The Nintendo Switch Revolution
The year is 2017, and gamers around the world were about to witness the rise of one of the greatest consoles of all time: the Nintendo Switch. The Switch revolutionized console design by offering the ability to seamlessly transition between TV mode and handheld play. Ever since the Game Boy came out, I had dreamed of being able to play AAA games on the go, and Nintendo made that dream a reality.
For a time, the Switch became my favorite console of all time. That was, of course, until the Steam Deck came along.
Steam Deck: A New Challenger Appears
One could argue that there would be no Steam Deck if not for the success of the Nintendo Switch. As of this writing, the Switch has sold over 150 million consoles. Valve saw that success and took the opportunity to make their mark in the handheld gaming space.
The idea of a portable PC handheld was foreign to me—and many other gamers. Being able to play Mario and Zelda on the go was already incredible, but being able to play Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 anywhere? That was the next level.
The Steam Deck not only gave players access to their full Steam library but also opened the door to an affordable and flexible way to enjoy PC gaming. Thanks to GOG, Humble Bundle, free games from the Epic Store, and more, gamers now had a device that offered tremendous value and choice.
Steam Deck Is More Than Just a Handheld Console
I almost got carried away gushing about the many ways gamers can enjoy their Steam Deck—but let’s not forget that it’s also a fully functional PC! The Steam Deck is a Linux-based device that, when switched to Desktop Mode, can be used for productivity, modding, and even emulation.
It carved out a brand-new segment in gaming: affordable, open, portable PC gaming, and quickly became the gold standard for handheld gaming PCs.
The success of the Steam Deck has driven competitors to innovate as well. Devices like the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and others have emerged, pushing the handheld gaming market forward. It even got Microsoft’s attention—ASUS has announced a partnership with Xbox to create a dedicated handheld, and Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has publicly confirmed that Microsoft is working on their own handheld gaming device.
The Steam Deck is hands-down one of my favorite tech purchases ever. I love it so much that I even upgraded the backplate to a clear purple one, just like the iconic N64 controller color that blew me away as a kid. It seemed like the Steam Deck would provide everything I ever needed from a gaming device.
But then, on April 2nd, 2025, everything changed. The empire known as Nintendo struck back.
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal: Powering Up the Hybrid Console
The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal took place on April 2nd—and it blew me away. While the original Switch was revolutionary, it was underpowered compared to the Xbox and PlayStation at the time. When imagining a successor, I dreamed of a “Pro” version: a hybrid device with more power, better visuals, and a smoother experience. It looks like that dream is finally coming true.
The Switch 2 is expected to feature an upgraded NVIDIA Tegra chip, which will provide gamers with smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and improved graphics across the board. It will support 4K resolution when docked and 1080p on handheld, and it even includes DLSS and ray tracing.
Switch 2 Specs and Features: A Technical Leap
I can’t wait to play Metroid Prime 4 at either 4K 60fps on the TV or 1080p 120fps on the go. The screen is bigger, features a 120Hz refresh rate, and supports HDR and VRR. The improvements go on and on compared to the original Switch.
Mario Kart World looks absolutely incredible, and the new Knockout Mode adds a refreshing twist to the beloved 30-year-old franchise. I’ll gladly pay $80 for it!
Wait… did I just say $80?
The $80 Game: Nintendo Breaks the Price Barrier
I was so hyped while writing this that I thought maybe I made a typo. Let me double-check the price… and—oh no. It’s true. Nintendo, of all companies, and Mario Kart, of all franchises, just broke the price barrier that gamers fought to maintain. $70 was already pushing it, but $80? That’s a gut punch.
The air left me—and many gamers—for a moment. Why now? Why Nintendo?
Even with that disappointing news, I can’t help but feel excited for the Switch 2. It’s like a dark cloud is looming, but behind it, the sun of my nostalgia and anticipation is still shining. Tariffs are out of the way (as of this writing), so I’ll be doing my best to get the Switch 2 bundle on Day One.
Nintendo’s Nostalgia Power vs. Steam Deck’s Versatility
That’s the power of Nintendo. Nothing makes me feel like a kid again more than playing their games. As much as I love the Steam Deck for its power, flexibility, and open ecosystem, I feel like the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be a massive success—and might even reclaim the throne as my top handheld gaming device.
At least, until Valve decides to strike back.
(More reflections in more of our Hear Me Out segment can be found here)
Great article! I love my SDOLED too! S2D1 ☝️