Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: the Cyberpunk 2077 showdown

Switch 2 outperforms Steam Deck in Cyberpunk 2077 face-off, excelling in efficiency and resolution.

: Switch 2 and Steam Deck are compared in their ability to run Cyberpunk 2077, highlighting differences in performance and graphics. Switch 2 is equipped with a 1080p screen with custom DLSS, providing better visual output compared to Steam Deck's OLED display with a lower resolution. Despite its higher power consumption, Steam Deck performs more smoothly in FPS stability in handheld mode, though Switch 2 remains more energy-efficient, particularly in docked play. The analysis reveals Switch 2’s GPU to be more powerful, benefiting from custom developer support, DLSS, and significant energy efficiency.

In an in-depth exploration of handheld gaming devices, Switch 2 and Steam Deck are put to the test in playing Cyberpunk 2077, revealing a story of performance and efficiency nuances. The assessment, conducted by Richard Leadbetter from Digital Foundry, underlines the customization that the Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 enjoys. Built from the ground up for the console, it leverages direct-to-the-metal graphical API, while Steam Deck relies on the Proton compatibility layer to emulate the PC version. The Nintendo device further benefits from DLSS, showing formidable graphic rendering compared to Steam Deck’s alternative FSR and XeSS methods, primarily due to the Switch 2's higher screen resolution of 1080p versus Steam Deck's maximum 800p.

Switch 2 is optimized for docked gameplay, outperforming the Steam Deck significantly in this setup. It can break barriers with seamless gaming performance at 30 FPS, attributed to a broader range of dynamic resolutions—dropping as low as 720p and peaking at 1008p. This evidences its superior GPU capability compared to Steam Deck, which often struggles to match the resolution without exhibiting frame-rate drops. Coupled with CD Projekt RED’s sophisticated modifications, including revamped shadow rendering, the Switch 2 illustrates its supremacy especially in rendering quality.

The comparison also delves into handheld performance, where the Switch 2 holds a robust position with excellent power efficiency, consuming only 18-19W under full gameplay compared to Steam Deck’s 24-25W. The constrained power usage allows for extended battery life while operating at near equivalency in performance with Steam Deck, manifesting the efficient engineering Nintendo has employed in Switch 2’s design. Even in challenging benchmarks such as The Beast In Me: City Center mission, Switch 2 maintains a graceful frame-rate and resolution balance.

Steam Deck, notwithstanding its power-drain disadvantage, displays its prowess in handling HDR content and smooth handheld operation. Its OLED screen enhances visual experiences with richer contrasts, though the power cost is substantial compared to Switch 2’s more limited HDR. In general, Steam Deck exhibits competitive performance, particularly when operating closer to its design parameters and within titles less tailored for Nintendo's hardware.

The Switch 2 and Steam Deck face-off highlights a clear tilt in favor of Nintendo's newer console in providing the better overall experience in running Cyberpunk 2077. This conclusion stems from not just the in-game performance, but the holistic benefits Switch 2 offers in energy efficiency, gaming resolution, and support from developers. While Steam Deck presents a more stable FPS consistency in some scenarios, the Switch 2's finely tuned optimizations signal a technical marvel likely defining gaming on the go.

Sources: Digital Foundry, Eurogamer, CD Projekt RED

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