This ‘Boring’ Nintendo Switch Feature Surprisingly Gives It an Edge Over the Newly Launched Steam Deck

Published 03/10/2022, 5:45 AM EST

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Nintendo has enjoyed sheer dominance in the handheld console market for a while. Its titular handheld, the Nintendo Switch, was launched back in 2017 to immense fanfare. The Japanese video games giant has operated in the handheld market for several years, and their latest console is an accumulation of that experience.

However, with the launch of the long-awaited Steam Deck, this is the first time the Switch is facing some actual competition.

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But does the Steam Deck’s superior specs automatically give it a leg up over the competition? SwitchForce disagrees. And their recent video details a key aspect of what makes the Nintendo Switch not only a viable option against the Steam Deck but a superior one.

It’s all about the interface for Nintendo Switch

Zach from SwitchForce has thought long and hard to figure out what keeps the Switch relevant in 2022. And he arrived at some pretty intriguing results. While there are prominent differences in the hardware configuration of the two devices, Zach focuses on their interface. Although it might seem like a passing concern when you spend hours interacting with your console, the interface springs to prominence.

Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck: How the Japanese Giant Could Finally Face Real Competition In 2022

Zach notes that the Switch’s interface has a leg up on its counterpart. Given its plain and boring appearance, it is easy to miss its biggest strength. Switch’s interface has been built for the console from the ground up. However, the Steam Deck is trying to cram Steam onto a portable device. This affects user experience in significant ways.

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Steam Deck’s interface fails to disappear into the background, which is exactly what a good interface should do, according to Zach. Additionally, browsing the eShop and other tasks are a breeze on the Switch, almost instinctive. But one needs to go through a myriad of steps before the same is possible on Valve’s offering.

“The interface is nowhere near as easy to use as the Switch,” he said. “And I’ve come to really appreciate a bespoke interface dedicated to the device.”

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Nintendo offers its users an easy-to-use interface that is at home on the console. Whereas Valve’s offering doesn’t take into account, the reduced screen size compared to PCs. And that’s one area the Steam Deck could learn from the Switch.

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What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below.

 

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Written by:

Milind Sharma

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Milind Sharma is an eSports writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate by education, he possesses a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi. An avid gamer from a very young age, he loves open-world RPGs like 'The Witcher' and 'Dying Light'.
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Edited by:

Paras Pande