Thanks to Cyber Monday, you can find great deals for both the Steam Deck LCD and the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming handhelds.
Specifically, the Steam Deck usually sells for $400.00, but it's currently $319.20 at Steam. Meanwhile, a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle gives you a game at a discount, with a total of $499.99 at Best Buy.
Steam Deck: Pros and Cons
- ✅ Steam Deck grants access to a massive PC game library.
- ✅ It connects directly to your Steam account, but the Deck Loader plugin lets you access other gaming services as well.
- ✅ It's currently cheaper than the Nintendo Switch 2, and PC game deals can be found more readily than Switch 2 game deals.
- ✅ You can use the Steam Deck like an actual computer when you go into desktop mode. Pair a keyboard and mouse with it, and it will really feel like a typical PC.
- ✅ Steam Deck replacement parts and upgrades are far easier to get ahold of than Steam Deck 2 parts.
- ⚠️ Steam Deck doesn't offer nearly as powerful internals as the Switch 2 or even other handheld gaming PCs like Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2.
- ❌ Requires more settings adjustments to play some games smoothly, unlike Switch 2 games, which are generally better optimized for the console.
- ❌ Not all PC games run well on Steam Deck; you'll need to make sure a game supports controllers and is Steam Deck Verified or at least has system requirements that roughly match up with Steam Deck internals.
- ❌ The TV docking station is sold separately, whereas Switch 2 comes with one.
Nintendo Switch 2: Pros and Cons
- ✅ Offers exclusive games (Mario, Pokémon, Zelda, Metroid Prime, etc.) that are only available for Switch 2, along with a massive library of PC ports. It's also backward compatible with most Switch 1 games.
- ✅ Nintendo Switch 2 is far more mainstream, which means there are more accessories and stores that carry its peripherals.
- ✅ Switch 2 is a fantastic couch co-op family night console that comes with a TV dock. Some games can host up to eight players (if you have enough controllers to go around).
- ✅ The simple interface is easier for children to navigate, but it doesn't provide as many options as the Steam Deck.
- ✅ It has a smaller size, detachable controllers, and a built-in kickstand that some people think makes it easier to take on trips or play games with the whole family on the go.
- ❌ You cannot customize the UI, operating system, or the hardware without jailbreaking the Switch 2.
- ❌ The Nintendo ecosystem is rather costly since the Switch 2 console, Switch 2 accessories (JoyCon controllers), and Nintendo games rarely go on sale.
- ❌ If something happens to your Switch 2, you might need to send in to Nintendo for repairs, since official parts aren't available for purchase.
Should you get the Steam Deck or the Switch 2?
Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
In the end, the choice is up to you. However, there are a few quick ways to determine which gaming handheld is a better fit.
✅ Choose Steam Deck if...
You've already got a large library of PC games and value the flexibility and freedom to not only repair your devices more easily, but also to customize them and get them working the way you want.
✅ Choose Switch 2 if...
You specifically want to play Nintendo exclusives, are looking for a family-friendly console, or want a gaming system that's perfect for game nights.
Of course, if you're like me and many other gamers out there, you might want to eventually get both at some point. Some people prefer one to the other, but, honestly, both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck are fun gaming handhelds that many people enjoy using.
We also recommend...
If you do end up getting a Steam Deck or a Nintendo Switch 2, don't forget to grab the most essential accessories for either one.
![iVoler Steam Deck Screen Protector [2-Pack]](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sxd7LBVpkMZhwiRkwjrPLL-200-80.jpg.webp "iVoler Steam Deck Screen Protector [2-Pack]")
![amFilm Screen Protector and Auto-Alignment Tool for Nintendo Switch 2[2-Pack]](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QfzmjBZvpWNWHvqxEkv9gG-200-80.jpg.webp "amFilm Screen Protector and Auto-Alignment Tool for Nintendo Switch 2[2-Pack]")
More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links
- All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
- Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
- GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
- Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
- Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
- Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
- ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
Even more Cyber Monday deals: - Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
- Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
- Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
- Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
- Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
- Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
- Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
- Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
Enjoy our content? Make sure to set Windows Central as a preferred source in Google Search, and find out why you should so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest news, reviews, features, and more.
Handheld FAQs
What is the most popular gaming handheld?
The Nintendo Switch and newer Nintendo Switch 2 are the most popular gaming handhelds available right now. They are great family consoles with everything from couch co-op games to mature single-player titles. However, the Steam Deck and the Xbox Ally X also have followings among PC gamers. They can play a wide variety of PC games from indies to compatible AAA games.
Can handheld gaming PCs run modern AAA games smoothly?
Yes, but it depends on the handheld and its configuration or internal hardware for what kind of games it can run. If you want to play AAA games, you'll need to make sure you buy a more powerful handheld gaming PC.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 discounted for Cyber Monday 2025?
No. Typically, Nintendo consoles do not go on sale during sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, Nintendo usually releases special bundles that let you get the insanely popular Mario Kart World game at a discount with the Switch 2.
Is the Steam Deck discounted for Cyber Monday 2025?
Yes, it sure is. You can currently get the Steam Deck LCD with 256GB of storage for 20% off this Cyber Monday.
Will Steam, Xbox Game Pass, or Epic Games library work on handheld gaming PCs?
Yes, but the experience could be different depending on the handheld you get. Some PC gaming handhelds run Windows while others run SteamOS. The devices that run Windows (Xbox Ally X, Legion Go 2, etc.) can easily access a wide range of gaming services out of the box. However, you'll need to do some work on the Steam Deck and Legion Go S (SteamOS) first before you can access more than just Steam.
For help with that, check out my guide on how to Decky Loader on Steam Deck.
What day is Cyber Monday 2025?
Cyber Monday starts on Monday, December 1, 2025, but, as with Black Friday, it has already begun appearing as the theme for deals at certain retailers. While its discounts are generally restricted to the day itself, some deals may extend into Tuesday and beyond.
When does Cyber Monday start on Amazon?
Cyber Monday has already started on Amazon US, with its promotional messaging shifting away from Black Friday in the early hours of Saturday morning, on November 29, 2025, and is expected to last until the end of Monday, December 1, 2025.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!
