Are you using Steam? Are you playing the Switch? Can’t you just pick one? Both Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s Switch are frequently pitted against each other in handheld console wars. Why do we think we should own only one of two popular consoles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses?
Let’s talk Steam Decks and Switches if you’re wondering whether to get one. Here’s six reasons why you should have both a Steam Deck and a Switch!
1. Play Nintendo exclusives on the Switch, PC exclusives on Steam
Since Switch games can’t be emulated on other platforms, you can still enjoy Nintendo exclusives when you have a Switch and Steam Deck. You can play Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2 on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Packs also let you relive old Sega Mega Drive games and N64 games, like Mario Party and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
You can also download DLC packs for exclusive Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons using the online expansion service. There are over 7,000 Steam Deck-verified or playable games on Steam Deck, but you won’t find Nintendo Switch exclusives on Valve’s console. Contrary to popular belief, not all PC games are compatible with the Switch. To fulfill all your gaming needs, you’d be better off owning both consoles.
2. Steam Deck Gives You Higher Quality Games
On Valve’s handheld device (and probably on Nintendo’s), Nintendo’s games look (and run) better than Valve’s. This is because the Switch runs games on old hardware that’s at least five years old. In spite of the OLED Switch’s updated release, the hardware stays the same from the original Nintendo Switch. The Steam Deck fueled fears that Nintendo’s Switch might die before it’s released in 2022.
You’ll also be able to play PlayStation games on Steam if you own both consoles. Think about whether your other non-handheld gaming consoles are obsolete instead of the Valve Steam Deck vs. Nintendo Switch ultimatum.
3. Owning both handhelds lets you price match games
You can save money by buying the game for the cheaper console if the game works on both the Switch and Steam Deck. It’s often cheaper on Steam than on Nintendo. Several things could be causing this: There’s a possibility Nintendo’s game development will be more expensive. It might be more expensive to develop games for the Switch because the hardware is different from PCs and other consoles.
Cartridges for physical games are more expensive. Some Nintendo Switch games are available as physical cartridges, while Steam games are all digital. The physical copies will cost Nintendo more to make and distribute. Market demand vs. user base volume. Due to Steam’s bigger user base than Nintendo, developers have the option of selling their game for less and still making a profit. Conversely, Switch games are in high demand, so prices may rise.
There are good deals on the Nintendo store despite Nintendo Switch games usually costing more than Steam Deck games. Making wishlists on the Nintendo eShop and Steam will help you find the best price. If your wishlist games go on sale, you’ll get notifications from each store. Buying games on either console will let you choose the best price.
4. If you’ve played a game on Nintendo Switch, you can sell it
Owning a Switch might be a better investment if you play games once. Nintendo Switch game cartridges are the only way to get physical copies of digital games. Because Nintendo Switch games are so popular, they hold their value. After playing through your game, you’ll be able to sell it second-hand and put your money towards another game for either console. Check out your friends’ Steam Deck libraries to save money on games.
5. It’s the ultimate portable technology combo with the Switch and Steam Deck
It’s pretty good to see the Switch and Steam Deck as the ultimate portable technology combination if you’re looking for a reason to own both. There’s no better hybrid gaming experience than Nintendo Switch. With an HDMI cable, you can connect to a TV and play games on a bigger screen, seamlessly switching between handheld and TV mode. With its good performance, it makes a great portable and home gaming device.
Alternatively, you can use the Steam Deck to replace your desktop computer or laptop, as well as enjoy handheld gaming. You can either use a lapdock to convert your device into a laptop, or, if you’re a couple, you can both game. When you’re a couple, owning both consoles makes sense. Alternatively, you can play on handheld consoles simultaneously without being tied into multiplayer games. When needed, one of you can use the Steam Deck as a computer so the other can play games.
6. Gaming consoles to fit your mood
Moods can affect your gaming mood just like you might crave comedy movies to cheer you up or scary movies to pump your adrenaline. Do you want to customize or optimize your gameplay, check out an emulator for old games on your handheld, or borrow someone else’s game? The Steam Deck can be picked up today.
The Nintendo Switch is another option if you’re looking for a pick-up-and-play moment, fun multiplayer, or easy TV connection. It’s hard to say what you’ll prefer one day versus the next. Switch and Steam Deck have their pros and cons. It’s possible to love a Nintendo Switch exclusive one day, then a Steam game the next because the games are available for each differ slightly.
You’ll have a lot of options to play games and devices with both consoles.
Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch Are Both Worth Owning
The Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch complement each other perfectly, so it’s a great idea to have both. Different consoles offer different games, different gaming experiences, and different hardware features. Is it better to buy the Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch first? It’s not necessarily a choice of which console to buy. It’s up to you.
