Nintendo Switch 2 Takes on Steam Deck OLED in Handheld Gaming Battle

The battle for portable gaming supremacy just got hotter. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 has hit the streets, igniting a fierce rivalry with Valve's established Steam Deck OLED as both consoles vie for players' attention in an increasingly competitive market.

After much anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 was first revealed on January 16, 2025, with a comprehensive breakdown of its specifications and release details following on April 2, 2025. Pre-orders for the new system kicked off across most regions starting April 5, 2025, though some reports indicate a later start on April 24, 2025. Gamers worldwide finally got their hands on the console with its global release on June 5, 2025, spanning territories including Japan, North America, numerous European countries, Australia, and New Zealand.

At launch, the Switch 2 was priced at US$449.99. However, Nintendo later announced an upcoming price adjustment. Effective September 1, 2026, the console's price will climb to $499.99 USD in the United States, up from its initial $449.99. European customers will also see an increase, with the price rising to €499.99 from €469.99. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that this price hike was not due to a single cause, but rather a response to various market changes expected to have a medium- to long-term impact on the company's dedicated video game platform business. He further explained that a recent surge in memory and other component prices contributed to the decision, noting that even with the increase, the new MSRP might not fully cover production costs. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, clarified that the initial US price was not influenced by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in April 2025, although original Switch consoles and some Switch 2 accessories did experience price increases in August 2025 because of those tariffs.

Alongside the console's debut on June 5, 2025, Nintendo EPD launched *Mario Kart World*, a flagship title that retailed for US$79.99. This price point reportedly drew some criticism for being higher than the standard for many AAA games on the original Nintendo Switch. Despite the higher cost, *Mario Kart World* quickly became the best-selling Nintendo Switch 2 game, racking up 14.03 million copies sold as of March 31, 2026. The game introduced several new features to the beloved racing franchise, including an open-world design, off-roading techniques, and an elimination mode. It also supports up to 24 players in races, doubling the count of previous *Mario Kart* titles. The game's visual style has been noted for its resemblance to *Super Mario Bros. Wonder* and *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*. To sweeten the deal, Nintendo also announced a