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Steam Deck vs. Switch 2: A Power Comparison of Gaming Handhelds
Key points
- Switch 2's GPU has a slight edge over Steam Deck in handheld mode.
- Docked Switch 2 performance significantly surpasses Steam Deck, reaching 3.7 TFLOPS.
- Steam Deck's CPU has a clock speed advantage over Switch 2's CPU.
- Switch 2 supports 4K/60 fps with DLSS when docked.
GPU Performance Differences
The Switch 2's Nvidia Ampere GPU offers a slight advantage over the Steam Deck's AMD RDNA 2 GPU in handheld mode. When docked, the Switch 2's GPU can achieve up to 3.7 TFLOPS, enabling 4K/60 fps gameplay with Nvidia DLSS. In contrast, the Steam Deck's GPU operates at 1.6 TFLOPS and does not gain enhanced performance when docked.
CPU Comparison
The Steam Deck's AMD Zen 2 CPU has a higher clock speed compared to the Switch 2's ARM Cortex-A78C processor. While the Switch 2's CPU has eight cores, double that of the Steam Deck's four, the clock speed difference gives the Steam Deck an advantage in CPU performance.
Handheld vs. Docked Capabilities
In handheld mode, the GPU performance of the Switch 2 (1.71 TFLOPS) is only marginally faster than the Steam Deck. The significant power difference emerges when the Switch 2 is docked, allowing it to utilize its full GPU potential for higher resolutions and frame rates on external displays. The Steam Deck maintains consistent performance whether handheld or docked.
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Reporting from
A comparison of the Steam Deck and Switch 2's raw power indicates the Switch 2 has a significant advantage when docked, primarily due to its GPU capabilities. In handheld mode, the power difference between the two devices is less pronounced. This matters for consumers deciding between a PC-centric handheld and a hybrid console with enhanced docked performance.