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The handheld gaming landscape has changed dramatically since the original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017. Back then, it was the only hybrid console on the market, but in 2025, it faces stiff competition from devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and PlayStation Portal. With rumored PS4-level power and confirmed backward compatibility, can the Switch 2 hold its ground, or is Nintendo about to face its toughest battle yet?
How the Switch 2 Stacks Up Against the Competition
With what we know so far, here’s how the Switch 2 compares to its biggest handheld rivals:
| Feature | Nintendo Switch 2 (Rumored) | Steam Deck | ASUS ROG Ally | PlayStation Portal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Rumored ~PS4-level (~Steam Deck) | PC-level | Higher (Xbox Series S-level) | Cloud-based (No local processing) |
| Game Library | Backward compatible + Nintendo exclusives | PC games (Steam) | PC games (Windows) | PS5 Remote Play only |
| Battery Life | TBD, likely 4-6 hours | 2-8 hours | 3-7 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Portability | Hybrid (TV + handheld) | Hybrid with dock support | Portable but heavier | Light but no standalone gaming |
| Price | Rumored $399 | $399+ | $599+ | $199 |
What Nintendo Needs to Get Right
Despite strong competition, the Switch 2 has some major advantages. To stay ahead, Nintendo must focus on:
- Exclusives & First-Party Games – The reason people buy a Nintendo console isn’t raw power; it’s Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing. The Switch 2 needs killer launch titles.
- Seamless Backward Compatibility – This is confirmed, but Nintendo needs to ensure that previous Switch titles run well, with possible enhancements.
- Better Online Infrastructure – Nintendo’s online services have historically lagged behind PlayStation and Xbox. The Switch 2 must deliver a stronger eShop and multiplayer experience.
- Competitive Pricing – With a rumored $399 price tag, Nintendo must balance affordability with hardware improvements to compete with Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
Why the Switch 2 Could Still Dominate
While the Steam Deck and ROG Ally offer high-end performance, they lack Nintendo’s exclusive games and hybrid flexibility. The PlayStation Portal, on the other hand, is strictly a remote play device, limiting its appeal.
Nintendo thrives on fun, accessibility, and a unique ecosystem. If the Switch 2 builds on what made the original a success, it could once again define an entire gaming generation.