TheNintendo Switch 2has finally been revealed with an hour-long presentation filled with system details, subscription updates, and a bunch of confirmed games. While there’s controversy over the pricing, the games shown left much to be desired, and it’s not even Nintendo’s fault. The brand-new games looked incredible, but most of the titles revealed to launch on Nintendo’s latest system seemed pointless to buy when devices like the Steam Deck exist.
Since the launch of the first Switch in 2017, there have been many portable gaming PC devices, including the ROG Ally and the most famous example, the Steam Deck.These devices have drastically cut into the portable gaming market, and nothing showcases that better thanNintendo’s own Switch 2 Direct. Despite the competition, Nintendo can do something that the others can’t, and they must take advantage of it.
The Biggest Problem With The Switch 2
Why Double Dip At This Point?
The hour-longNintendo Switch 2 Direct answered almost questionscustomers had about the system, from casuals to hardcore gamers alike. However, fans familiar with the portable gaming scene were questioning something else. Thebiggest takeaway from Nintendo’s Switch 2 Directwas thatthe initial appeal and what made the Switch so special in the first place was gone.
Most games announced for the Switch 2 were ports, includingElden Ring,Street Fighter 6,Hogwarts Legacy,Hitman: World of Assassination,Cyberpunk 2077,Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, and much more. It’s great to play these games at home or on the go with the Switch 2, but there’s one problem.One can play these games portably using the Steam Deckor other devices, and buying a separate copy isn’t required. As long as one owns the game on Steam, which many players do, it’s available to play on Valve’s portable device.
Almost Every Nintendo Switch 1 Game Works For Nintendo Switch 2, But Some Have Issues
While almost every Nintendo Switch 1 game will be compatible with the Switch 2, some of them will have some major issues, at least for now.
If one has a Steam copy ofCyberpunk 2077orFF 7 Remakeand owns a Steam Deck,buying it on Switch 2 is equivalent to throwing money down a hole. It’s useless. Switch 2 has 120fps support, but that doesn’t make it worth buying the game again, especially if the $70-90 price points come to the new releases. You might not remember, but the ability to even play triple-A games on the go was the big appeal to the Switch 1.
Ports Are What Made The Switch 1 So Special, But Not So Much With The Switch 2
Nintendo Isn’t The Only Players In The Game Anymore
When the Nintendo Switch 1 released, it was game-changing. The ability to play massive triple-A titles likeThe Elder Scrolls 5: SkyrimandDoom 2016on a portable system was mind-blowing, and it became a big selling point for buying Switch games.
Buying a game on Steam allows one to play it on PC and portably, giving a similar hybrid experience, and it performs far better, too.
I remember talking to some Switch users who said that when a new game came out, they would buy it on their primary platform and for the Nintendo Switch just to play portably. Despite being a hybrid console,many used the Switch and bought games for it solely to play on the go, and that’s why Nintendo eventually released the portable-only Switch Lite.
Every Game Confirmed For Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct finally revealed many of the titles coming to the new console – here’s every single announced Switch 2 game.
However, as soon as these portable gaming PCs started to come out,buying third-party Switch games seemed increasingly wasteful. Buying a game on Steam allows one to play it on PC and portably, giving a similar hybrid experience, and it performs far better, too. The same exact problem present in the later years of the Switch 1 rears its ugly head on the Switch 2, withmany launch gamesplayable on Steam Deck. Nintendo does have a way to fix this issue, though.
Switch 2 Needs To Play Games Unsupported On Steam Deck
Nintendo Does What Steam Don’t
The sad reality of the Steam Deck is that not all PC games work. Despite the Steam Deck looking and feeling like a portable gaming PC, it actually runs on the Penguin: Linux. Due to the Steam Deck being a Linux-based device, many games will not work, particularly competitive multiplayer games with their anti-cheat. High-profile games unsupported onSteam Deck includeCall of Duty,Rainbow Six Siege, andGrand Theft Auto 5.
Only Grand Theft Auto Online doesn’t work on Steam Deck. The single-player of GTA 5 is playable.
This is a deal breaker for some, asCall of DutyandSiegeare many players' favorite games. Nintendo must take advantage of this. Just like when the Nintendo Switch 1 was first released, playingRainbow Six Siegeor the newestCall of Dutywould be a huge deal to play on the gofor the first time ever.
When factoring in the Switch 2’s mouse functionality, it’s a dream come true. This would be a significant reason to buy the Switch 2 and another copy of the game, even if one owns a Steam Deck. With so many games available on both platforms,Nintendo must have these big triple-A multiplayer games that only the Switch 2 can play portably.
