The Nintendo Switch 2 surpasses every other handheld gaming console where it matters most.

When I first purchased Steam Deck, I instantly believed it would turn out like this: Nintendo Switch 2 Washed, for lack of a better term. Here was Valve's powerful, ergonomic device that punched well above its weight in terms of fidelity and performance, and Nintendo's hybrid device that was still underpowered and stuck in Nintendo's often problematic ecosystem, ready to be replaced as the next console generation arrived.

But then the Nintendo Switch 2 actually came out, and it took me back to the spring of 2017, when the first Switch was the hottest gaming hardware on the market. The Switch 2 may not have generated the same enthusiasm, but it was still a huge success. Nintendo says the Switch 2 has sold less than 20 million units as of March 2026, with the device selling a dizzying 3.5 million units in the first four days alone. Valve doesn't release sales information like Nintendo does, but a 2025 report from market analytics firm IDC estimates that about 4 million units of Steam Deck were moved in the first two years it was on the market. For reference, Switch 2 was released in June 2025. If the numbers above are accurate, this means that the Switch 2 sold about five times more than the Steam Deck, a notable gap, especially considering that the Steam Deck is the most accessible and popular portable PC on the market.

No portable PC surpasses Nintendo's brand recognition and image.

Nintendo is the most well-known mainstream name in gaming with no competition. Of course. There are also non-Nintendo games available, such as: grand theft auto 6 and call of duty It's firmly entrenched in the zeitgeist, but not at all in the same way. Nintendo has deliberately designed the Wii and Switch systems with group play and novelty in mind, intentionally creating the widest possible network coverage with its products. This is to say nothing of the many party games, such as: mario kart and super smash bros., It is a game that is commonly loved even among non-gamers.

But it's not as simple as Nintendo succeeding with one great exclusive product after another. This is about the company's general philosophy on gaming and entertainment in general. Nintendo is taking a very clever approach to its products and branding, relying on and implementing ideas that its competitors overlook, such as motion controls, to attract many consumers. This characteristic is somewhat ephemeral, which is one of the reasons it is difficult for other companies to replicate or attempt it. Make no mistake. Nintendo is as smart and business-oriented as any other major gaming company, but it could be argued that its goals are closer to the interests of consumers, as accessibility and fun are prioritized over depth and wild experimentation.

Image via Nintendo

Portable PCs occupy an entirely different segment of the market, one that is inevitably more niche. Some gamers use their portable PCs as their primary drivers (making them especially useful for those who don't have room for a full tower, for example), but they're usually sold as a supplementary device rather than a complete console itself. Some handheld PCs outperform the Switch 2 in terms of raw power, but the experience still feels like a compromise. Because in some ways, handheld PCs can't compare to traditional, high-end computers. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch 2 can safely be called the only home for games like: Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4. There is literally no comparison.

RAMageddon: Why the Nintendo Switch 2 may be better suited for the future than a portable PC

Here's where things get even more serious. As many gamers and tech enthusiasts alike are well aware, massive AI investments globally have left us with a serious parts crisis. This is commonly referred to as a shortage, but it would be more accurate to describe it as hoarding, although it would be more accurate to describe it in the wake of the war with Iran, which disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz. There is ample RAM, but AI companies are purchasing it all, so the prices of wafers and raw materials are soaring. More broadly, OpenAI (one of several AI companies) owns about 40% of the world's RAM supply.

This is why the PS5 and Xbox Series X are both more expensive than ever, despite turning six years old this year. The Nintendo Switch 2 also went up in price, which reveals why it's actually in an advantageous position. The Switch 2's MSRP increased from $449.99 to $499.99 this year, while the PlayStation 5's MSRP will increase from $549.99 to $649.99 in 2026, after increasing from $499.99 to $549.99 last year. The one-year-old Switch 2 did see a price increase, but that brought it to the same price as the 2020 PS5, while the six-year-old PS5 was well past that point.

These price increases are a direct result of the global parts issue, but the Switch 2 is apparently less affected. We can assume this has at least some to do with the console's total RAM of 12GB (3 systems, 9 VRAM) compared to the PS5's 16GB or the PS5 Pro's 18GB. Steam Deck also boasts 16GB of integrated RAM. Given the current situation, adding 4 to 6 GB of RAM can make a big difference in manufacturing costs. Long-term storage is also affected by the stockpile crisis, with Switch 2 having significantly less integrated storage than Steam Deck. That's because the former starts at 256GB while the latter starts at 512GB with a higher capacity option.

Going forward, Nintendo could settle into a less demanding hardware space and prioritize first-party games, indies, and even technically broken AAA titles from third-party developers. No one is expecting PC-level performance from the Switch 2, but the same can't be said for the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, or Asus ROG Ally. The Switch 2 is therefore much better equipped to overcome the current parts crisis as it can be manufactured at a lower cost without necessarily suffering from raw power shortages.