Handheld gaming isn't new, but in 2025, it's more sizzling than ever. From the legendary Game Boy and PSP to today's powerhouse Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, portable consoles are again all the rage.
The Nintendo Switch launch rewrote mobile gaming, combining console-level performance with go-anywhere convenience. But when the Steam Deck hit the market, it didn't merely catch the wave—it rocked it.
Valve's Steam Deck was the first PC gaming handheld to seriously challenge the Switch, providing raw processing power and an open system that fosters extreme customization. And now, with aggressive competition from Asus, Lenovo, and possible entries from Microsoft and Sony, the question on everyone's mind is: Is the Steam Deck still worth it?
Steam Deck vs. Nintendo Switch: Power vs. Portability
Nintendo Switch excels at portability, battery, and first-party titles. It has become an international phenomenon through its light form factor and family-friendly platform. But it has no power or flexibility, ScreenRant points out. All of that where Steam Deck stands out.
Its SteamOS brings PC gamers an opportunity to take their library everywhere. Even lacking Nintendo's holiday-season blockbusters, it provides unparalleled flexibility—support for mods, console emulation, and even non-Steam game access.
Its open platform enables users to adjust performance options, install third-party software, and even run Windows, making it a real pocket PC.
Steam Deck 2025: Is It Still a Contender?
Even though more than two years old, the Steam Deck is hardly outdated. Valve has gone on releasing regular updates, price reductions, and new versions, such as the improved OLED variant, which brings crisper displays, better battery life, and a smaller shape factor.
Recent sales, such as the Steam Summer Sale, made it even more enticing, with 15% reductions on LCD models. For gamers looking for something in between a console and a PC, it's difficult to get any better value.
Steam Deck Competitors Appeared Out of Nowhere
Asus and Lenovo have thrown some heavy punches in the handheld arena.
Asus ROG Ally X has better hardware performance and quicker internals than the Steam Deck. It's perfect for serious players but doesn't have the friendly SteamOS and ecosystem.
Lenovo Legion Go has a huge screen and removable controls like the Switch. Its high resolution, though, tends to overwhelm its hardware and is less dependable for premium titles.
Although both options provide brute power and innovation, Valve's community, price point, and regular updates make the Steam Deck extremely competitive in 2025.
The Wild Card: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo's years-long rumored Switch 2 is finally hitting the shelves in June. It won't compete with PC-grade graphics, but it'll have an enhanced experience and additional exclusive titles. And since the Switch spawned today's generation of handhelds, the sequel is sure to cause a splash.
If portability and Nintendo exclusives are priorities for you, holding out for the Switch 2 might be a good idea.
For some Redditors, buying a Steam Deck in 2025 is still reasonable.
As one Australian Reddit user said, "Honestly yes, it is still the best option. The support is second to none. If you want a bit more performance, go to JB and get the Ally X but you'll be paying a damn high premium for it. Often double the price of the OLED."
"Im in your boat and just ordered a Steam Deck OLED! YOLO MY G," another user wrote.
Is the Steam Deck Worth It in 2025?
Hands down—if you're looking for potent, pocketable PC gaming with extreme customization and a huge library of games to choose from, the Steam Deck is the way to go.
