Which Handheld Console to Buy: Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch vs PS Portal

The Gaming Industry once again has its hands full with handheld consoles. More specifically, those Windows-based gaming handhelds that give people a chance to play their favorite games anywhere they go. This craze started again when Valve launched the Steam Deck. While it was in its own league, many took it upon themselves to compare the Steam Deck with the Nintendo Switch.

They both continued to sell very well in their own particular domains. And then Sony came up with the PS Portal. It is an internet-based streaming accessory that can be used to stream PlayStation 5 games. While all of them are pretty different in function and usage, here’s a comparison between the three for any gamer wondering which one is best for them.

Who should buy the Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo’s handheld and home console hybrid is the device that started all the commotion. This console gave gamers the ability to take their console-level games anywhere they wanted. It was an instant success, and it has not looked back since its launch in 2017. Here are some pointers for those who are looking into buying a Nintendo Switch:

• If you like franchises like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, get a Nintendo Switch.
• This console can also be the right choice for fans looking for an easy on-the-go co-op fix, thanks to its inventive Joy-Con controllers.
• Over the years, the Nintendo Switch has accumulated a massive third-party library. These games might not look as good as their normal counterparts, but they still play well enough.
• The Switch has a decently prized and rewarding online service. It is constantly evolving. And it keeps getting these new classic games and consoles added to it.
• The Nintendo Switch Lite is a gamer’s most affordable way to enjoy some high-end console games on the go.
• Nintendo Switch is priced at $199.99 for Switch Lite. Meanwhile, OG Nintendo Switch costs $299.99 and Nintendo Switch OLED costs $349.99.

Who should consider buying a Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck is a console often seen as a competitor to the Nintendo Switch. In reality, Valve just gave Steam users a new way to access and enjoy their library of games. The device runs on the Linux-based Steam OS. But it also allows for a sideload of the Windows OS. This means a whole new world of content and productivity opens up for its users. Here are some things one should keep in mind before buying a Steam deck:

• It is a device made for a hands-on user base. Those who like meddling with a console’s software and like shifting things here and there for their liking. This console allows for a high level of customization in its operating system.
• The Steam Deck is an adequate device for gamers who love emulation. It is indeed a very capable device and allows for emulation for very modern consoles too.
• Game Pass owners would get their money’s worth with this device. Imagine getting to play every game you get through that service wherever you want.
• Finally, this console would be the best for those with a huge Steam library. In fact, that’s exactly what it’s designed for.
• Steam Deck is priced at $399.00 for 256 GB LCD Model, $549 for 512 GB OLED Model, and $649 for 1 TB OLED Model.

Who should buy a PlayStation Portal?

While both the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck are insanely well-made devices, designed to let people get around with their games, the PS Portal is not. It is a device powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor. And it does nothing besides stream games from a PlayStation 5. That too can only be done if players have an internet connection with a very specific speed. Those considering the purchase of the PlayStation Portal should keep the following in mind:

• It’s a strictly online device, and it’s a tablet that serves no purpose if there’s no internet available. Sony did not even try to install some streaming apps on it.
• When it works, it gives a very authentic experience to gamers. It has a complete Dualsense controller attached to it. This means players can experience PS5 games like they do on the console.
• It comes in only one model and it costs $199.99.

Read More: Sony’s Playstation Portal Reportedly Facing ‘Lags’ and Here’s How One Can Tackle It

These devices are so different from each other. It’s not very hard to make the right choice. Gamers just have to pick the one that gives them the most value. The Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, in this case, can have a wider appeal. PlayStation Portal, on the other hand, is for gamers who just want to buy everything PlayStation 5-related. It’s like PS VR, a very rare niche.

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