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The handheld gaming space just got more interesting with the introduction of the Steam Deck OLED, giving the Nintendo Switch OLED some real competition. These two OLED devices offer a lot of gaming potential with their user-friendly designs and extensive game libraries. But do you really need both? Probably not!
Switch OLED vs. Steam Deck OLED: Price
When it comes to price, Nintendo always comes out on top – and this case is no different. The Nintendo Switch OLED starts at $349, while the Steam Deck OLED starts at $549. That’s a $200 difference, enough to buy a Switch OLED and a Switch Lite for the price of one Steam Deck OLED.
Winner: Switch OLED
Switch OLED vs. Steam Deck OLED: Design
In terms of design, the Switch OLED arguably beats out the Steam Deck OLED. Both devices have large screens and typical gamepad control layouts, but the Switch OLED shines in portability. Weighing only 0.93 pounds, it’s a much easier device to carry around compared to the Steam Deck OLED’s 1.41 pound weight. Additionally, every Switch comes with a dock for TV play, while the Steam Deck’s dock is an optional $79 accessory.
Winner: Switch OLED
Switch OLED vs. Steam Deck OLED: Display
Valve takes the lead in the display department. Both devices feature OLED displays, offering deeper black levels and improved contrast. However, the Steam Deck OLED boasts a larger 7.4-inch display with a higher 800p resolution and a faster 90Hz refresh rate, compared to the Switch OLED’s 7-inch display with 720p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate.
Winner: Steam Deck OLED
Switch OLED vs. Steam Deck OLED: Horsepower
When it comes to raw specs, the Steam Deck wins hands down. With an AMD GPU and 16GB RAM, it outperforms Nintendo’s Nvidia Tegra mobile chipset with just 4GB RAM. While Nintendo focuses on affordability and family-friendliness, the Steam Deck prioritizes raw horsepower.
In the end, both the Nintendo Switch OLED and the Steam Deck OLED have their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your priorities, one may be more suitable for you than the other. But whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a great portable gaming experience!
Playing the Steam Deck and the Switch side by side really highlights the stark difference in performance. The Steam Deck effortlessly handles almost all modern games at 60 frames per second, while the Switch struggles with games like Batman: Arkham Knight, a title from 2015. The Switch’s hardware was outdated at launch seven years ago, and now it’s simply ancient.
### Winner: Steam Deck OLED
Both consoles boast impressive game libraries, but one clearly stands out. The Steam Deck has access to 20 years of PC gaming history, while the Switch is limited to titles released since 2017. Moreover, the Steam Deck can be hacked to run Windows and play games from other platforms like Game Pass and Epic Games Store. Let’s just say, there are “other ways” to play almost anything on a Steam Deck.
But don’t count the Switch out just yet. It has a solid lineup of indie gems like Stardew Valley and top-tier Nintendo exclusives such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Nintendo has built a great library over the years, but Valve’s offering is a cut above.
### Winner: Steam Deck OLED
When it comes to battery life, the tables turn in favor of the Switch OLED. While neither console boasts impressive battery performance, the Switch outlasts the Steam Deck with a rating of 4 to 9 hours compared to the Steam Deck’s 3 to 4 hours.
If you have the cash to spare and aren’t solely enamored with Nintendo titles, the choice is clear. The Steam Deck OLED may come with a $200 premium over the Switch OLED, but the superior display, specs, and game library make it the better option overall.
### Winner: Steam Deck OLED
[Switch OLED on table](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-2-fill_-size_256x144-v1702052052.webp)
Nintendo Switch OLED + ‘Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate’ game bundle
[Steam Deck OLED on desk](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-1-fill_-size_256x144-v1702052052.jpg)
Steam Deck OLED
Topics: Gaming, Nintendo
