Valve shouldn't release the Steam Deck 2 to compete with Nintendo Switch 2 specs, according to poll

One recent debate is how the Nintendo Switch 2 performance will compare to the Steam Deck. Demos like Cyberpunk 2077 have shown that Switch 2 specs may have some advantages. As a result, Valve might be more anxious to upgrade its popular handheld. PC Guide conducted a poll to see if gamers think the company should hurry Steam Deck 2 development. Results show buyers are content to wait for a more significant Steam Deck upgrade.

Approximately 80% of the poll participants say Valve should focus on making the Steam Deck 2 a generational leap. That also falls in line with the manufacturer's plans. There are no details about the handheld, but Valve hasn't ruled out releasing a new machine at some point. In late 2024, SteamOS Designer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained that the company wants a significantly faster but efficient processor. Battery life is a key concern, and the available options on the market don't meet expectations.

Switch 2 specs include a larger, higher-resolution screen than found on the Steam Deck and its OLED counterpart. Its rumored Nvidia Tegra T239 processor may generate superior frame rates, especially with upscaling. Still, Valve's SteamOS has found its way to newer hardware like the Lenovo Legion Go S. Gamers will soon have more potent third-party SteamOS options while waiting for a potential Steam Deck 2.

The two systems also differ dramatically in software options. The Switch 2 offers Nintendo Exclusives like Mario Kart World, which aren't available on the Steam Deck. Nintendo's handheld will support popular PC and console titles that were too demanding for the Switch. Nevertheless, its library still pales in comparison to the Steam marketplace's over 100,000 games. On the other hand, not all games are Steam Deck Verified, which could become more of an issue with cutting-edge graphics.

Many SteamOS owners rely on the Steam Deck as a secondary machine rather than their primary gaming console. For now, they don't seem willing to ditch this arrangement for the Switch 2.