Switch 2 Made Me Love My Steam Deck Even More
▼ Summary
– The author initially planned to replace their Steam Deck with the Switch 2, considering selling it due to lack of use.
– The Switch 2 quickly became the household’s primary console, with even the author’s children preferring it over other devices.
– The Switch 2 reignited the author’s excitement for handheld gaming, despite their previous preference for TV-based consoles.
– Surprisingly, the Switch 2’s launch led the author to rediscover and use their Steam Deck more frequently than before.
– The Switch 2 revitalized the author’s interest in handheld gaming, prompting them to explore new games and emulators on the Steam Deck.
The unexpected arrival of the Switch 2 didn’t just bring next-gen handheld gaming, it rekindled my love for the Steam Deck. What started as a farewell to my once-beloved device turned into a renewed appreciation for its unique strengths. At first, the sleek new hardware and polished exclusives of Nintendo’s latest console had me convinced my chunky Steam Deck would collect dust. Yet weeks later, I found myself reaching for it more than ever.
When the Switch 2 launched, it dominated my gaming time. Mario Kart World became a daily ritual, Fast Fusion filled quick breaks, and even my kids abandoned other consoles for its crisp performance. The excitement was infectious, my four-year-old proudly posed with the empty box like it was a trophy. That initial thrill reminded me why new hardware feels so special: it reshapes how you play. But something unexpected happened. Instead of sidelining the Steam Deck, the Switch 2 made me rediscover its versatility.
Late-night sessions of Vampire Survivors, post-game exploration in Tunic, or quick rounds of Art of Rally became my new routine. The Deck’s library, packed with indie gems and deep cuts, offered experiences that complemented, rather than competed with, the Switch 2’s polished exclusives. Where Nintendo’s console excels in accessibility and first-party magic, Valve’s handheld thrives in customization and breadth. Suddenly, I was juggling both devices, each serving a different purpose.
Ironically, the Switch 2’s arrival didn’t make the Steam Deck obsolete, it highlighted its strengths. Scrolling through Steam sales for hidden deals, tweaking emulator settings, and diving into backlog titles felt fresh again. Even with Donkey Kong Bananza on the horizon, I’m carving out time for both. The lesson? Great handhelds aren’t mutually exclusive; they amplify each other. The Switch 2 didn’t replace my Deck, it made me love it more.
(Source: EuroGamer)
