Is Buying A Steam Deck Still Worth It In 2025?

Handheld gaming controls have been around since the late 70's, but they've seen a massive resurgence after the success of the Nintendo Switch, and subsequent Steam Deck. While there have been plenty of attempts at bridging the gap between the power of a console and the flexibility of a mobile device, the Steam Deck was one of the first to successfully act as a serious competitor to the Nintendo Switch. Despite only being two years since the release of Steam's gaming handheld, the rise in competition begs the question if a Steam Deck is still worth buying.

Where the Steam Deck lacks the exclusivity of Nintendo exclusives and lightweight portability, the Steam Deck makes up for its drawbacks with a massive increase in computing power and user customizability. Despite being locked to the Steam OS rather than a standardized software, it still allows for plenty of customizability depending on player preference. While the Steam Deck is certainly the most recognizable PC gaming handheld, there might not be enough incentive to jump on the handheld trend just yet.

Handheld Gaming Consoles Have Had A Rise In Popularity

Taking Heavy Inspiration From Nintendo's Success

Gaming handhelds have been a well-loved option for several years thanks to the quality of the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo's DS line, but handheld consoles have only recently risen to the popularity they deserve. Nintendo's full focus on their next generation being a fully mobile console shook the gaming industry, being a calculated risk move that seems to have paid off in the long run, despite complaints from fans who wanted more next-generation Nintendo exclusives.

While the Nintendo Switch dominated the mobile gaming market for years after its release, Steam took notice and released its own competitor in the Steam Deck, acting as a spiritual successor to the highly popular console.

Compared to the family-friendly focus of the Switch, the Steam Deck was directed to PC players who wanted to take their gaming on the go, or simply act as an incredibly affordable alternative to a brand-new gaming PC. With the Steam Deck having been out for a few years now, it's also received a number of significant sales, with the most recent Steam Summer Sale providing a considerable 15% off multiple LCD editions of the Steam Deck.

Aside from its computer capabilities, the Steam Deck's overwhelming library of games gave it a serious edge at the time as well, especially when combined with the unofficial modding capabilities. Given how flexible the Steam OS can be, modders quickly took advantage of adding console emulators to play a plethora of titles from all kinds of devices, including Nintendo and Sony exclusives. While these unofficial ports had varying levels of success and require a lot of effort to get working, being able to play virtually any game or new mods like Fallout London on the Steam Deck is an incredibly exciting prospect.

Some Of The Best Gaming Handhelds Aren't Made By Steam

A Rise In Competition Is A Serious Threat To The Steam Deck

While the Steam Deck is one of the first devices that comes to mind when discussing PC gaming handhelds, other companies have been quick to hop on the trend after its relative success. Despite there being plenty of options to choose from nowadays, the most significant competitors come from Asus and Lenovo, each providing a unique set of benefits and weaknesses when compared to the Steam Deck.

When comparing the 2024 Asus ROG Ally X to the Steam Deck's highest end of the OLED editions, Asus has a considerable advantage when it comes to pure performance, although it lacks the seamless software accessibility of the Steam OS. For those wanting a purely dedicated standalone gaming device, the most recent Asus ROG Ally X offers the best premium experience, while the Steam Deck's various editions provide much better affordability options on top of its seamless PC cloud saving.

While the Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck share plenty of similarities, the Lenovo Legion Go offers a unique experience with a much larger screen and entirely detachable controls much like a Switch, although its native resolution is hard to run with most games, despite its much larger size and weight.

PC and Nintendo handhelds aren't the only options anymore either, as both Sony and Microsoft have expressed their desire to enter the handheld gaming console market. While Sony has plenty of experience in the past with their lighter consoles, combined with the latest PlayStation portal allowing users to access their console through Wi-Fi connectivity, the concept of the first-ever Xbox handheld is exciting to speculate over.

With concerns over the Xbox Series S being phased out over consistent issues with its hardware limitations harming game development, a portable console could save the Series S by offering a budget-friendly replacement without holding back the Xbox Series X any longer.

The Rumored Switch 2 Could Provide Serious Competition In The New Year

The Switch 2 Could Easily Shake Up The Handheld Market

While it's hard to say for sure if Nintendo's upcoming successor to the ever-popular Switch will be able to compete with the latest PC handhelds, the Switch 2 is still an important option to consider. Even with the Steam Deck's emulation potential, Nintendo's exclusive lineup can be tough to beat at the best of times, while providing a considerably lightweight package compared to the hulking size of a PC handheld.

If the latest Switch 2 leaks are true, it could offer even greater compatibility than ever, while being able to run considerably more demanding games than the original Switch, although not nearly as well as a standalone PC handheld. The lowered price point of the Switch can more than make up for the downgrade in performance for players who don't need all the bells and whistles of a PC gaming handheld, but still want to play their favorite games on the go.

Given that the Switch was the first console to inspire the Steam Deck and its followers, it might be worth waiting a few months for any news relating to the Switch 2 before choosing between buying a shiny new PC handheld.

Which Accessories Or Versions of Steam Deck Are Most Worth Buying?

Some Versions Have Aged Better Than Others

For those who decide the Steam Deck is the best option for their needs, the next most important step is to consider which edition to actually choose. While the LCD variations have a significantly lowered price point and frequent sales, the OLED editions offer not only a superior screen that can deliver better details without affecting performance thanks to its HDR screen.

Coupled with the technological advancements of the OLED editions packing it into a more efficient package, it provides the best gaming experience, but its price tag can prove to be a large obstacle when coupled with the higher cost of an increased SSD.

Regardless of which Steam Deck version someone chooses, a Steam Deck Docking Station can take the experience to the next level, becoming a drastically more portable version of a home computer on bigger screens. Acting similar to the dock from the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck Docking Station allows users to connect displays, ethernet, and USBs while keeping it charged, being perfect for split-screen multiplayer gaming or even non-gaming uses.

While the Steam Deck also comes with a handy carrying case, additional protection in the form of an exterior cover can be a great way to safeguard an expensive device. While ultimately the choice to buy a Steam Deck or its competitors comes down to personal preference, a PC gaming handheld is a great way to squeeze in more playtime during busy days away from home, with plenty of choices available to satisfy just about anyone's needs.