The video presents a detailed benchmark comparison of Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Nintendo Switch 2 versus the Steam Deck OLED. Using internal benchmark sequences from the game, the testers explore performance differences in both docked and handheld modes, highlighting the distinct technical approaches each platform uses. The Switch 2 runs a custom port optimized for its hardware with a direct-to-metal graphics API and features a proprietary DLSS upscaling technology, while the Steam Deck runs the PC version through the Proton compatibility layer and relies on AMD’s FSR3 and XESS for upscaling. The Switch 2 offers a 1080p screen compared to the Steam Deck’s native 800p (720p in 16:9), giving it a significant image quality advantage, though the Steam Deck excels in HDR implementation and battery capacity.
A major challenge in the comparison is the difficulty in matching game settings due to Switch 2’s custom modifications and different rendering techniques. The team carefully approximated equivalent PC settings to create a baseline for comparison, noting differences in crowd density, shadow quality, volumetric fog, screen space reflections, and level of detail. Despite these efforts, the Switch 2’s version shows unique graphical elements and optimizations that don’t have direct PC counterparts. The benchmarks also reveal that Switch 2’s GPU delivers more consistent frame rates and higher resolution rendering in docked mode, maintaining a locked 30fps with dynamic resolution scaling that ranges up to 1080p.
In handheld mode, the Steam Deck shows a stronger case for competitiveness, especially when running at its native 720p resolution rather than upscaling to 1080p. The Steam Deck achieves smoother frame pacing and fewer drops below 30fps in CPU-intensive scenes, suggesting a CPU advantage over the Switch 2. However, the Switch 2 still benefits from DLSS, which provides cleaner image quality and better power efficiency. Power consumption comparisons reveal a stark difference: Switch 2 consumes roughly a third of the power of the Steam Deck while delivering superior or comparable performance, a remarkable feat given the Switch 2’s older fabrication process.
Despite the Switch 2’s impressive efficiency and performance advantages in docked mode, the Steam Deck OLED’s larger battery capacity somewhat balances out real-world battery life between the two devices. The video emphasizes that Steam Deck is not designed primarily for docked play, making handheld performance more relevant. The Steam Deck’s native resolution and smoother frame pacing in handheld mode make it a strong contender for portable Cyberpunk 2077 gaming, even if it cannot match the Switch 2’s graphical fidelity or power efficiency.
In conclusion, the video underscores the complexity of comparing two very different handheld gaming devices running the same demanding game. The Switch 2’s custom port and DLSS give it a clear edge in docked performance and efficiency, while the Steam Deck’s native resolution and CPU strength shine in handheld scenarios. Both devices offer unique strengths, with Switch 2 excelling in power efficiency and image quality, and Steam Deck delivering better HDR and smoother CPU-limited performance. The video closes by encouraging viewers to support Digital Foundry and stay tuned for further in-depth analyses.
