Technologies

Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck: Battle of the Handhelds

I put the two leading handhelds up against one another to find out which is the best.

I’ve been spending a lot of time playing with the new Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve’s 2023 Steam Deck OLED to find out which handheld gaming console is best for me. Will Nintendo’s flagship franchise take it to victory? Or will the Steam Deck’s open platform give it the edge? I’ve been comparing the two based on performance, hardware and games library and, so far, while there’s one I prefer, each one has advantages that stand out.

Library

Arguably the most important aspect to comparing these two handhelds is the games you’re able to play on them. What good is great battery life if there’s nothing you want to play?

The Switch 2 will get you access to all of Nintendo’s own games and can play most of the first Switch’s games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Metroid Dread. There aren’t that many Switch 2 exclusives yet. Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour and Donkey Kong Bananza are the biggest ones for now, but so far they’ve all been really good — even if Welcome Tour is just a glorified instruction manual full of mini games (that I do like).

Many of the original Switch games have received performance improvements, some of them bigger than others. Pokemon Sword and Shield got a major update for free. But the upgrade editions for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom cost $10 each — unless you’re a Switch Online premium subscriber, in which case they’re free, too. More upgraded games are coming, including Mario Party Jamboree. If you’re looking to play Nintendo games, the Switch and Switch 2 are the only ways to do so.

On the other hand, the Steam Deck is an open ecosystem and grants you access to buying games from multiple types of online stores. Valve’s Steam Deck is primarily set up to run off Steam, but you can load in other ways to play games with a little tinkering. Even if you never load in other game stores, Steam has a ton to discover, including lots of Steam Deck-optimized games.

Both Switch and Steam Deck get a good amount of indie titles, but you’ll typically find that they launch on PC first. The Steam Deck can also run a lot of smaller, experimental stuff that’ll never make its way over to Switch. The Steam Deck can also play games from cloud-based platforms such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce. One of my favorite things to do with my Steam Deck is to remote play into my Xbox Series X or PS5 at home and play those console games when I’m on the go.

If you don’t mind missing out on Nintendo exclusives, the Steam Deck gets you a larger and more robust gaming library.

Ease of use

The Switch 2 is definitely the most straightforward of the main gaming consoles. It’s a dedicated gaming machine, so it’s very stable but some aspects can be annoying — such as trying to add a friend to play, which involves entering in a long friend code. That said, Steam Deck is also a good experience out of the box, but it has its own tricky moments that can be daunting if you want to push the system’s capabilities. Trying to hook into other game libraries will require watching tutorials, installing extra software — it’s not the easiest thing to do.

The Switch 2 also comes with two Joy-Con controllers that detach and work independently, meaning local multiplayer is extremely easy right out of the box. To match this on the Steam Deck, you’d need to purchase two additional third-party controllers. Plus, the Switch 2’s included dock makes TV-connected gaming a lot easier to set up than with the Steam Deck, and the Switch 2’s kickstand allows tabletop co-op pretty easily, too.

The Switch 2 also has built-in chat to easily connect with friends, although you’ll need a compatible USB camera to add video. Gamechat requires a Nintendo Online subscription, while the Steam Deck can use standard free online chat apps, such as installing Discord, just like how you would install a third-party storefront.

Display

The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch LCD display that can output a 1080p image at 120Hz. The Steam Deck comes with either a 7-inch LCD or 7.4-inch OLED screen that outputs a lower 1,280×800-pixel resolution at 60 or 90Hz, respectively. But if you’re playing on a television, you’ll get a 4K image with both systems as long as you plug the Switch 2 into its dock and use the right HDMI cable with the Steam Deck. It’s worth noting a dock comes bundled with the Switch: For the Steam Deck to connect to a TV, you’ll need to purchase the cable or accessory separately.

Despite not having a nicer OLED screen, I prefer the Switch 2’s larger and faster display, especially when that screen size still allows for a smaller device overall.

Portability

The Switch 2 weighs a little less — it’s 534 grams compared to 640 grams for the Steam Deck OLED. The Switch 2 is also noticeably smaller and much thinner, making it more portable to transport. And as someone who backpacks and travels a lot, and often brings a handheld device in my bag, I need to make use of all the space I can get.

But the Steam Deck does feel better to hold in your hand. The larger size means its handgrips are comfier to grab on to, and the built-in back buttons are a nice, pro-style feature that you can only get on the Switch 2 if you buy a Pro Controller or Charging Grip. It’s also worth mentioning that the Steam Deck includes a carrying case with your purchase. The Switch 2 does not, which you’re definitely going to want to protect its big screen.

Battery

When you’re on the go, battery life makes a huge difference. The Switch 2 has a 5,220-mAh battery and Nintendo says that gets you roughly between two and six and a half hours of gaming. The Steam Deck OLED has a larger 6,470-mAh battery and Valve says it’ll last somewhere between three and 12 hours. Bottom line: The Steam Deck will generally keep you gaming longer. This depends on the game but it lines up pretty well with what I’ve experienced. More graphically-intense games such as Elden Ring Nightrein will drain the Steam Deck’s battery faster, while Balatro will last longer. Mario Kart World gets around three to four hours for the Switch 2.

Storage and price

The Steam Deck comes in three configurations: A $399 LCD model with 256GB of internal storage, a $549 OLED model with 512GB of internal storage, and a $649 OLED model with 1TB of internal storage. The Switch 2 has just one option — 256GB of internal storage with an LCD screen for $450. Both devices can take microSD cards to increase their storage capacity. However, the Switch 2 requires the newer microSD Express cards, which are still quite pricey. The Steam Deck has a cheaper entry price, and the additional storage and screen options are nice to be able to choose from. But the Steam Deck is also a couple years older and has already seen discounts since launch.

One big difference, though, is game prices. Switch games rarely go on sale, and Nintendo keeps its first-game prices high over time. Meanwhile, games on Steam can definitely save you some cash — Steam games often launch at cheaper prices than their Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo counterparts, and often see drastic discounts as the months go on. Steam sales happen all the time, and it’s easy to scoop up deals and suddenly find that you have more games in your library than you have time to play.

Another added cost for Switch 2 is online multiplayer, which requires a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. You’ll get perks for your subscription, including access to a large catalog of older Nintendo games from systems you may have had in your childhood, but I personally prefer my multiplayer to be free of charge. (I have more than enough subscriptions in my life.) Still, local multiplayer is much easier to pull off with the Switch 2 and doesn’t require buying multiple additional cables and controllers, like you’ll need on Steam Deck.

Overall

I love Nintendo’s legendary catalogue of games, but for me the Steam Deck offers a better bang for my buck. There’s a wider overall selection of titles on Steam and almost every developer puts their games on PC right away. It also offers a cheaper entry price and more model variations to choose from. While I do value the sleek more portable size of the Switch 2, the discounts on Steam games are hard for me to ignore compared to Nintendo’s much more rigid pricing.

Personally, I’m finding there is far more to do with a Steam Deck. But if you can’t live without Mario and Zelda, and you’re interested in ways to play games with family and friends together in the same room, you’re going to really appreciate the Switch 2.

Technologies

Netflix Green-Lights ‘Assassin’s Creed’ TV Series Adaptation

The original partnership between Netflix and Ubisoft began five years ago. We’ll soon be able to see the fruits of the union, with the upcoming adaptation.

You can now add Assassin’s Creed to the Netflix game-to-show adaptation portfolio. The streamer has green-lit a new TV series based on the game franchise from Ubisoft. Netflix was sparse on details regarding the story itself but said the live-action adaptation, five years in the making, will include the «rich storytelling» that players of the games would expect.

Assassin’s Creed is a historical action-adventure game that spans multiple time periods and has players assuming the role of multiple characters across the franchise. The first title was released in 2007 and has spawned multiple sequels. More than 230 million units of Assassin’s Creed have been sold. The games typically consist of a modern-day character using specialized software to relive the memories of historical figures to alter history for the better.

The upcoming streaming series’ logline gives a glimpse of what to expect when the series arrives: «Assassin’s Creed is a high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions — one set on determining mankind’s future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will.»

Peter Friedlander, Netflix vice president of Scripted Series, says the adaptation, «honors the legacy of the Assassin’s Creed franchise and invites longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience the thrill of the Brotherhood as never before.»

Netflix has a number of game-to-streaming adaptations under its belt, and more on the way, including the much-loved and long-awaited BioShock film that’s been in development for the past three years. Assassin’s Creed seems like a solid addition to the lineup and like something that’ll get a lot of people excited. Other adaptations include Castlevania, Resident Evil, Arcane and many more.

Netflix tapped Robert Patino (Westworld, Sons of Anarchy) and David Wiener (Halo, Brave New World) to be the creators of the adaptation. Both also serve as showrunners and executive producers. Additional producers include Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill for Ubisoft Film & Television, and Matt O’Toole.

No release date has been set.

Technologies

AI-Powered Smart Devices Help Older Adults Age at Home, Survey Finds

Despite trust in smart home tools and cameras, though, older people are generally skeptical of AI-generated material.

Older adults often find artificial intelligence smart home devices and voice assistants useful in helping them age in place, according to a new survey by the University of Michigan.

More than half of people surveyed aged 50 and older have used generative AI tools they spoke or typed messages to, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, released by the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

By comparison, a June Pew Research Center poll found that 25% of US adults 50 to 64 and 10% of those 65 and older had used ChatGPT, OpenAI’s flagship AI tool and the most popular chatbot. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

The Michigan survey, a telephone poll of 2,883 adults ages 50 to 97 across the US, looked not only at text-based chatbots like ChatGPT but also voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. Most significantly, the survey found nearly all older adults want to be sure when they’re receiving information generated by AI.

«AI is here to stay. Many older adults seem to know about its benefits, yet most want more information about potential risks when using AI technologies,» Robin Brewer, an assistant professor in the U-M School of Information, said in a statement. «The near-universal interest in clear labeling of AI-generated information should also be heeded by policymakers and the AI industry.»

Smart home devices help older adults maintain independence

The Michigan researchers found 51% of Americans aged 50 or older had used voice assistants in the past year, with 80% of those saying the devices helped them live independently and safely at home. AI-powered home security devices, like smart locks, cameras and alarm systems, were used by 35% of the adults, with 96% saying they helped them live independently.

«Smart home devices frequently suggest using their latest features to watch over older relatives or help them live better lives,» CNET smart home expert Tyler Lacoma said. «AI face recognition, for example, can send alerts to a family member if it spots someone leaving their home or granny pod to go shopping. Smart locks, meanwhile, make sure that older users never forget to lock the doors when they leave. I’m curious to see what the newest AI voice assistants like Gemini and Alexa Plus will bring to the table for older adults, perhaps by making more complex home technology easier to use with simple conversation.»

Another 14% of adults reported using AI to receive health-related information, although 47% of them said they’d rather interact with a person or by phone for that kind of information.

Older adults are generally skeptical of AI

Just 35% of the older adults surveyed said they’d be interested in using AI in their day-to-day lives, and while 58% expressed interest in knowing more about the benefits of AI, even more, at 81%, said they wanted to know more about the risks. Just over half of them said they thought AI would do more harm than good. That split generally aligns with the results of a broader Pew survey from earlier this year, which found 51% of Americans were more concerned than excited about AI.

Read more: AI Essentials: 29 Ways You Can Make Gen AI Work for You, According to Our Experts

The older adults in the Michigan survey also expressed understandable skepticism about the information generated by AI models, with 47% saying they had little or no trust in it. A similar portion said they weren’t confident they could detect when it’s incorrect. That problem is significant, especially as more information-gathering tools like search engines are built primarily on AI. Experts advise that you should always double-check information before making an important decision.

«This inability to tell verified information from false information, whether in the form of text, image, video or audio, is especially important when it comes to health information,» poll director Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren said in a statement.

Technologies

Get a Free Storm Skin, Hawkeye Skin and More in Marvel Rivals Season 3

As the Phoenix and Knull clash in Marvel Rivals Season 3, there has never been a better time to don new skins and leap into battle.

Marvel Rivals season 2.5 may have taken our heroes off-world as they battled across Arakko, but season 3 is throwing us into the furthest reaches of space to fight a new threat: Knull and his symbiote army.

Stopping one symbiote is tough enough. Fighting off an army of them is going to require a whole new wardrobe’s worth of battle gear. Luckily for you, there are many ways to unlock some free skins in the hit hero shooter right now — including the Milano Repair Logs event that evens the odds with a free Storm Symbiote Storm skin.

Outside of the latest event, there are still other ways to earn free skins right now. Whether you’re getting used to Phoenix’s dense set of abilities or you’re still getting used to the ever-shifting landscape of team-up moves, season 3 has introduced a slate of free skins that you can use to deck out your favorite characters.

Here’s what you need to know about the Milano Repair Logs event, current Twitch drops and the Marvel Rivals season 3 battle pass.

Get the Storm Symbiote Storm skin during the Milano Repair Logs event

The Milano Repair Logs event is a simple challenge-based event launched at the beginning of season 3. It’s similar to the Cerebro Database events from season 2, but instead of playing a game of tic-tac-toe, you just have to complete every objective presented to you.

There are seven repair logs to complete, with each repair log containing three separate challenges. The challenge rewards are pretty solid this time around — there are some character-based sprays, profile pics and other filler, but you can also earn a handful of units and hundreds of Chrono Tokens that will give you an early boost in completing the season 3 battle pass.

You unlock new repair logs by completing the previous ones, so there’s no skipping out on challenges that don’t fit your usual play style. Once you complete all seven repair logs, you automatically unlock the free Storm Symbiote Storm skin for your outfit wardrobe. The Milano Repair Logs event lasts until Aug. 8, so you’ll want to unlock the Storm skin before then.

If you want to complete your symbiote skin collection, there are a smattering of Venom-themed skins for other characters on the battle pass (including two skins on the free track). There are also plenty of Venom- and Phoenix-themed skins in the in-game shop if you’ve collected enough units to snatch up an incoming bundle or two.

How can I get free skins during Marvel Rivals season 3?

Players who link their Twitch account to their Marvel Rivals account can nab a free Hawkeye skin.

But if you only care about rewards you can earn in-game, a Phoenix skin is available by progressing through the competitive ladder and new looks for Groot and Rocket Raccoon are available for free on the season 3 battle pass.

What Marvel Rivals skins are available free right now?

There are currently nine free skins available. Here’s how you get them:

Storm Symbiote Storm: Complete all 21 challenges included within the Milano Repair Logs event by Aug. 8 in order to unlock this skin.
Hawkeye Will of Galacta: To claim this skin, you’ll need to link a Twitch account to your Marvel Rivals account and then watch six hours of livestreams from streamers participating in the drop campaign. The Hawkeye Will of Galacta skin is available until Friday, Aug. 16.
Phoenix Emerald Flames: Reach Gold rank or higher in competitive mode in season 3. You must play at least 10 competitive matches to be eligible to receive the skin.
Groot Symbiote Flora: Reach page 4 in the season 3 battle pass by Sept. 11.
Rocket Raccoon Symbiote Raccoon: Reach page 10 in the season 3 battle pass by Sept. 11.

Four of the currently available free skins are not time-gated although they are locked behind achievements or platform exclusivity. Here are the Marvel Rivals skins you can unlock at any time:

Spider-Man Scarlet Spider: This skin is available to PS Plus subscribers who play the game on the PS5. It can be found on the PSN Store under Marvel Rivals DLC.
Peni Parker Ven#m: Like the Scarlet Spider skin, this Ven#m skin is available for PS Plus subscribers and can be found in the PSN Store. This skin is also available in the Marvel Rivals in-game store, where it can be purchased with units.
Storm Ivory Breeze: Earn 200 Achievement Points in the Heroic Journey achievement section.
Star-Lord Jovial Star: Earn 400 Achievement Points in the Heroic Journey achievement section.

How can I get more free Marvel Rivals skins?

There are many ways to get skins in Marvel Rivals. Sometimes the developer issues special codes to unlock them while others require completing challenges. There are also some made available by watching streams on Twitch and many skins are «free» for progressing through the Marvel Rivals Battle Pass, which costs 990 Lattice, or about $10.

You can also earn skins through regularly playing the game, as a free skin is frequently awarded with the completion of seasonal events. Players who reach gold rank or higher in competition also receive a free skin as a reward for their performance. Live events like season 2’s Cerebro Database and the current Milano Repair Logs challenge include free skins as a completion reward.

What free skins used to be available in Marvel Rivals?

Twitch drops, battle passes and promo codes get cycled in and out of rotation, allowing Marvel Rivals players to earn different free skins from engaging with the game during different events. Here are all of the previously available free skins, what season they were introduced in and how they were obtainable.