Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: The Cyberpunk 2077 Showdown

Comparing Key Technical Differences in Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck

The face-off between the Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve’s Steam Deck using Cyberpunk 2077 as a benchmark reveals significant distinctions between these two portable consoles. While CD Projekt Red stated the Switch 2 port offers the best portable gaming experience, any direct comparison comes with numerous caveats due to their vastly different specifications and architectures. Key Technical Differences The Steam Deck runs PC games via a Proton compatibility layer, whereas the Cyberpunk 2077 port for the Switch 2 was specifically designed for the console using a direct graphics API and custom optimizations. This fundamental difference means that despite visual similarities, their underlying technical implementations are distinct. The Switch 2 also features a 1080p screen, a higher resolution than the Steam Deck’s 800p/720p (16:9 format). For upscaling, the Nintendo console utilizes a custom form of DLSS, providing a significant advantage over the Steam Deck’s FSR and XeSS alternatives. However, the portable display experience differs: while the Steam Deck OLED has a lower native resolution, its OLED display offers vibrant HDR, a feature notably absent from the Switch 2’s screen. Performance Benchmarks: Docked vs. Portable

Comparing the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch 2 in docked mode is largely inequitable, as the Steam Deck is not optimized for living room gaming. In this configuration, the Switch 2 maintains a truer 30 frames per second (fps) quality while offering a broader dynamic resolution range. During streaming tests, the Switch 2’s resolution measured between 720p and 1008p. In contrast, the Steam Deck’s resolution dropped to 720p to 765p, suggesting that using FSR3 or XeSS for 1080p output is computationally demanding and that performance improves when running at native 720p with upscaling disabled.

For portable play, the comparison becomes more nuanced. In the “Kabuki” test sequence, despite one observation suggesting the Switch 2 might lack a shadow waterfall effect, it delivered more consistent 30fps performance. It also offered better overall image quality, not only due to DLSS but also a wider dynamic resolution range (720p to 1008p). The Steam Deck, even with upscaling, experienced frame loss, limiting its dynamic resolution scaling (DRS) window to 720p to 765p to achieve 30fps. This means the Switch 2 offered a higher average resolution, reaching approximately 29.5 fps (capped at 30 fps), compared to the Steam Deck’s 27.4 fps with FSR3 and 26.7 fps with XeSS. While the Steam Deck generally exhibited stable screen performance in portable 30fps quality mode, its average frame rate was 13fps compared to the Switch 2’s consistent 30fps with a resolution advantage.

When targeting 40fps in performance mode, the Switch 2 generally maintains an edge, though both devices can show similar frame rates during extended sessions in detailed areas. The Switch 2 reaches its limits in areas with complex geometry, resulting in slightly lower frame rates than in quality mode. In the “Kabuki” race, the Steam Deck’s dynamic range improved from 540p to 756p in 40fps mode, compared to the Switch 2’s 630p to 900p. This indicates that demanding higher frame rates significantly challenges the Steam Deck, often resulting in resolutions hitting the lower bounds of 540p, whereas the Switch 2 maintains greater dynamism. An internal test during “The Beast Within: City Center” mission, which heavily stresses the CPU, showed the Switch 2 performing better in Quality mode, getting closer to the 30fps target but still experiencing drops during intense sequences. In this mission, the Switch 2 continued to run at higher resolutions. CPU and GPU Considerations

During demanding scenarios like city crossings and combat, the Switch 2 typically achieves 30fps but can dip as low as 23fps. The Steam Deck, while occasionally dropping to around 20fps, generally provides smoother performance with fewer frame drops. While the theoretical CPU advantage of the Steam Deck, potentially due to newer fabrication technology, is difficult to confirm because many tests appear to be GPU-limited, observations suggest CPU limitations might cause both devices to show similar frame rates in some scenarios. Energy Efficiency The Switch 2 demonstrates impressive energy efficiency. When drawing from the power socket, it consumes only 18-19W, likely closer to 16-17W after accounting for power supply losses. This is lower than measurements for the Steam Deck OLED, which consistently runs at 24-25W according to performance meters, with power socket measurements reaching 29-31W. The Steam Deck OLED’s larger 50Wh battery also contributes to its higher power draw compared to the Switch 2’s 19.75Wh.

Despite the Switch 2’s Samsung 8nm/10nm process node reportedly being less optimized than the TSMC 6nm used in the Steam Deck OLED, the Switch 2 is notably more energy-efficient and delivers superior performance in comparable tests. Further, by lowering the Steam Deck’s Thermal Design Power (TDP) from the standard 15W to 5W, its energy consumption becomes similar to the Switch 2’s. However, this drastically affects the Steam Deck’s frame rates, causing them to plummet to 9.2fps, whereas the Switch 2 maintains 23-30fps with comparable energy usage, underscoring the Switch 2’s efficiency advantage. Conclusion

Ultimately, both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Valve’s Steam Deck offer distinct experiences for Cyberpunk 2077 on the go. The Switch 2 benefits from its custom-designed port, direct graphics API, higher screen resolution, and custom DLSS. It also exhibits better power efficiency and generally provides a smoother, more consistent experience, especially when docked. Conversely, the Steam Deck, while running the PC version via Proton, stands out with its vibrant HDR OLED display, offering true HDR quality. While its performance can struggle more at higher frame rate targets, it can match the Switch 720p performance in certain portable scenarios without needing dynamic resolution scaling or upscaling. The choice between these two powerful portable machines ultimately depends on individual priorities, whether it is raw performance, display quality, or power efficiency.

In Case You Missed It

For all you gamers out there, exciting news has dropped on the horizon! Our very own Ahmed Hassan recently dug into Sony’s latest announcements and revealed that *Cyberpunk 2077* is set to hit the PlayStation Plus catalog this month for both PS4 and PS5 players. Along with a lineup of other titles like Abiotic Factor, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, and more, it’s shaping up to be an incredible month for subscribers. Exciting news for PlayStation Plus subscribers! This month, Sony is rolling out an impressive lineup of new games that will keep your gaming library fresh and engaging. From the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 to a variety of other titles spanning different genres, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Bruno Pferd’s detailed breakdown of all the additions, published on July 9th (read it here: https://playersforlife.com/2025/07/09/julys-playstation-plus-extra-and-premium-get-a-big-bomb/). Dive in to see which games are joining the PlayStation Plus catalog this month! If you’re a fan of EA’s FIFA series and can’t wait to dive into the next installment, Carlos Mendoza has some exciting news for you over at Players For Life. His latest post, “EA FC 26: You Should Soon Be Able to Play it for Free Before Everyone Else, It’s Leaked,” published on July 9, 2025, delves into rumored details about the upcoming closed beta and potential features of FIFA 26. With an anticipated launch window in early August and speculation around leaked information, this post is a must-read for any avid gamer looking to get ahead of the curve. Head over to EA FC 26: You Should Soon Be Able to Play it for Free Before Everyone Else, It’s Leaked. to find out more!