How the Nintendo Switch 2 Looks (and Feels) Next to the Steam Deck and Original Switch
Once upon a time, Nintendo had a virtual monopoly on the handheld gaming console market. Now, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, not so much. In the time since the original Nintendo Switch came out, there have been several other major handheld consoles, like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S. What do they have in common? All of them, including the Switch 2, are at a higher level, at least compared to previous handheld consoles like the 3DS or PSP. If you’re like me and ergonomics and portability matter to your handheld consoles, this might be a concern.
That’s why I took the liberty of taking a few photos of the Switch 2 next to its biggest (both figurative and literal) competitors, including the original Switch, so you can get a better idea of what it will feel like when you hold it in your hands.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch
First, to set a baseline, let’s compare the Switch 2 to the original Switch. Unfortunately, I don’t have a Switch OLED on hand, so we’ll have to use the launch model for this comparison.
But that’s not all bad, as this is where you’ll see the most noticeable differences. First, let’s look at the dimensions and weight. The Switch 2 looks like it could eat the original Switch. If you like a bigger screen, that’s great, but know that it’s going to be a little less portable and perhaps a little less friendly to players with smaller hands. In terms of numbers, the original Switch measures 4.02 x 9.41 x 0.51 inches and 0.88 pounds (or 0.65 pounds with the controllers detached), while the Switch 2 measures 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches and 1.18 pounds (or 0.88 pounds with the controllers detached). On paper, it doesn’t sound like the Switch 2 is a huge improvement, but in reality, it feels like night and day. On the plus side, though, it’s still thin enough, light enough, and comfortable enough for my adult hands. It might even be more comfortable, which I’ll get to shortly.
The Switch 2 is a significant upgrade over the original Switch’s screen, coming in at 7.9 inches compared to its predecessor’s 6.2 inches. It also now has a 1080p resolution (up from the original’s 720p) and can display content in HDR and up to 120 frames per second (as opposed to the original’s lack of HDR and 60 frames per second). That screen is certainly a big reason why the new console is larger, and while I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Switch 2 Lite in the future, it’s definitely worth it once you start playing.
Let’s take a look at the dock and controllers. The Switch 2 dock is a little taller and wider than the original Switch dock to accommodate the larger console and extra fan, but it shouldn’t take up too much space on your entertainment center. More importantly, though, are the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, which I absolutely love. At 4.57 x 0.56 x 1.2 inches compared to 4.02 x 0.55 x 1.41 inches on the original Joy-Con controllers, they give your hand a little more room to grip. I always felt like the original Joy-Con controllers were a bit too cramped, and I always preferred using either a Pro Controller or a third-party Joy-Con controller when gaming, but the new Joy-Con controllers are pretty comfortable out of the box, especially with their slightly larger buttons and thumbsticks. You’d probably be fine if you didn’t bother switching to a new controller at all now, unless you want a completely more traditional D-Pad.
Overall, the Switch 2 feels more grown-up and a little less toy-like. That’s great news for people like me, although it might take some time for kids to get used to it.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck
Probably the Nintendo Switch 2’s most notable competitor at the moment, the Steam Deck is Valve’s portable gaming PC, due out in 2022 and later getting an OLED upgrade with the same dimensions and weight but a slightly larger screen. Again, I have the original model, but both use roughly the same general build.
If the Switch 2 looked like it could eat the original Switch, the Steam Deck looks like it could eat the Switch 2. At 11.73 x 4.60 x 1.93 inches, it’s significantly thicker and wider than the Switch 2, if not particularly taller. It’s also heavier, at 1.41 pounds.
Personally, I find it a bit heavy (though my husband doesn’t mind), but some of the extra height and depth is a deliberate choice to make it more comfortable and practical overall. The Steam Deck comes with built-in handles that are easier to hold than the Switch 2, at least for me, even taking into account the improved ergonomics of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. And given the extra space those handles require, Valve has also taken the liberty of adding large touchpads on either side of the device, as well as back buttons on the handles themselves. These open up new ways to play that aren’t possible on the Switch 2, and are especially handy when navigating the Steam Deck’s tabletop mode. However, they do make the Steam Deck a little less portable, as they add some bulk to the device around the edges. That’s why the device feels thicker on paper than it looks in some photos.
As for that desktop mode, it really points to the kicker: the Steam Deck is essentially a shrunken gaming PC, while the Switch 2 is more like an oversized PSP. The devices are kind of aiming for different goals, and considering that, they each achieve them quite well. Sure, the Steam Deck is thicker, but compared to even the smallest of standard gaming PCs, it’s an impressive form factor for the price.
Unfortunately, the screen isn’t as impressive compared to the Switch 2. It’s only 7 inches on the base model and 7.4 inches on the OLED model, both of which are smaller than the Switch 2’s display. It also maxes out at 800p and 60 frames per second, both of which are lower than the Switch 2’s.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Lenovo Legion Go S
Finally, I want to compare the Switch 2 to another device I’m currently reviewing: the Lenovo Legion Go S. This Lenovo device is the latest in a line of third-party Steam Deck alternatives, and it’s especially interesting because it’s the first to run Valve’s SteamOS. There are plenty of other competing portable gaming PCs out there right now, but for my money, this is the one to consider.
At 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches, it’s a little taller and wider than even the Steam Deck, though not by much. And at 1.61 pounds, it’s heavier, though the handles are a little more prominent, so I actually think it’s a little more comfortable to hold.
The key improvement here – beyond the guts – is the screen, which is eight inches, 1200p, and supports 120 frames per second. That’s an improvement over the Switch 2, too. However, you also only get one touchpad (which is much smaller) and only two grip buttons. On the plus side, the triggers have a switch that lets you adjust their travel, so you can turn them into more twitchy triggers if you want.
Overall, it’s a very different market segment than the Switch 2, so I doubt they’ll be in each other’s way too much. It’s thicker, but — like the Steam Deck — there’s a good reason for that. Handhelds have to be larger in general, since their components aren’t always made with such small form factors in mind. But then again, since these devices are already larger, they usually add some extra ergonomics and controls to compensate.
I suspect Nintendo will continue to follow this sleeker, Apple-style design trend, while portable gaming PCs will feel a little more comfortable stretching their legs, at least until the potential release of the Steam Deck 2 and even wider market adoption. There’s room for both, but if you’re wondering which will fit better in your bag, now you know. As for the smaller, more toy-like consoles of yore, well, even if the Switch 2 is smaller than the competition, it’s still bigger than the one I played with as a kid. For fun, here’s the Switch 2 next to the 3DS XL.