The Steam Deck is Going to Crush the Switch. Fight me.

The newly announced Steam Stream Deck is going to destroy the Switch, especially after the disappointing Switch OLED announcement. Here's why.

[thesoftware730]

your a lunatic.

Destroy it how?

How well will this sell in japan, do you know if the Steam Deck will have issues? I can tell you one thing, if people start using this thing a lot and not just for gaming it can crash, get a virus ect. When a PC crashes it can be a real headache that most casuals will not know how to solve.

It's not even out.

Nintendo is on its way to the elite 100mil mark, its to late to destroy it.

[zahdab]

His a lunatic? what about mine :o ?!
Though yea with his logic PC should have destroyed consoles ages ago ...

[bouzebbal]

Just because it looks the same doesn’t mean it will compete against it.. the gameplay experience switch provides is very different thanks to its software..

[ABizzel1]

Sales, absolutely not.

"If it was a competition", then yes it does in about every other category.

Switch has been out for over 4 years, it's done wha tit needs to do, and has sold so well it's not getting "crushed" by anything. Now if we're talking Switch 2 then that's another story, and honestly if Switch 2 comes out in 2022, then I still think Steam Deck will have better hardware, features, services, etc... simply because Nintendo doesn't want to cross the $349 "console" price point as it has worked for them, and Nintendo also doesn't want to sell their hardware at a loss.

[ABizzel1]

@Bouzebbal

https://www.retroarch.com/
https://yuzu-emu.org/game/
https://cemu.info/
https://citra-emu.org/
https://dolphin-emu.org/
http://desmume.org/
https://www.pj64-emu.com/
https://mgba.io/

[Ju]

Not sure if this is a valid argument. PC gaming is alive and kicking. I like the idea the SteamDeck brings to the table. I am curious what it will do for linux as a gaming platform, tbh. With Stadia (also linux based) and other (streaming?) platforms spreading to linux, this might have a big impact.

It will certainly have an impact on the Switch. Right now there is no mobile competition. But if I would have a choice, I'd rather take my steam games on the go, tbh. And have a bit of a beefier platform. I rather think this will sell in the millions. If it does, it will have an impact not only on the Switch but also on PC (and Linux) gaming. Even though I believe a lot of people will switch SteamOS with Windows - but it will all depend how well Valve can support SteamOS out of the box (that is, with a games library and easy of use). BigPicture is useless (IMO) and the desktop Steam UI only works well with a keyboard/mouse (but a touch might probably not have any issues with it).

I am also curious how this integrates with non steam games (Ubi launcher, Epic, EA).

[Sonic-and-Crash]

No mario , No Zelda , No Monster Hunter , No Splatoon (games that are coming elite gaming artisans ..not like the bethesda and ubisoft mediocrities) =Steam Dek is a dead horse that depends on Playstation PC ports .......

it is the hard truth

[Atom666]

Premise of the article is dumb, but your comment forgets that this thing is going to be wide open. I immediately see it as an emulation work horse.

Yuzu probably will struggle, and Cemu still needs work, but everything from Dolphin on back will likely run flawlessly.

So it's going to ultimately have more Nintendo games than the Switch playable on it. Currently Vita has the crown for best portable emulation device imo. I can see Steam Deck replacing that quickly.

Plus it'll be capable of running 3rd party titles that simply can't run on the switch.

The "hard truth" is that you're likely going to have a handheld that can house your entire Steam library, 1000's games from PS1, PS2, GCN, Dreamcast, etc., probably PC Gamepass, and then those Playstation PC ports.

It won't overtake Switch of course, but there's a lot of positives about this thing.

[Michiel1989]

@sonic so steamdeck will rely on 2 games then? HZD and Days Gone? not on the thousands of steam games that are allready out there?

[-Hermit-]

Monster Hunter is on Steam, so that immediately shows you have no idea what you are talking about.

Mario and Zelda are huge, but I simply don't care. It's very hard to feel like I am missing out on 2 series when I literally have thousands of other games to choose from. Mario and Zelda are not the be all end all of gaming, I don't care enough about either of them to buy a whole system for them.

Splatoon........seriously? That would be on Humble Bundle monthly six weeks after release if that was on PC. It's exclusivity to Nintendo makes it seem better than it really is.

"Steam Dek is a dead horse that depends on Playstation PC ports"

Careful, your fanboy is showing.

[refocusedman]

Other than Marion and zekda no one cares. Monster hunter is not a Nintendo exclusive and splatoon....... really???? At least mention metroid.

[VersusDMC]

Monster hunter world and Stories 2 are on PC. And Rise is coming to PC as well. All of those will be playable on the Steam Deck and look better. Let's see how much japan finds that appealing...

[ABizzel1]

@Sonic-and-Crash

https://www.retroarch.com/
https://yuzu-emu.org/game/
https://cemu.info/
https://citra-emu.org/
https://dolphin-emu.org/
http://desmume.org/
https://www.pj64-emu.com/
https://mgba.io/

[RaiderNation]

Hahahaha!! You act like emulators don't exist. There are PC Switch emulators right now that run Switch games better than the actual Switch does. Plus I can play virtually every single NES, SNES, N64, and Gamecube game via emulation and they all look and run better and I don't have to have a stupid subscription to play them.

[FanboysKiller]

MS've brainwashed its consumers to bother about the least common issues and take it into account, that's called feel of insecurity, buying a 1000 plus $ piece of tech in 2021 with all its tech advancements while still taking the least common issues into account, jeez! , normal humans can't operate at this level of insecurity.

[Flawlessmic]

Destroy the switch?

Very unlikely, steam is not nintendo and while yes it has a large user base, it doesnt have half the recognition of nintendo.

Your average gamer who plays consoles would barely know what steam is, such as a lot of my freinds and family.

I honestly dont beleive this will go gang busters as i pretty much buy any consoles or hand helds that have come out in the last 17 years and i cant say i want this or will buy it anytime soon.

Maybe if the resolution was higher it would be a lot more enticing to me. Before anyone comes back with the switch resolution, its different as nintendo games have great art direction which softens the blow of average graphics.

Playing top tier games that i know look way better elsewhere is not that enticing, espcially as i highly doubt that battery is gonna last very long so the portability of it loses its shine.

I get there will be people who will want it, but this aint getting close to switch numbers.

[TheCaptainKuchiki]

Yeah I do believe that the vast majority of the Switch target demographics doesn't know what Steam is. Unlike the majority of PS5 and Xbox gamers who know it.

[gold_drake]

naah, only frequent gamers know about steam.
casuals dont. or maybe they do and stay way from it cause pc gaming aint for everyone.

[EarlyGamegg]

its an opinion piece. You share your opinion, which is fine. It has nothin to do with being lunatic or something else. So calm down

[PrinceAli]

Loool... you're simply being challenged on your take because its genuinely a garbage take! Like you'd genuinely have to be a bonehead to think this system is going to destroy the Switch.. The Switch is sooo appealing to everybody and this machine is appealing to few (in comparison).. The people who want a handheld experience aren't the same crowd as the usual gamer and the Deck will suffer as a result of it. I predict this machine will sell its early stock then disappear into nothingness, just a cool alternative but with no real staying power.

[Neonridr]

you said "fight me" in your title, obviously accepting people to give rebuttals.

It's a niche product aimed at a select group. It will not destroy anything.

I have one on preorder because I love all technology, but until it can give me 1st party Nintendo titles, it'll always be third fiddle (behind my PS5 / Switch).

[EarlyGamegg]

you are right. I enjoy all of you guys sharing your opinion with me. Still, i am not calling other people lunatic or something. Thats it. Fight me with arguments rather than calling me things ;) But it is all cool

[Master of Unlocking]

It does have the whole Steam catalog behind it though... Something Switch owners will only ever be able to dream of. Playing GTA V or Red Dead Redemption 2 on a portable system is nothing to scoff at, I think.

[Neonridr]

@Master - for sure, it has it's appeal. I have a gaming PC, so I don't know how much use I will get out of it though.

[thesoftware730]

You said it will "Crush" the Switch and then say "fight me"

Then say "hey its an opinion, calm down"

You really are looney.

[Angyobangyo]

Your title is inviting confrontation. Your opinions is just as valid as those who reply to you. Take your lumps.

[Levii_92]

I hope it does so Nintendo can wake up. Switch doesn't deserve it's massive success IMO.

[Darkborn]

I agree. I havnt turned mine on it Iike a year. It's a really cool console and the concept is amazing, but it needs a revision with higher specs.

[Levii_92]

It needs games !! And yes i agree with the rest. I’m seriously thinking of selling it. I would rather have an XSX next to my Ps5 at this point.

[ABizzel1]

I wouldn't even say it's the Switch, the hardware was mid-range even at the time of release (NVIDIA had already finished Tegra X2, and announced Xavier) so it was always going to get left behind eventually.

It's Nintendo that needs a revision, they're okay with doing just enough to get by and appease their fans, and doing even less to evolve their business to fit a better balance between their target audience (child / casual gamers), and the gamers who grew up with them.

No one is asking Nintendo for a $499 console that beats or even rivals PS5 and Series X. People would be okay with Series S performance levels that even has nips and tucks here and there to ensure they get their Day 1 profit, instead Nintendo has been stuck at PS360 performance levels and less for the last 16 years, and charging up to $350 for it.

[RickRoland]

The steam deck will hang out with Stadia in the middle of nowhere. Fight me.

[MadLad]

Highly doubtful.
There's a lot of buzz around this and, unlike stadia, the Deck has the entire Steam catalog to play off of, and they're also not trying to charge you full retail to stream old games.

Though I'm assuming you may be taking the piss due to the OPs cringy straightforwardness.

[John_McClane]

I think the Steam deck is a very interesting proposition, I don't see much in way of negatives so far.

[RickRoland]

I think the steam deck is a fun little device however I also then think about the fact that a majority of games on steam I would prefer to play with a keyboard/mouse and that changes the entire thing.

[CBaoth]

Steam deck will be as popular as Steam machines. This is due to Valve NOT learning from that previous fiasco, not the device itself

[Outlawzz]

As much as I would love that, it would take a miracle.
It doesn't appeal to a wider audience (families) to put it simply lol

[Rockstar]

Power wise sure. But sales wise not even close.

[quodlike]

Pretty sure they dont expect to sell hundred of million.The Steam Deck will have a few millions availability at max. The people that gonna get it they gonna enjoy their Steam Library. As long as they dont sell on loss Steam Deck is a win situation for Steam as a company.They gonna get as many as they can out there its not like they gonna need to make games for it. Imagine this you buy an empty cup for your soda drinks. You still need to buy soda drinks to fill it but the cup company only cares to sell as many cups as they can.

Nintendo on the other hand needs to make their own games to sell Switch

[Michiel1989]

I think youre underestimating it. I think/hope steamdeck will come out with a more powerfull version every 2 years or so. that way it can somewhat keep up with more demanding titles and stay relevant. It wont have the sales boom that the switch has for sure, but i do think it has potential to stay for a very long time. Just gotta wait and see how Valve handles it.

your cup comparison makes no sense, because the cupseller in the case of steamdeck also takes a cut of selling the lemonade that fills it, a pretty large cut at that. Its incentivized to keep improving and caring for both the cup and the lemonade.

[lelo2play]

Don't much care for the Switch, but no. Steam Deck isn't going to crush the Switch...
Steam Deck won't even be close.

[redrum06]

People mostly buy a Nintendo console because of their exclusives so I won't believe it will destroy it. It does seem like a better all-round option though, if you're not that into Nintendo exclusives.

[TheEnigma313]

Nah, Nintendo gets away with murder. Nintendo does no wrong in their customers eyes. They can give games from their failed console and sell it for full price and fans will eat it up.

[BrainSyphoned]

Steam has 120 million users and would need over a 70% attachment rate to catch the Switch if it never sold another unit. Mind you Steam is forever so you could technically say Steam handheld will pass the Switch in a couple decades and you might be right since Nintendo will eventually make something new. I expect your next dumb article at that time.

[Workshyskiver]

That 120 Million is total monthly Active users, a figure none of the consoles come close to, for contrast the PS4 in March 2021 was around 8 Million. Total number of accounts registered (Obviously not all unique and not sure how many are spambots) hit over a Billion back in 2019.

[BrainSyphoned]

Generally active users are a little more willing to buy things so forgive me for not just grabbing the biggest number.

[SoulWarrior]

A very large chunk of the Nintendo fanbase buys the switch for the Nintendo exclusives, the steam deck won't change that at all imo

[Elda]

I highly doubt that. I did reserve a Steam Deck instead of buying a Switch due to my lack of interest in most of the Switch exclusives including the Steam Deck being more powerful than the Switch but Nintendo will always have their fans & there are millions of them something I think the Steam Deck can't compete with.

[godofiron]

The fact that the Switch succeeded at all, is proof that that this won't happen.

The switch is very much mainstream, and people bought it for the exclusives, family friendliness as well as the convenience. Mario, Zelda, portability. They barely cared about power, or features. Still can't watch even netflix on the thing.

The Steam Deck (on paper) looks better than the Switch in every conceivable way. However. Will marketing to casuals/mainstream work? and most importantly, does Valve/PC have exclusives that rival the public mindshare of Mario, Zelda, or the combined influence of all the IP in a game like Super Smash Bros...?

At the end of the day There isn't enough overlap in the markets for this to happen, even though the Steam Deck is the most excited I've been about new tech in close to a decade.

Steam Deck won't "crush" the Switch, and It really doesn't need to.
It's playing a much MUCH more important role in the grand scheme of things IMO.

[Dandizzle]

I won't be getting the steam deck because that money goes further to buy new PC parts so I can play steam games on the platform in which they where designed.

[Sonyslave3]

lol they said the same thing about psvita going to destroy the 3ds and we know how that story went.

[skyrimer]

The difference is that Vita had sub par games for the most part, while Steam Deck has thousands of AAA games available from day one, many of which people already have on their steam accounts.

[GenWorld]

LETS GOOOOOO🤣🤣 315;

[CrimsonWing69]

Well, that’s a pretty dumb thing to say. It may be “better” than the Switch but it’s not going to sell anywhere near as much as the Switch.

[Vaud-Villian]

Literally every game on the steam deck can be played on alternate hardware.

Switch? Not so much.

Your futile attempt to be edgy was cute though.

[brewin]

Lol thats not happening. Maybe spec wise and all of that, but who has the IP that keeps Nintendo where theyre at?! No one. I think it looks great, and hopefully Nintendo will up their game with the next iteration for Switch, but no way this takes Nintendos spot or even makes a dent in their profits.

[PrinceAli]

These people are soo deluded its insane! the wider industry couldn't give a sh*t about the Steam Deck loool

[TheManicCoder]

That's a silly title. I don't believe Valve is out to compete with anyone, rather it's releasing a device to cater to its audience. While they have a mixed track record with hardware, their latest hardware has bee fantastic.

I have a switch and thoroughly enjoy it. I travel(ed) quite a bit pre-COVID and will ramp up again after this year and it was always the device I brought with me vs a huge gaming notebook to play my games. However, this changes things for me. I pre-ordered one myself as it will allow me to have access to my steam library without being glued to my PC or lug around a rather heavy notebook (plus my work equipment).

I don't expect it to play my games at ultra high fidelity but I am quite excited by the fact that I can now to my library with me in a smaller form factor with my saves that will sync to the cloud. Now, I can buy games like MH Stories 2 for my Steam account vs Switch for example and keep my Switch for Nintendo titles as that's really where the console shines.

[S2Killinit]

Really doubt it. I think this thing will crash like that other one i dont remember the name of.

[Neonridr]

wake me when it sells 100 million units, lol.

[Espangerish]

Technically superior does not equal commercially more successful.

The Deck technically crushes the switch true, but the Vita technically crushed the 3DS....and we know how that worked out.

[FanboysKiller]

@30fps.

[BehindTheRows]

What’s to fight? You’ll be proven wrong.

Better yet - why does one thing have to “crush” the other? Why do we need articles looking to pick “fights” with people?

[pramath777]

Man, y'all never learn, don't you
*new powwerful handheld* will kill *insert current Nintendo handheld*, we've been at it for 35 years, it never works out.

[Nik]

They're targeted at different audience. Some people dislike the Switch because they are not the target audience. There is no need to make everything into a toxic competition. I am happy the Deck exists for portable pc games, but it does not replace the Switch. We should also appreciate Nintendo for doing their own thing.

[Killer73nova]

Yeeeaaahh I doubt they will be able to sell almost 85mil in 4 years

[ScootaKuH]

No it won't. It's not even aimed at the same demographic.

People buy Nintendo consoles for Nintendo games. It doesn't matter how much more powerful the Deck is, it doesn't have Nintendo games.

Now, because of the types of games I like, I find the Deck much more appealing, but even I can see it's not a mainstream device.

[nRicosS]

Switch oled is suck, I fully agree. But deck going to crush switch, won't happen, 625$ deck price is for PC elitist

[skyrimer]

There's a $400 version with the same specs, only slower drive.

[fitofficial]

I'd say people are going to be insanely frustrated hitting the touchpads with their palms when using the joysticks. Nintendo's got nothing to worry about especially given the substantially different target audiences.

[masterfox]

I hope it does.

[strayanalog]

Fight me? "Oh, you won't hit him!"

So you loved your Switch under the assumption that a Pro version was coming, but now that it isn't you think the Steam-pal will crush it because it has the imaginary specs you wanted? Cool.
Overall, I see this "opinion" as a call for help, so I think you need to re-evaluate how you take rumors and speculation. Unless you're a Karen that's simply mistakenly given your thoughts on a vacuum and a steam cleaner.

Since knee-jerk reaction blogs are counting more and more as a relevant opinion, it won't crush the Switch. Here's why: It's my opinion. Fight me.

[Nurket]

Yeah, and Apple will go bankrupt tomorrow.....
Facts is that the majority love nintendo and their exclusives, and dont care about how real a tree can look or whatever. Numbers are facts.
I hope steam gets their own success, more «Competition» is good and variety is good.
But trust me.. nintendo stands their own ground with their own games etc. no point making this a war between those two.
I dont know if im a minority on this next thing, but i started with nintendo and sega back in the day, went over to ps2, pc, online/competetive, shooters, mmo etc in my youth and further. Now at the age of 35, im 100% back with nintendo.. dont care so much anymore about realism, power, competetive etc etc. Nintendos games combined with their philosophy towards gaming, is a blizz.. they always give me a positive vibe, like a game should. Things shift as time go, specially what you see as a positive influence in your day to day.

[gold_drake]

nah i dont think so. we hardly know anything about this new device.
i dont think casual players and most console gamers are gonna buy it.

im not rly sure for who this steam deck is for tbf. if you're a pc gamer, you wont be switching to this.

[Imortus_san]

Steam Deck is going to be a flop just like the Steam Machine was and even Steam OS is.

[glenn1979]

Destroy in what?

[-Gespenst-]

I mean, I'm a PC gamer, and I own a lot of games on Steam, but the Switch has popular appeal that this thing will never have. Everyone and their grandmother knows what a Nintendo Switch is.

[hiawa23]

Um, no. Nintendo is in their own lane. Switch will be fine.

[thesoftware730]

Gen after Gen, we keep hearing that something will Crush/Destroy/kill or doom Nintendo.

Yet i been playing Nintendo since 1988 lmao.

Just Stop already.

[FallenAngel1984]

Switch will be pass 100 million by the time Steam Deck releases

[esherwood]

I doubt it but I really hope it does, definitely way better of a value

[dubal-e]

Could be the PS Vita all over again. More powerful system with a less powerful reach.

[Knightofelemia]

Steam Deck all though has the horsepower it lacks the Nintendo franchises that fans have grown up to since the NES days and now.

[mastershredder]

Fight yourself and hit yourself as hard you can, several times. They are not even going after the same demographic dippy.

[Father__Merrin]

Steam deck isn't a toy console like the Switch is. Grannies children women and parents and even 4 year old all love switch.

Steam deck will just trickle along like other valve products

[ILostMyMind]

It needs to be smaller first.

Maybe Google should make one handheld with Android OS and Snapdragon processor.

[cerpintaxt44]

lol just like the steam box was going to killl consoles

[RPGer]

When people accept Nintendo device nothing can beat that just like: DS, Wii, Switch. All these devices are so inferior and outdated technology packed with gemmicks that won't servive ahead. But it do sell really well if not the best in it gen. It never been quality or quantity or even hardware, it just mix of casuals, pokemon mario zelda fans, parent gifts, + Japanese liking on the go thing and they take as a very serious matter.

[TargusX]

Different games, different audience and allot of people don't like DRM steam. Remember their failed gaming controller? STEAM must beppaying bbig bucksffor these article .

[Nuvem]

There is no way to fight stupidity.

[KingofBandits]

Thats bait....low rent cheap bait at that. Specs wise yes its well beyond the Switch but sales lol I don't see this thing even scratching at its heels.

[Angyobangyo]

No need to fight when you're already knocked out. Switch sells well because of Nintendo exclusives. The Switch's hardware was already out of date when it released and people laughed....and here we are 85 million sales later and still consistently topping sales. As long as Nintendo keeps pumping out exclusive titles, it will remain a valuable system. I'd say the system is more of a threat to Sony and MS, especially as it is able to dock and connect to external displays.

Lastly, both can exist in the same market. It's only because of rabid fanboyism where you pick a corporate side and shill for them unknowningly when in reality a lot of gamers own more than one system and watch as you fight among yourselves like a drunkards.

[frostypants]

LOL. No. Not without some seriously next level marketing, which Valve is incapable of.

[DragoonUS]

No. Sorry, won't gonna happen.

[gamerben]

No. I doubt valve is even trying to compete with the switch. Its a pretty niche device all things considered. Just look at how it's designed, it's clearly going for ergonomics and power over aesthetics and convenience, but the latter is what sells with a mainstream audience. That's not a bad thing, it could still very well be a financial success if their producing an appropriate amount.

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

There's no way the Steam Deck will come even close to hurting the Switch. If the PS4 couldn't do it the Steam Deck sure won't.

[UltimateOwnage]

Not even close. But for what it is it’s likely going to do extremely well.

[jadnice]

LOL... every time we have these predictions they are put to rest with superior Nintendo hardware/software sales.

[anast]

No it's not. I would like it to be true, but yeah your are ....

[slavish0]

competition is good

[Pk323]

Dream on

[NukeDaHippies]

No need, you're already dead.

[Magog]

It will never sell as many units as the Switch. Common sense will tell you that. It may be successful enough to get a spec bump a couple of years down the line though.

[Seraphim]

first complaint when people get their steamdeck. Why didn't they opt for an OLED screen.

I think the steamdeck is great. as is the fact there are other handheld pcs like Aya and whomever else. But let's not fool ourselves. The Switch and Steamdeck or any handheld PC are geared toward two completely different demographics. Quite frankly I'm already sick and tired of all this bs chatter already. Furthermore it doesn't have to crush anything. It just has to function, be a good-great device and prove that there is in fact a large enough demand out there for said product.

[skyrimer]

It's going to be fun to see Nintendo fans watching Steam Deck owners playing Metroid Dread on Yuzu at higher res / refresh rate than Nintendo Switch this December.

[1nsomniac]

I hope so. Nintendo needs a real shake up. Their exploitation of the children’s side of the industry is disgusting!

[Ratchet75]

Technically yes, sales wise never.