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Nintendo Switch — 2017
Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

2017

78
/ 100
From $299
VS
Steam Deck LCD 256GB wins by 7
Steam Deck LCD 256GB — 2022
Valve

Steam Deck LCD 256GB

2022

85
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Steam Deck LCD 256GB takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nintendo Switch lands at 78 and Steam Deck LCD 256GB at 85. That puts Steam Deck LCD 256GB ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nintendo Switch if…

  • ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Store ecosystem
  • ✓Cross-gen compatibility

Pick Steam Deck LCD 256GB if…

  • ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Store ecosystem
  • ✓Cross-gen compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

Steam Deck LCD 256GB

Compared on the performance sub-score

Steam Deck LCD 256GB leads on performance (85 vs 78).

Games

Steam Deck LCD 256GB

Compared on the games sub-score

Steam Deck LCD 256GB leads on games (83 vs 76).

Features

Steam Deck LCD 256GB

Compared on the features sub-score

Steam Deck LCD 256GB leads on features (83 vs 76).

Value for money

Nintendo Switch

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nintendo Switch more score per dollar ($299 vs $399).

Nintendo Switch 78
vs
85 Steam Deck LCD 256GB

Score breakdown

Nintendo Switch
78
performance 78
games 76
features 76
value 82
Steam Deck LCD 256GB
85
performance 85
games 83
features 83
value 82

Specs side-by-side

Nintendo Switch versus Steam Deck LCD 256GB — full spec comparison
Spec Nintendo Switch Steam Deck LCD 256GB
Release year
2017
2022

Nintendo Switch

Pros
  • +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • +Store ecosystem
  • +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
  • −Storage expansion pricey
  • −Dashboard UX ages
  • −Subscription required for online

Steam Deck LCD 256GB

Pros
  • +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • +Store ecosystem
  • +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
  • −Storage expansion pricey
  • −Dashboard UX ages
  • −Subscription required for online

FAQ: Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck LCD 256GB

Which is better, Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck LCD 256GB? +

Steam Deck LCD 256GB scores 85 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nintendo Switch worth the price? +

At $299, Nintendo Switch delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in value.

Is Steam Deck LCD 256GB worth the price? +

At $399, Steam Deck LCD 256GB delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in performance.

Does Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck LCD 256GB last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for performance, Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck LCD 256GB? +

Steam Deck LCD 256GB — leads on performance (85 vs 78). Compared on the performance sub-score.

Which is better for games, Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck LCD 256GB? +

Steam Deck LCD 256GB — leads on games (83 vs 76). Compared on the games sub-score.