The Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck are two of the most highly anticipated handheld gaming consoles of 2025, and they're about to go head-to-head in a battle for gamers' attention. The Switch 2, set to launch on June 5 for $449.99, boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, and HDR10 support. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck, available now, offers a 7.4-inch 800p OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR.

At first glance, the Switch 2 seems to have the upper hand in terms of display technology. Its higher resolution and faster refresh rate make it better suited for fast-paced games, while its VRR support ensures a smoother gaming experience. However, the Steam Deck's OLED screen is no slouch, offering stellar viewing angles and brilliant color reproduction. The Steam Deck also has the advantage of being available now, with a lower starting price of $399.99.

But display technology is just one aspect of the overall gaming experience. When it comes to performance, the Switch 2 is a powerhouse, with a custom Nvidia processor capable of delivering up to 120 frames per second in handheld mode and 60 frames per second at 4K when docked. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, uses a custom AMD APU that plays a wide range of PC games relatively smoothly at good-to-great visual quality.

Battery life is another key consideration for handheld gamers. The Switch 2 is expected to last between 2 and 6.5 hours, while the Steam Deck OLED can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, it's worth noting that battery life varies wildly depending on the games you play, so these estimates should be taken as rough guidelines rather than hard and fast rules.

In terms of storage, the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of speedy UFS storage that can be expanded upon with microSD Express cards, while the Steam Deck offers more versatility with M.2 2230-sized SSDs that can be upgraded by opening the system. The Steam Deck also supports UHS-1 microSD cards, although they are slower than the Switch 2's microSD Express cards.

Both consoles can be used as hybrids, either in handheld mode or docked to a TV. The Switch 2 includes a versatile kickstand, while the Steam Deck doesn't. However, the Steam Deck's docking station is a separate $79 accessory that includes more ports, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, and a USB-C port for power.

Games are, of course, a major consideration for any gaming console. The Steam Deck puts your Steam library at your fingertips, with a wide range of games available to play. The Switch 2, on the other hand, supports almost all original Switch games, with some titles receiving "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades that add flourishes allowed by the more powerful hardware. There will also be Switch 2-exclusive games, like Mario Kart World, that can only be played on new hardware.

In terms of software, the Switch 2 is focused almost exclusively on gaming, while the Steam Deck offers more versatility with its "desktop mode" that allows users to install apps, run a browser, and connect Google accounts to type documents. This flexibility may appeal to users who want more than just a gaming console.

Ultimately, the choice between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck will come down to personal preference. If you're a fan of Nintendo's exclusive titles and want a more powerful console with a focus on gaming, the Switch 2 may be the way to go. However, if you're looking for a more versatile console with access to a wide range of PC games and a lower starting price, the Steam Deck is definitely worth considering.