still a rose.

I don't think it will be called either, more like Switch Oled 4k

I still can't believe the Switch has only 4GB of ram. Lol.

@TheWingedAvenger
yes facts exist, what you were posting was opinion though, same with what i was posting.

In regards to Ys IX, you dont even need to look far to find people mentioning the switch versions performance, the review on this very website even mentions them and you can find video of the games framerate in the town sections. In regards to the trails series, your comment about it being a picture book is something you could say is objectively wrong, regardly of whether you enjoy the game or not they are clearly an rpg series, they have combat, locations to explore, multiple towns and dungeons, systems to take into account such as equipment and quartz, heck Trails of cold steel isnt even the series itself, the cold steel games are part of the trails series which is part of the legend of heroes series which was initially part of the dragon slayer series.

steam deck and switch are perfectly able to exist side by side.

The only steam games I am interested in heavily rely on mouse and keyboard so no.

@FullMetalWesker
I agree: Nintendo and Steam can both exist. Just like Italian wine and British wine can both exist. I was just reminding you which one was better. Yes, some people might say the latter is better, but the former is factually better. I mean, if we finally look reality in the face.

@Mgalens
The Dragon Slayer games were pretty good. Faxanadu and Legacy of the Wizard were awesome. Then the series slowly became something that you had to sit there and read. And the writing is terrible. Yes, technically they are videogames, but they're so close to being novels that you could them either.

@Restryder
You're playing videogames that are visually inferior to the ones that will be available twenty years from now, so you don't taste in videogames. I mean, one day The Witcher III will probably be available in 8K, so your miserable 4K version just sucks.

You prove all my points with every post. Steam users care about pixels and megapixels more than they care about the quality of the games. You're like people who listen to Justin Timberlake on a state-of-the-art stereo, while I listen to Miles Davis on a normal (but perfectly good) stereo. You guys just make no sense.

@TheWingedAvenger oh yeah because Skyward Sword isn't an inferior game, because 3 shoddy ports of old Mario games isn't inferior, because some bare bones version of Animal Crossing isn't inferior.

I tell you wants superior though, tricking people into buying inferior 7 year old technology for $350 and making them believe its superior.

you legitimately think that because Nintendo over charge for their 20 year old games, that it makes them superior?

You ought to quit before you fall too far behind pal 🤣🤣.

@SwitchForce
What do you mean "grabbing on"? I even voted "neither" myself.
Can I not just find a result interesting?

Of course this isn't scientific, but that is kind of my point, on a site like this, I would usually expect the result to be screwed in the other direction.
Maybe this doesn't mean anything, but for now, it is still an interesting result.

@TheWingedAvenger
Have you noticed how many Switch owners are Steam users at the same time?

Steam users or PC gamers by extension are way too diverse to make general Statements like that.

@Restryder It's not the graphics or the budget that make the value of a videogame. It's the game design. Games like Persona 5 or 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim have old gen graphics yet I have more fun playing them than these western uncreative AAA like Witcher or Horizon. I picked these examples because they're Sony exclusives and you seem to have an anti Nintendo bias.

As soon as I leave my room gaming stops there. I have a Xbox and Playstation for third parties and their exclusives

Nintendo al the way

@glaemay i have a bias against charging customers $350 for 7 year old technology that costs you less than $180 to make.

I have a bias against charging $60 for a 10 year old HD port of Skyward Sword and not even upgrading the textures.

I have a bias against selling 20+ million copies of Smash and not hosting dedicated servers for your players.

I have a bias against sending a cease and desist letter to an Indiegogo charity campaign that was making custom Joy-Con controller shells in memory of Etika.

I have a bias against charging people to use an online service that has no voice chat or lobby features in 2021.

I have a bias against Blind Nintendo fans who allow big corporations to rip them off like this without calling them up on it.

but i bet i own more Switch games than you do, so I've spent more than enough money to justify any criticism i make towards them

I have a feeling the Steam Deck won't last long. The games which Steam is good for aren't designed with a system that small in mind, and I suspect its performance won't be up to scratch either. If you want to play games which do work well on small screens, I'm willing to bet you'll get a better experience on Switch, which will offer the same games but a more polished console (and for a cheaper price).

Addendum: Wow, this comment section very quickly became a minor brawl. Don't worry, everyone: whichever console does better in the long term, they aren't really competing on a level, so I don't think the success of either will disadvantage the other.

I showed my wife the comments section here, she isn't a gamer and she doesn't care about this stuff.

But her first response was "Why are Nintendo fans so insecure"

🤣🤣

Steam has good reviews. When do we get the Oled reviews?

@TheWingedAvenger
having to it and read is a key part of a lot of rpgs, even as far back as psone with the likes of xenogears, going outside of japan you had the likes of planescape torment which was an absolute beast in terms of text volume.

what about the gameplay and plot did you specifically dislike about the trails series. ive seen criticism of the erebonia games but the liberl and especially the crossbell arc are considered enjoyable plot wise. even with cold steel there was still a decent amount of characters to use and quartz combinations to play around with so you still got a large amount of gameplay, the games even had fully explorable towns instead of the more visual novel type japanese rpgs you see where its either a single hub town or menu based.

if you didn't enjoy the trails games then that is perfectly fine, but dont dismiss others enjoyment of things just because you didn't like them, its kind of like with the SaGa series, a lot of the elements which turn people off the series are exactly what others like. its the reason why you get cult classics, to some a game which does something they like really well can be more enjoyable than a game which has mass appeal. the same applies with any entertainment medium.

@Restryder
So talking about your biases their:

1. Half agreed, 350$ is too much. But "less then 180$ to make" still seems like a pretty low estimate. It is still mobile tech.

2. Agreed, but I don't see the problem. I won't buy Skyward Sword for that reason and with that it is case closed for me. No need to be angry about that.

3. If dedicated servers are so important to you, fair enough? I don't care and considering how average consumers tend to think, they probably don't care either, even if they should.

4. Any company needs to protect their rights. If you let someone make custom joy con for charity purposes this one time, you will have a hard time in court if this happens again outside of charity. Aside from that, a cease and desist isn't send out by the higher ups and those that do that have a simple job to do it. Who exactly should make the decision to spare them, when the higher ups aren't even really involved in the process?
All in all, a pretty normal result, even if it is sad.

5. I especially have a bias against companies that charge a crap ton of money for their online services. Nintendo is at least cheaper... And no, voice chat and such do not justify the price difference at all to me. No one cares about what I think here either and most people would apparently love to pay more just to get some features.
It's things like that, why I play mainly on PC...

6. Blind fans are everywhere, especially in gaming. Get over it.

7. Your criticism isn't more justified if you paid more money. If anything, you take part in enabling them to do what they do.

@Kirgo

1 - it was $240 to make a Switch in 2017, the components used in the Switch since then have decreased in price by a lot, especially the Tegra Chip.

2 - Your justification for thinking Skyward Sword is your own personal preference, but if Bethesda tried to charge $60 for a re-release of Skyrim in 4K, i bet you'd be singing an entirely different tune.

3 - "The vast majority of people don't care" - yeah because the like to dislike ratio on the Nintendo YouTube advert for their online services. How many times have they uploaded that video now? - again your own personal opinion. Seems most do care.

4 - I don't see other companies going to the lengths Nintendo goes to shut down their own fans who want to celebrate Nintendo. Your reasoning here reeks of Corporate Lacky to me.

5 - "I have a problem with companies charging me for online but i have no problem when Nintendo does it" - this literally made me laugh out loud 😆😂

6 - yes they are, quite a few are right here evidently.

7 - Imagine not owning a product or using a particular service and attempting to pick holes in said product or service... when you don't own or use it. Those people are called haters, i am not a hater.

For me to be critical of Nintendo, i need to own their products, otherwise I'm just a blind hater and their just as bad as blind fans.

@UltimateOtaku91 Plus every emulator on the planet, which includes all nintendo games that Nintendo don't allow us to play on a Nintendo system.

The more thought I have put into this the more I think I will just stick to my laptop for Steam, Maybe if the reviews for the Steam Deck are fantastic and it seems like Valve will support this in the long run I will buy it next year.

I actually don't see the Steam Deck being in direct competition with Nintendo, I actually see it as more Valve trying to lock more people into the steam eco system and away from GOG, Epic games etc.

Also with this Poll what you have to think, is most people on this site will already own a switch, the oled switch will be more appealing to new switch owners and those with a launch switch like myself that's showing its age.

You need to factor into this all the emulation possibilities, Imagine also running all classic systems and arcade games alongside everything Steam has to offer.

@CivilMadman Pre-orders are already going crazy for the Steam Deck. Saying it’s doomed to fail makes you look like you aren’t paying attention. People on this very article/website have been commenting that they can’t even get their payment to process because Valves servers are overloaded from all the preorders.

@Taffy how dare you even consider illegally emulating our overlords consoles!!!! I'm going to report you to Mr Doug bowser and have you sewed. You'll be paying Nintendo $50 a month for the rest of your life!!!!!!

@Restryder
1. These 240$ price point is news to me. Does this include shipping, taxing and such? Whatever I don't know enough to argue here.

2. No I wouldn't, I don't even like Skyrim . Besides, I can already play Skyrim in 4k on my pc...
For me it is just very simple: If a game is worth it's price for me, then I will buy it. Otherwise I don't. Skyward Sword could be costing 200$ and I would just not buy it. I don't need to get angry about stuff like that. If there is a game I value higher comes, I might pay these 60$. There simply is no issue here.

3. Here you were talking specifically about dedicated servers in Smash, not Nintendo online services in general.

4. What are you even talking about? Sony just recently tried to shut down a company that tried to sell custom side panels for the PS5. It happens more often with Nintendo, because this kind of stuff happens more often to Nintendo, mainly because of the many fangames.
If you think I am a "Corporate lacky" for noticing this, you are quite simply wrong.

5. Straw man argument. I never said I have no problem if Nintendo does it. I only implied, that I think Sony and Microsoft are worse. In fact I am annoyed that I have to pay for this at all, it should be free on all platforms.
I think I have a way better argument for calling you a troll after this point, than you ever had for calling me "corporate lacky".

7. That would be true, if you had made different arguments. But Skyward Sword being too expensive isn't something you can only say after buying the game. Same for the charity thing...

@Kirgo why do you play Skyrim if you don't like it?

@scalexander99
I don't?
I bought it for pc when it was new, didn't like it and stopped playing.
Doesn't change the fact that I could play it in 4k right now.

@Restryder It’s been pretty interesting to see how insecure the user-base has been with regards to the Steam Deck announcement.

And your points about Nintendo are spot-on, but again, the fanboys will come rushing in to defend their dear Nintendo, which can do no wrong as they hide behind the face of Mario.

Neither. My current Switch works just fine and I have a fully capable PC for PC games. Some of my favorite PC games won't work with a gamepad anyway.

If my Switch breaks, I'll get the new OLED one, but hopefully an actual "Switch Pro" will be out by then.

@Dante52uk The Steam Deck can have any OS installed on it, so you won’t be locked into anything. Most GOG games also come with complimentary Linux installers, so you can natively run them on the Steam Deck if you already own GOG games. Trust me, this is a direct competitor to the Switch. Companies don’t make things with similar form factors to their competition for no reason.

@Kirgo I didn't like it at first till I started getting into modding. I started playing it about 4 months ago and now I love it, mind you it doesn't even look like the same game anymore

@BloodNinja
I hope you don't mean me with "the fanboys will come rushing in to defend their dear Nintendo".
When I think I have been pretty clear about liking the Steam Deck myself, on other occasions. I would buy it, if I cared about handheld gaming at all.
I still partly disagree with what he is saying though.

There should be middleground between the extremes.

@Kirgo No, I don’t mean you, because your arguments have remained logical and reasonable. I’m talking about the people that are just saying it’s going to fail because they think they have some powerful form of clairvoyance. Unlike those people, you’re actually explaining why you have a certain opinion, in a reasonable way.

@BloodNinja it's definitely not going to fail if anything it's already doing much better then steam could have anticipated. I've already got my preorder in and am pretty stoked about it.

@scalexander99
I had been looking into mods myself in the past, as they have the potential of solving all my issues, actually.
They couldn't really do it back then, though that was years ago.

My main problem being, that nothing you do is of any consequence, by the way. In fact I played quite a lot at first, because this isn't something you can quickly notice.
It somehow made me feel like I wasted my time is what it comes down to.

@BloodNinja I was more thinking from your general consumer point of view, they likely wont be changing the OS.

I do think Valve need to be selling this in more places than just the valve store to attract a wider audience though.

As I say, I would like one, but I would want the best model so want to wait for some reviews and to see if Valve will support this long term, I think this could be the hardware device that finally works for Valve.

I didn't get a damn alert about the Switch OLED until 42 minutes after the pre-orders began. So, I tried anyway and guess what... all gone already🙄 This seems familiar COUGH xbox series x COUGH.

If it weren't for that horrible button layout I'd see it as a good option for PC gamers who want to take their games on the go but carry something a bit smaller than a gaming laptop..

But those BUTTONS.. Especially the D-Pad! Don't they have ergonomics experts on their design team?

Seriously, the size and thickness is a compromise people can deal with. And it actually has a valid reason, more power.

But with this crazy high button placement using the triggers and buttons at the same time is going to require some horrible claw grip with this one... And they're not replaceable like the Joy-Con so you're stuck with this bad design.. It's a complete deal breaker in my eyes.

I foresee a lot of people and reviews complaining about their hands hurting after longer play sessions...
If only they moved everything slightly down..

@Dante52uk But you’re still not locked into anything, even if you don’t change the OS Also I wouldn’t underestimate the user-base with regards to installing a new OS. As an example, millions of Windows users have been flocking to Linux the past few years. It’s really, really simple to change OSes in 2021.

@Dante52uk in regards to your previous comment about steam locking people into the ecosystem, the steam deck does not do that. They even said you could install whatever you want and even windows onto it instead of steam os if you so choose, it's just a handheld PC essentially so you can do whatever you want with it. Tim Sweeny even is all for it and epic is a competitor to steam because of the epic Games store.

@scalexander99 Lucky! I still can’t get mine in, so I’ll wait for the hype to die down and then order one.

Glad the Steam one came out as competition tends to push innovation. Personally, I have no interest in owning the Steam Deck as happy with my Switch and its exclusives, and any Steam titles will play on my portable gaming laptop.

Steam Deck looks like a great device if it suits your needs.

Personally, I'm happy sticking to my PC for Steam gaming. I have a Switch, PS5 and Series S, so I generally just use my PC for games that would benefit from a keyboard and mouse (strategy titles, certain RPGs and draggy/droppy card games). The little track pad thing on this looks like an absolute nightmare to me.

I've got my bases covered, no fat Game Gear for me.

Also, yeah, but can it play Zelda?

@Guitario And this has what to do with the hardware?

But this is definitely a sign to say good bye to physical releases.

X-)

@zool No. A Switch 2 is to Switch what a PS5 is to PS4. A Pro is a mid generation separate model with much higher specs and selling at a premium price alongside a base model. That's why the "Pro" rumours of the Switch caused so much confusion and false expectation. The term was falsely adopted.

I'd be stunned if there's another Switch update in this cycle. Once the OLED is embedded, we'll be almost 6 years in and that would be time for a successor.

I have pre ordered both. I will be new to steam ecosystem when I get value deck. The problem is it says I will not get it until Second quarter of 2022 ie April ,may or June.I will not be interested if true. Anybody Pre ordered and have sane reservation date?

@Ear_wiG so will you sell/gift the lite or are you going to use both?

I've got a 512 GB Steam Deck reserved, and I have a white Switch OLED pre-ordered.

I'm so happy. This is an exciting time to be a gamer.

@Kirgo So if Skyward Sword was costing 200 dollars you wouldn't buy it. I am sure most of the Nintendo die hards wouldn't either for that price 😉

I've got a feeling Valve worked from the button lay-out of the Switch as template and moved things around from that point to make room for the thumb pads. The big problem is that they kept the placement of the bottom buttons ("Home" and "Capture" on Switch, "Steam" and "Quick Access" on Deck). Keeping those buttons there and also cramming the thumbpads in forces all the other controls higher up.

If they had moved those two bottom buttons to a different position the thumb pads could have moved down and still be very comfortable (similar to the bottom half of your phone screen with more grip). In turn it would have left space for the control sticks and buttons and d-pad to be placed more ergonomically.

The "Steam" and "Quick Access" could find new homes up top where the other menu buttons are as well. It would be a similar configuration like the Pro controller menu buttons.

Those kind of adjustments would have allowed for a MUCH better and more ergonomic button layout.

I reworked the outline image from the technical specs page to show what I mean:
https://imgur.com/t/steamdeck/pBFc9nu

To say this won't hurt Nintendo at all is unrealistic. From a personal POV I have double dipped on Switch by buying games I own already on Steam to have a portable version. I was going to buy the new Ghost and Goblins game on Switch but will wait and buy it on a Steam sale now. Humble Bundle is insanely good value that seems too good to be true, as Humble Choice classic customer I get Yakaza 3, The Surge 2 and Dirt 5 and 9 indie games for 12 dollars this month. Anyone new to Steam gaming sign yourself up for Humble Choice as you own them games and a bit goes to charity also, you can thank me later. I don't think many people realise how cheap PC games are and a PC for under £500 that will play a lot of PC games at PS4 levels is fantastic value in the long run. I actually own 767 Steam games, I know it's sad lol but so many of those games will be playable on a handheld now. Can't wait to play Dirt Rally 2 on the go as there isn't any options for realistic racing games on Switch like you get on PC.
The only future Switch games I have any interest in are Metroid Dread and BOTW 2 so it's nice to own a Switch as those are 2 games that I am really looking forward to. I only started playing BOTW a few months ago and I think it is a fantastic game. Though in a small way Nintendo will be taking a little hit from me as I won't be paying Nintendo tax on 3rd party games anymore.

@hammers1man
Yeah, my point is, that I wouldn't complain much regardless.

@HalBailman Nintendo will do to the Switch what it's done to Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros, it will just keep adding to it.

We will get the Switch Oled with 4k, more memory and a few other minor things, it will be profitable for Nintendo as they will sell it for £100 more than the Switch Oled. And a good percentage of gamers will pay the extra.

I doubt there will ever be a console called Switch 2. When Nintendo abandons the Switch it will be for a completely separate console with a new name. My guess, The Nintendo Cloud.

@TheWingedAvenger - Not sure if you're a troll, or just delusional, but either way, you're way off base.

First off, the Steam comment was a general comment in response to the article, not a part of my comment to you specifically.
Second, as I said before, taste is entirely subjective. Getting a high off your own opinion and talking down to others who don't share it isn't a substitute for objectivity, it's just smug behaviour.

It's a no brainer. I'll be buying the Steam Deck. Purchased Witcher 3 on Switch and had to return it as the graphics were so murky. Should look much better on the Steam Deck and there will so many other great games available for it right from the go. The icing on the cake is that the price of games will be much more reasonable compared to Switch.

@Restryder
You're making it all about money now. You should try to be less materialistic. Yes, Nintendo costs more, but a Ferrari costs more than an Opel: it's better. Also, how could you possibly have a problem with the Super Mario triple pack? Three excellent games on one cartridge. Whatever. And Skyward Sword is a great game too.

@Kirgo
I can understand having a Switch but also wanting to have Steam. If you play videogames for over five hours a day, you might run out of games on the Switch.

@hammers1man "for as little as £25 the Steam Deck can"

So $425 vs $200 to add TV out. And honestly, if you want TV out are you buying a $400 Steam Deck or a PC? Maybe even a laptop. Like the Switch OLED which is basically useless in a dock Steam Deck is obviously geared towards mobile gamers b/c Steam games already work on PCs and laptops.

And unless you can take those controls off the sides I still say it's closer to a Lite than OLED. I'm ok w/ comparing all Switch models to the Deck, but only comparing the OLED and not the Lite seems like an oversite to me.

@Restryder But when the other bigger corporations do the same thing you magically don't have a bias against them. But I guess it's easier to target the smaller company who make less margin than the other. That's called a bias.

@Mgalens
The only thing wrong with the Trails games is that they're called RPGs. If they were called visual novels, I'd leave them alone because I'm not really into that genre. But as a fan of RPGs, it rubs me the wrong way when games like Final Fantasy X and Hexyz Force come along and are advertised as RPGs. Then people play them and decide they don't like RPGs. I played the first Trails of Cold Steel and also Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, and both are linear read-fests. There is so little gameplay the controller is mostly used to further the text. You're basically reading a book on your TV, and using the controller to turn the pages. I'm perfectly fine if you like that. Let's even say that they're excellent games. But can we call things by their real names? Why condemn real RPGs to obscurity just because these picture books pose as RPGs and give the genre a bad name with thousands of gamers?

You're right: different games have different characteristics that people can like or dislike. Certain characteristics change the genre, though. An RPG is a game in which you play the role of the main character. In order to make you feel like you're playing the main character, the game should give you lots of decision-making power. That means deciding what the main character does, how he does it, and where he goes. So it must not be linear. A linear game can not be an RPG, because linearity entails very little decission-making.

The Trails games and the Final Fantasy games after the ninth are not RPGs, because you a mere observer, and not an active participant with a stake in the game. You don't feel like you are the main character - you are simply pressing a button to move his story forward. It's like watching a movie or reading a novel. Because of Final Fantasy X, people were reluctant to try Dragon Quest VIII. In other words, because FFX was posing as an RPG and reached a large audience, people ignored one of the the top three RPGs of all time. This has been happening across the board, and real RPGs are now going extinct. Have you noticed that the Final Fantasy series has been largely ignored since X came out? And since those games are called RPGs, real RPGs are ignored too.

@FullMetalWesker
The only person who thinks my opinion is higher than anyone else's is you. You're the one who wrote that I'm looking down at everyone else. Why did you write that? Perhaps subconsciously, you think my opinion is better than everyone else's. You can continue calling me a troll, but wouldn't it be better to do some psychoanalysis on yourself to comprehend what lies beneath your insecurity?

@rjejr So you believe this should be compared to a Switch Lite price wise because you think nobody would use the hybrid function (I have seen USB-C display adapters as cheap as £17 today online).
I for one will be hooking it up to my 55 inch TV to play games at 1080p and indie 2D games at 4K and I own a desktop which I now wouldn't have to lug down the stairs to play games in my lounge or have to stream.

Wonder what happens if there’s controller drift on the Steam Deck… 🤔

@Rainz Hopefully it is built more like the PS Vita sticks which I have never had a problem with. The sticks do look a lot better than the Switch sticks which I really don't like.

@TheWingedAvenger
i think you are mistaking the definition of rpg, the trails games and the like arent "posing" as rpgs, they are every bit as rpg as the pre X final fantasy series and the dragon quest series, they have locations you travel through, dungeons and towns to explore, treasure chests to open, sidequests to do, equipment to find, and a system similar to Materia to set up your party, to the point where even if you skipped the dialogue you would still have a lot of game to play.

in order to explain things better could you use an example of a segment or dungeon in Trails in the sky and/or cold steel and use an example of what makes it less of an rpg and use an example from an earlier final fantasy game and explain what makes it a full blown rpg. likewise could you explain your issue with the actual gameplay elements in Trails such as orbments and how they are less "rpg" than something like materia or espers.

@Dr-M Honestly not sure yet. I have a solid case on it, and love the sturdier build and d-pad, might keep it just for traveling. But that $350 price tag on the OLED might have me sellin’ some stuff…

Why, you buyin?! 😂

@frogopus Read all of that, twice, not exactly sure what your point was. If it that's PC gamers will buy this, yes I know they will, never said they wouldn't. I was just wondering why the article would only compare Deck to the OLE and not the Lite when Lite can play all the same games OLED can for $150 less.🤷‍♂️

@hammers1man No, I believe it should be compared to the Lite b/c the controllers don't come off and it doesn't do TV out w/o a dock, meaning it's meant to be played handheld, like the Lite. Does it have a big stand across the back like the OLED to be played in tabletop mode? It's somewhere between the Lite and oringal Switch, OLED is just a new model Switch, so why compare it ONLY to the more expensive Switch getting PC fanbois all riled up w/ comments like "for the price, Steam Deck has way more powerful hardware than Switch OLED" meanwhile completely leaving out the argument that for similar usage the Lite is only half the price of the Deck? Almost anything you can play on Switch OLED you can play on the Lite, for a lot less $. If you look at Deck vs Lite out of the box, it's just as fair a comparison as Deck vs OLED, neither is 100%.

@JaxonH "I've got a 512 GB Steam Deck reserved"

Don't you already have at least 1, if not 2, high powered portable devices to play on? I forget the names but you are always buying stuff like this, I'm surprised you need any more.

Not surprised you're buying, I knew that, just that you need it. 😉 OLED is a no-brainer as much as you play on there.

@rjejr It doesn't come with a dock because it needs to keep it's price lower. Which is a good thing for people that might already have a dock or would rather just hook it up with a cheap option like a £17 USB-C adapter. The option to buy an official dock or much cheaper alternative actually really benefits the customer.
I bought the high speed nvme ssd for it which will be super fast for games. I would rather place my money on that than paying extra for an included dock. It's a great thing to have options.
The 256 GB version I have ordered is under £480 with a £17 USB-c display adapter and believe me a laptop for that price is nowhere near the specs of a Steam deck. I am not sure you have any idea how good a bit of kit you are getting for your money. There are similar handheld hybrid gaming machines on PC for nearly double the money of a Steam Deck

@rjejr
I do have a GPD Win 2, but I don't ever use it because it doesn't have Gyro, and even for lighter, less demanding games, it's a struggle to get 2.5 hrs battery life. I can get 3.5 hrs on Dolphin which is essentially all I use it for now, which is seldom.

This is the device I've been waiting for. More efficient Zen architecture means pulling 15 Watts on AAA games doesn't result in 70 minutes playtime. Whereas 15W on Win 2 would get as hot as coals (even with my Nylon back shell mod that lowered Temps by 20 degrees Celcius) and battery life was a joke. Had to keep that thing around 7 Watts like Switch to get reasonable battery life which severely limited the games to play.

I passed on Win Max, Win 3 and Aya Neo because none included Gyro. Aiming on a handheld needs it. Frankly even aiming on TV needs it imo, but it's doubly true for handhelds.

I do love my portables though. I have a case that can fit Switch OLED with New 3DS tucked underneath. But this boat is gonna require its own separate case, which I believe it comes with.

@LittleLion
Contrary to perception, hands on has revealed the layout is very natural and ergonomic. The fact is they do have experts designing ergonomics and the design seems to be well made according to ppl who have actually used the device to play games. Don't judge a book by its cover.

@hammers1man "I am not sure you have any idea how good a bit of kit you are getting for your money."

I'm aware. I'm also aware the Lite plays OLED games for $150 less than the OLED and so far nobody has successfully convinced me why the Deck shouldn't be compared to the Lite if it's ok to compare it to the OLED? I've never put down the Deck, I know what it is, I'm just wondering why nobody on here or on Twitter has mentioned the handheld Lite is a $199 device that plays $349 OLED games. All I see is "$400 for the Deck gets you so much more powerful hardware for only $50 more than $350 for the OLED". Not a single "Sure Deck for $400 gets you way better hardware than the Lite but Lite only costs half the price so you can buy 2 Lite for the price of 1 Deck". Seems a bit unnecessarily one-sided.

@LittleLion
I appreciate the work you went through on the mock up, but that puts the pads way too low, to the point retaining contact with shoulder buttons would be incredibly hard and uncomfortable.

Their design is best imo. Those who have tried it hands on say it immediately feels natural, contrary to snap judgments based on looks.

@JaxonH Thanks, sorry those expensive new toys didn't pan out for you, but at least you were smart enough to know to stop buying them. As much as you talk about gyro I'll assume Deck has it or it would be a no go for you as well.

My kid was playing New Pokemon Snap - don't bother - yesterday on the couch w/ his "better battery' Switch in handheld mode sitting in front of our new $1,000 75" tv. I was like 'What are you doing?!?!?" and he was like, "I prefer playing this way." Takes all kinds. He was using gyro - I knew there was a point to this story somewhere - but he said it's worthless b/c the thumbstick moves faster and better. Which it does, I've played it about 90 minutes myself - hence the don't bother earlier - and playing w/ 2 Joycon (the ones that don't drift) I want to use gyro but it's too slow. I'm going to cahng eit in setting slater to try and speed things up but the default is pointless. And it's a camera game, it should be motion controlled like a camera. Should work w/ the Labo VR camera but that's a lament for another day.

Enjoy your Deck and OLED, good gaming year for you. Did you pick up an X and PS5 this year or was that last year? I feel like you have both already but I may have misread. Still waiting on my PS5, maybe Santa will bring us one.

@rjejr
You make good points.

Lite for $199 puts Switch in an entirely separate pricing category than the Deck

Switch
$200-350

Deck
$400-650

It's a full price tier higher. Even the lowest price Deck is still higher than the highest price Switch. And the highest price Deck is $450 more than the lowest price Switch. And, games on Switch take up far less space, and physical doesn't do mandatory installs. So you'll need less storage which means less cost.

I'm 100% on board. I love the Deck. It's a dream come true for me. But to pretend like it isn't way more expensive comparatively is not being honest.

Furthermore, contrary to popular internet myth, games are not on permanent 80% discount on Steam. Most games, unless very old, are full price unless it's their summer/Christmas sale. And games on Switch get far better discounts than some portray. The gap isn't nearly as big as some think.

It's also over twice as heavy as the Lite, nearly 4" wider, isn't pocketable like the Lite (love that magnetic flip case, take my Lite to work every day in my back pocket), has less battery life, etc. There's a lot of give and take.

For what it is though, its incredible value. And for someone like me who has a $4,000 PC (half of that was buying 10 TB SSD storage) connected to my TV, this device makes Steam games hybrid every bit as much as my permanently docked Switch for TV play and my Lite (and soon OLED) for portable play. Cloud saves sync between the two.

I bought the Lite as my first Switch because the hybrid version was very hard to get at the time last year. I ended up getting the Switch for the option to play on a larger display also.
I found I didn't use the Light much because of it's smaller screen and it didn't have rumble feedback. Sold the Lite to a friend for a big loss as it just sat in my drawer.
I love the build of the Lite though, I don't like the fact that the Switch has detachable controllers as it just makes it feel a bit flimsy. The fact that the Deck doesn't is another selling point to me. I never take the controllers off the Switch as I bought the excellent Pro controller.

@rjejr
As for other devices, I did buy a PS5 but I never use it. I'm on Switch 90% of the time, and the other 9% I play on PC, and 1% on New 3DS. But with Steam Deck that will shift. Definitely will play more PC if I have this device.

Frankly, PC + Switch makes all other devices irrelevant. Why own an Xbox if you have PC that can play all the same games but with better performance on TV, Gyro aiming and hybrid (assuming you buy a Deck alongside a TV gaming PC)... Why own a PS5 when half their Japanese games are now coming to Switch and and own exclusives are also going to PC where they can be played, again, with better performance on the TV, Gyro aiming and Hybrid?

I sold my Xbox One X and PS4 Pro because I never used them. I really like the idea of being Switch + PC only. All games hybrid. All games have Gyro. Nintendo exclusives on Switch. Xbox and PS exclusives on PC. 99% of the best games money can buy all concentrated on two hybrid platforms with Gyro.

@JaxonH Well you certainly shouldn't need a PS4 Pro if you have a PS5 I don't think w/ the backwards compatibility. I'll probably keep mine but give it to 1 of my kids for their rooms, still some stuff worth playing on it. And I dont' have a PSVR adapter yet.

Gamepass on PC is working for me. I don't play a lot of Xbox games anyway - no FPS or racing - mostly playing stuff I'd have to pay for on Switch on PS4 - Doom Eternal, Bug Fable, Dragon Quest Builders 2. Kind of amazes me they can sell as many Xbox as they do w/ Gamepass being available on PC but dedicated consoles are still nice.

Switch and a Deck will probably do you for a couple of years until Switch 2 comes out. Even your gaming time appears to be reaching it's limits. 😁

@frogopus "because like you said, that OLED screen is wasted when docked."

And since I only game docked, I think OLED has soured me after 18 months build up for the new Switch. 😝

18 months of Switch Pro hype - Jan 17, 2020.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/poll_what_features_would_you_want_in_a_switch_pro

@rjejr
Ya. This device has around 3 years to shine. After that, once Switch 2.0 releases and it can reach similar levels of performance (especially if they utilize Nvidia’s DLSS which could result in even better performance) it’ll start seeing a lot of games come over, and the appeal of the Deck will be severely diminished.

Not completely, mind you. Playing Portal 2 on handheld with gyro has been the dream for many a gamer, and that appeal will continue to hold water. And not every game will come to Switch, and Sony/MS exclusives on the Deck won’t be on Switch. Still, once the next generation of Switch releases, I suspect I’ll use this much less often.

@Gwynbleidd lol you sound so jaded that so many Nintendo fans are buying into this Steam Deck, i wonder how your wife would feel if she knew how insecure you are.

i don't have a "main" account, i would come to this website sometimes but i decided to make an account because i see so many salty Nintendo fans and it truly makes me laugh to watch how insecure so many of you are being over this thing.

Also it's cute of you to care about what my Nintendo games will do, but my Switch still works, it might be old but it still works, Nintendo haven't given me enough reason to give them more money yet.

@TheWingedAvenger lmfao imagine trying to convince someone to support poor business practices by telling them to be less materialistic.

Jesus, you realise this is a video game website? you honestly could not get more materialistic.

You're so far down that Nintendo Kool Aid that i doubt anyone can help you, but it's hilarious to watch this.

I’ll have Erik Peterson.

I have a PC with better specs and I don't play in portable mode on my Switch, won't get either.

@JaxonH Not true. The Switch forces you to install certain games, even if you own the card, such as NBA 2K20 & NBA 2K21 and WWE 2K18.

I considered spending $200 on a Switch Lite until the Switch OLED was announced. I then considered spending $350 on it. Then, the Steam Deck was announced and I considered spending $400 on it. Then, Sony gave me an invitation to purchase a PS5 Digital or Physical Edition, so my $400.00 went to Sony. Sorry Nintendo and Steam, though I have a Switch and my laptop plays at least half of my Steam library just fine.

@hammers1man my main issue was that after a few errors it told me i had been attempting too many purchases in a short time, I ended up just making a new account with a different email and it went through finally

@NTELLIGENTMAN
It is true.

Some games do. Most don't. If you performed statistical analysis of variance you'd see a massive difference between install sizes on Switch vs Steam. Not only do the vast majority not require any significant download, even those that do are still less than installing entire game, and even if you were installing the entire game, file sizes in and of themselves are smaller by comparison.

BTW I don't think you need to apologize to anyone. Nintendo is gonna do just fine without your second Switch purchase, and so will Valve.

@Shadowmoon522
Steam controller has absolutely stellar support from Valve. The controller configuration editor they built for it continues to be a game changer to this day, and not just for SC but all controllers.

They added Bluetooth support in an update as well, though the dongle is best. but it's an option if you lose the dongle. Honestly, Steam controller is perfection. There's nothing more to "support". It's perfect. It doesn't need anything more.

Whoever made that mockup doesn't have a clue what they're talking about.

Besides which, judging by demand that's resulted in orders being delayed all the way into Q2 2022 after just 24 hrs of taking reservations, Steam Deck will be actively supported for a long time. Because it's popular and people want it.

But even if they didn't, they don't have to. We don't need "support" from Valve because it's not a console. It's a PC. As long as the thing works they've done their job. They fact they support STEAM, ya know, the actual thing running on it, that's all that matters.

So again, whoever made that mockup is clueless or willfully ignorant.

To compare the Deck to a Steam Machine is unrealistic. For one the Steam Machines were very expensive for what they were. You were paying a premium for a having a smaller PC. Aren't the PS5 and Series X bigger in size than most Steam Machines. You would never sell a Steam Machine to a PC gamer that already has a desktop. They will sell loads of these and they won't be able to keep up with demand because of the value of the system and the value of the games.
Look at the Oculus Quest 2 it has trounced every other VR headset because it is a great value device that has so many features, Air link is awesome. It is also stand alone as you don't need a PC to play it, just like the Steam Deck. I think the Quest 2 would be even more successful if there wasn't the Facebook requirement catch. People love great quality hardware that is versatile and affordable.

@JaxonH Exactly, Valve not supporting it simple means they won't make an improved version. The Steam Deck is hardly gonna run out of new games. If you like the device and it feels comfortable it hardly is a risk buy if it doesn't sell well.

@JaxonH It's been "Not this day'" for 18 months as of today. 🤣

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/poll_what_features_would_you_want_in_a_switch_pro

Pikmin 4 may actually release before a more powerful Switch, called whatever Nintendo decrees. I'm guessing it will be purple so I'm calling it Eggplant. 😎

@rjejr
It likely will. Rumor has it they restarted development around 2017, and is now nearing completion. But I'll believe that one when I see it.

People were expecting too much too soon with Switch. And I get it. It's because people really love the system and want more. But it'll come in due time. We're halfway through the generation. Let's get through this chip shortage and let prices come down on more modern Nvidia chips and bust the door down in 2024 with a proper full gen leap sporting DLSS.

In the meantime, insanely great games abound everywhere I turn. I'm playing Zelda Skyward Sword and I'm flabbergasted at how incredible it is. I can't stop playing! It's so good!

And this right in the middle of my Monster Hunter Stories 2 playthrough, a game I feel is as good as Rise, which is one of my favorite video games I've ever played. I love MHS2 to death. So it says a lot that Skyward Sword won't release its grip on me to go back.

@hammers1man
Exactly. Valve could dump this on the market for a year, discontinue it and we'd be absolutely fine. All it needs to do is work. Because it's a PC, it runs Steam which IS upkept by Valve as the most popular gaming platform on the planet. You literally can't lose. The fact they're aiming to have Proton support for all games, even those with anti cheat, by the time the system launches (which will be Q2 2022 for my order) means they don't need to do anything afterward.

The success of the system itself is completely irrelevant to the quality of the experience you will receive as a consumer.

That said, this thing is gonna do VERY well. 5 million easy, maybe 10 if it catches word of mouth and reviews well.

@Mgalens "if you didn't enjoy the trails games then that is perfectly fine, but dont dismiss others enjoyment of things just because you didn't like them"
Totally agree with this. Btw, i like trail series and how all games connected. Also, reading and lot of text is very common in almost jrpg game.

@DK-Fan I’m with you there. I’ve seen so many people here actually wanting the Steam Deck to do damage to Nintendo, and it makes me wonder why these pitiful haters are on a Nintendo fan site.

I like your name btw.

@zool We'll wait and see. I highly doubt another model at an extra 100 GBP. We're getting into crazy price territory there, and remember technology gets cheaper over time so a 4K more powerful Switch late 2022 should cost about the same as the initial 2017 version. The OLED and the other models should be cheaper right now. They're not because the market is accommodating the current price points.

I'm calling it Switch 2 to define clearly the sort of system it will be - a successor, not a "Pro". Who knows what it would be called. Nintendo don't follow any pattern unlike Sony. You're also right, there's no guarantee the Switch successor will follow the same template. At this point we're extrapolating based on the market and Nintendo history.

@BloodNinja Maybe that just means Valve have a shonky payment system, or didn't scale up properly for anticipated demand...?

As I've said before, I'm pretty platform-agnostic (have something from everyone in the house except Xbox, mainly cos there's nothing exclusive on it I've ever wanted) so I'm not coming at this as some starry-eyed Ninty fanboy, regardless of what anyone might say/imply, but this thing looks like a solution in search of a problem.

With a Switch and a half-decent laptop this is utterly surplus to my requirements. If it floats others' boat then great, fill your boots collectively, but it seems very niche and half-baked to me, and a bunch of Steam diehards rushing for it as early-adopters does not a mass-market competition make.

I guess we'll see in a year or so. Happy to be proved wrong, cos as previously noted, Nintendo could use some proper competition again.

The steamdeck is just too gross looking. That controller was made by some Helen Keller creature.

@HalBailman well the one thing Nintendo needs right now is to show that it is still in the home console market. Until last week it dominated the handheld market, now its got a little competition there.

Nintendo won't survive just turning out Switch Lites and adding these sales to the Switch sales to out do the other two home consoles.
They realise this hence the Oled, but that does not address its home console issue. And to wait another two years is to long.

Neither for me, my OG switch it's doing just fine and a better screen don't excite me, maybe down the line if/when my OG switch kick the bucket of if I find a deal I can't say no. Gabe gear it's not for me, don't have steam and I am not a PC gamer, I use a PS Vita as my retro machine and have literally a back log for 2 lifetimes but I'll keep an eye for reviews, if anything, Gabe gear may open a new market as I really don't see it as a direct competition for switch. My hopes it's for Gabe gear to do well so Nintendo re thinks it's strategy and offers a more powerful handheld machine next time

@Mgalens
The elements you listed are indeed RPG elements in the Trails & Cold Steel series. But they are flooded by so much reading that they end up being minor elements. If a game is 80% reading a story and 20% RPG elements, then to me it's a visual novel. If you call the Trails/Cold Steel games RPGs, then you might as well call Tower of Druaga an RPG too, just because it has dungeons.

I'm not buying either of these. I play my Switch mostly docked, sometimes in handheld when travelling (haven't happened for a while) - so I won't get anything from OLED screen. When I saw different storage and pricing for Steam Deck, I just remembered that Doom 2016 on Switch is 16GB and the same Doom 2016 on Steam is 60GB - so I don't know who the $400 Steam Deck is for, and I'm not going to pay the price of higher storage tier because it's more than PS5 or XSX.

Im interested in the Steam Deck. I already have a Switch and no matter how people try to sell it, there isn't enough in the OLED model worth the upgrade.

I voted “neither,” but I will say it’s slightly tempting to try out the deck for a those few Steam games that don’t come to Switch... not quite worth it though when I can’t throw a rock without hitting and old pc that’ll run the sort of games I’m into.

(I’m Mac-only nowadays, but might have an ancient Dell or something laying around that I could resurrect.)

@TheWingedAvenger
" If a game is 80% reading a story and 20% RPG elements, then to me it's a visual novel."

so by that definition the trails series isnt a visual novel unless you can give an example of the 80% since it feels like you just made up that number, considering the general consensus would put it around roughly 50/50, but variable depending on difficulty and how much you engage in combat (a hard or nightmare mode run would skew it more to gameplay) that would put it at a higher gameplay to cutscene ratio than FFVI or VII, but lower than FFVIII (minus sidequests) and Xenogears.

anyway the conversation is starting to joycon-drift away from the articles topic so i would suggest looking up more about what is widely considered the definition of an rpg and the various subgenres since while there are some variables it is generally a lot more objective than something like a games quality.

Subjective:The trails series is a great rpg series.
Objective:The trails series is a japanese rpg series.

@Mgalens
I can't allow you to have the last word. So here's what I think of you. You're nothing but a spoony bard! I, by contrast, am a valiant paladin.
Anything you say from now on doesn't count because I've won.

@TheWingedAvenger
all i was asking in a prior comment was for you to use an example from the trails games of what you meant since using seemingly hyperbolic statements like claiming that it was 80% dialogue just came across like you were arguing in bad faith.

@Realness get a new battery then.

Pre-ordered the OLED Switch and will be pre-ordering the Deck as well once available in my country. So, both for me.

Steam deck is at maximum hype now but it'd be naive to think its going to be a runaway success...so much to prove and so many potential pitfalls on the way to success. Even if it does do really well it will have little dent in the switch, which is so well established and with a wider mainstream appeal.

@zool
"Nintendo won't survive just turning out Switch Lites and adding these sales to the Switch sales to out do the other two home consoles."

For starters, the Switch Lite is a Switch, which is why a sale of the Switch Lite is counted as a sale of the Switch.

But even if we were to entertain the ridiculous idea that the Switch Lite is its own platform independent from the standard Switch, the standard Switch will still have sold more than other platforms including the Xbox One and Nintendo 3DS.

Based on the leaked SteamDeck queue sizes, it seems like Valve has manufactured <150,000 SteamDecks worldwide that will last from its December 2021 launch until Q3 2022.

As a point of comparison, the supply constrained PS5 and Xbox Series consoles sell 100,000 to 300,000 units weekly (higher for PS5, lower for Xbox)

SteamDecks are genuinely going to be hard to get a hold of - by the time Valve can begin to ramp up production of the device to a mass market level (i.e. 1+ million per year), the Switch Pro/2 may actually get announced or released. Good luck to those trying to buy one lol.

@westman98 you sound like a Nintendo PR person.

@zool
What have I written that makes me sound like Nintendo PR?

Don't let facts hurt your feelings.

@zool
"you are comparing a nearly five year old Switch console with a yet to be launched new console."

No. I am comparing current Switch/PlayStation/Xbox demand with SteamDeck's total supply from its launch until Q3 2022.

"I think there being distracted by non game and console stuff and when the Lite sales peak their bubble may burst."

For starters, what is this even supposed to mean? Nintendo has stopped or slowed down in making games or consoles?
Secondly, "Nintendo is a bubble that will burst anyday now" is a 20 year-old meme, though I'm not surprised to see you say it lol.

@zool
"There was talk of them going down the Saga route, at one time."

Talk us talk, but the reality is that Nintendo had plenty of cash to withstand the Wii U failure, as well as the modestly successful 3DS to ensure a modicum of stablility. Nintendo going the way of Sega was always console war nonsense

"but they are ignoring the top end of their customer base."

In what way? By not releasing a Switch Pro/2 yet?

Nintendo is a publicly traded company that pursues profitablility and revenue. Satiating hardcore fans is nice and all, but they ultimately only account for a small portion of their customer base. What really matters to them is creating products that the mass market will buy.

@zool
Your personal anecdote is nice and all, but is there any actual evidence that Nintendo is "getting rid of bottom 10% of their customer base each year"? Both Switch hardware and software sales remain very high, which suggests that the Switch audience is very engaged. It would be a different story if hardware sales were strong but software sales started free-falling as that would indeed suggest a loss of engagement, but that's not happening at all

"In Japan we see low release sales for new games"

Wanna provide some examples of this? As far as I can tell, every notable release has sold at or above expectations, especially once digital sales are factored in.

@zool
Both Monster Hunter Stories 2 and eBaseball 2021 sold within expectations in Japan and better than their predecessors once digital sales are factored in.

@zool
So your only retort is to straight-up ignore the existence of digital sales, even though it account for 30-40% of Nintendo's software sales figures?

In other words, your were wrong. Just admit it and move on.

@zool
You were using retail-only sales numbers to imply that total Switch software sales for new releases are weak in general. When I mentioned digital sales, you chose to ignore them to make your invalid argument seem valid.

Also, you are now confusing the Japanese sales with the UK sales.
> In the UK charts, Monster Hunter Stories 2 ranked at #4 during it's launch week, with retail launch sales at 2.5× greater than that of the first entry. During it's second week, sales dropped by 68% (which is a reasonable 1st to 2nd week drop) and it ranked at #13.
> In Japan charts, Monster Hunter Stories 2 indeed topped the charts, with sales well above the first game with digital sales factored in. We don't have data for it's 2nd week sales yet as that data hasn't been published.

In other words, Monster Hunter Stories 2 sold within expectations and well above the first entry in both the UK and Japan (especially in the UK).

As I have said before, just admit you were wrong and move on.

I wish Nintendo would just release their 1st party exclusives on other platforms as well. I doubt the switch sales themselves make them a ton of money, it's mainly the game sales. Any money they lost from switch sales could be made up from additional sales via other platforms. A lot of the more hardcore fanboys of Nintendo are hoping the steam deck will fail but I think it's pretty much shown there's been WAY more interest than valve initially expected, myself included. I'm not a fanboy of anything but I appreciate good tech when I see it. I've basically been wanting something like this for a long time, I tried getting a razer Kishi for my phone but honestly, it wasn't convenient and it's not like it can play my steam library without remote streaming which is laggy at best.

@Mgalens
Okey, here's your example. I hope other people chime in on this discussion, as I think it's important for people to save money and understand the false advertising that's behind most "RPGs".

On Youtube, a guy named TheOffOne has uploaded a playthrough of Trails of Cold Steel IV. If you watch the first video, you'll notice that my estimate of 80% text-reading is quite generous. It's actually closer to 95%. You might say that the first part of a game needs to explain the setting. Okey, now real RPGs do that in less than ten minutes, but let's allow this game to take two hours, which is the length of that video.

Moving on to the second video, you'll find to your dismay that the average gameplay time is roughly the same as in the first video. Now we've been through the first three hours of the game and have played almost none of it. It's 90% text-reading and 10% actual gameplay. And again, I'm being generous, because the gameplay here isn't the same as the gameplay in a real RPG. When I say gameplay I mean walking around an overworld, a dungeon, a cave, a town, etc., and also fighting enemies.

Now, in this fake RPG, combat is not really combat. In an RPG, combat is a moment in which you can win or lose, and it serves to improve your character. The more you fight, the better you become. In the Trails/Cold Steel games, the combat is a storytelling element, as everything else is. So you can't lose, and fighting more enemies than you encounter during the story is not needed. The combat-related decisions that you make are pointless, because you always win. You make no decisions, because it's just a story, a movie, a picture book. Also, in real RPGs, when you explore a town you are mostly walking around and looking for things and people that can be of use. In Cold Steel, you hear people talking to you even while you're walking around! They tell you such useless info that you wonder how on Earth the game passed quality-checks before release. Nonetheless, I counted all the fake gameplay as real gameplay, and I my estimate is that the first three hours of the game had about 10% gameplay.

In Dragon Quest, you go places when you want to visit them, you find things in the order you decide to, you improve at your own pace, and the story is in what YOU do, because you are the main character. In the Cold Steel games you're just an observer, watching the main character in a story that's been written by a videogame designer who thinks he's a great author (but isn't). You're not playing a role - not even close. Super Mario Bros is more of an RPG than Cold Steel is. I think the Trails/Cold Steel games should exist and I'll even agree to say that they're the greatest games of all time, but all I ask in return is for the developers to call the games by their real genre: visual novels. These games have almost nothing in common with RPGs, so when RPG fans buy them (due to false advertising), they are discouraged from buying RPGs, because they wonder "is this what RPGs are now?".

@Mgalens
Apparently, lots of people on the internet agree with me that Cold Steel is only 20% gameplay. In this forum thread, you'll see one of them write exactly that:

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/694913-the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel/73081036

So are we all crazy? Or could it be that you're just a spoony bard?

@TheWingedAvenger
"Now, in this fake RPG, combat is not really combat. In an RPG, combat is a moment in which you can win or lose, and it serves to improve your character. The more you fight, the better you become."

again can you give an actual example from the game in how you "always win" yes cold steel is considering the easiest arc in the series due to some of the OP quartz combos you can use or abusing the break system in 3 (which was nerfed in 4) but saying that you cant lose is a massive exaggeration,

as for the cutscene to gameplay ratio, my source on that is playing through the games themselves. the pacing varies from segment to segment, cold steel IVs prologue for example is one of the most infamously long but the game opens up as you go. while cold steel 2 you are exploring the first "dungeon" area within about 10-15 mins depending on how fast you read. the first hour or two of zero is a mix of story, walking around areas and a dungeon and then you have access to a pretty good sized segment of crossbell. azure you are in your first fight and then first dungeon within a few minutes.

*edit: for some numbers, i remembered i had a couple of saves on the 3rd cold steel game, i had made a save before the end of chapter 1 so i could replay the boss fights, it stood at around 16 hours, this was a backup during my first playthrough, my second playthrough of the game where i had skipped cutscenes stood at around 9 hours same location, same character levels. thats just a rough example of one of the games but CSIII was a pretty cutscene intensive one.

again it would be best if you used examples from your experiences with the games rather than relying on confirmation bias. (and name calling)

or a better option would be to use the forums, you may not get the biggest pool of answers since most of the games arent on switch and the 3+4 ports have issues, but it would be better to discuss this kind of thing in a dedicated topic than in the comments section of an article on the steam deck.

Both! Because I have, what some might consider, an unhealthy addiction to owning different technologies and tinkering with them.

Also the Steam Deck is cheaper than anything else currently in the handheld gaming PC market and I want to play PS2 games on-the-go (so I will be keeping an eye on youtube reviews going forward and see what it can do).

@JaxonH Cool, I still have my reservations on the small distance between the buttons and the shoulder bumpers and the d-pad location, but I haven't held it in my hands so I can't be sure. I looked up the hands on and I noticed he hardly used the bumpers. However, I did see that the bumpers are shaped to be pressed coming from the bottom rather than straight.
It seems a workable solution to make them more accessible to compensate from the low placement.

As for the lower pad placement, I disagree. Grab a regular modern controller like a Switch Pro controller, the adjusted placement of the pads is around .5 cm lower than the right Thumbstick. The thumbstick and buttons on my mock up are still quite high up to make room for the pads.

In the end I think the design of the grips and the triggers set on an angle might tilt your hand forward into a position where this lay-out works. In 3D space the button placement might not be that off because of that.

P.S. of course I know they have ergonomics experts on their team. Every competent product design team does. Still compromises are made. Always, but even more when space is limited. It could very well be fixed by the design of the grips and triggers. Hopefully it is!

Unfortunately, at this point all we can do is judge by eye. That's a large part of how we all are judging this unreleased product..
I would definitely like to try it out to see (and feel) for myself.