Nintendo Switch 2 Can Overlook Steam Deck Sales Concerns

The Steam Deck, which is a handheld gaming console, recently celebrated its third anniversary. Many gamers enjoy it for its ability to provide PC gaming on the move. According to market research by the firm IDC, around 4 million Steam Deck units have been sold since it launched in February 2022. They track sales using supply chain data to estimate how many systems are sold globally.

The IDC also reported that about 6 million handheld gaming devices have been sold; this includes competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. The Steam Deck remains the best performer, accounting for over half of all handheld PC sales. However, it still lags far behind Nintendo Switch sales, with the Switch reaching a staggering 151 million units sold. This massive gap in sales highlights that the Steam Deck doesn’t pose a major threat to the upcoming Switch 2.

One reason for this is that the Steam Deck is only officially available through Valve’s online store. If someone spots a Steam Deck for sale elsewhere, it’s likely to be a used or refurbished unit. This means it’s not as widely accessible as competitors, which you can usually find in physical stores. Additionally, owning a Steam Deck requires a Steam account along with a library of digital games, which can limit its appeal.

In contrast, consumers can easily walk into any retail store and buy a new Switch or other popular consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. This accessibility plays a significant role in the Switch’s higher sales numbers. When the Switch 2 is released, Nintendo has promised to ensure that there will be enough units available to meet demand and prevent scalping, assuming they follow through on their plans.

Shifting focus a bit, numbers show that sales of handheld PC consoles dropped to less than 1.5 million units recently, down by almost half from the previous year’s total of about 2.9 million. However, there is some optimism as IDC predicts sales will rise again to around 2 million units in the near future.

Looking ahead, analysts are optimistic about the Switch 2’s sales once it launches. Predictions suggest that if it can meet the demand, it could sell between 15 to 17 million units in 2025—far surpassing the Steam Deck’s numbers.

Interestingly, the Steam Deck’s sales have placed it at about one-third of the total lifetime sales of the PlayStation Vita, and although it hasn’t reached the popularity of devices like the Game Gear, it still shows potential in its niche market. Some gamers own both a Steam Deck and a Switch, as each offers exclusive games that may not be available on the other.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches its release, competition might intensify, with companies like Sony and Microsoft also planning their handheld options. It will be fascinating to watch how these consoles perform in the upcoming years and how the landscape of handheld gaming evolves.