The Steam Deck and gaming laptops are both popular options for gaming on the go, but they have key differences that may influence your decision depending on your needs.
| Steam Deck | Gaming Laptop | |
| What is | The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device that resembles a larger handheld console, offering portability and convenience for gaming on the go. It features built-in controls, a custom AMD APU for accessing Steam games directly from your Steam account, and a 7-inch touchscreen display. It provides a budget-friendly option for gamers who want to play their PC games on a handheld device. | A gaming laptop is a portable computer designed specifically for playing video games. It typically features high-performance hardware, such as powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, ample RAM, and a high-resolution display with a high refresh rate. Gaming laptops often have gaming-focused features like customizable RGB lighting, advanced cooling systems, and specialized gaming keyboards. They provide the convenience of gaming on the go, with the ability to run a wide range of games and software, making them a popular choice for avid gamers who prioritize performance and mobility. |
| Price | More Affordable (starts at $400) | More Expensive (most good gaming laptops start at $1000) |
| Form Factor | The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device resembling a larger handheld console, with built-in controls. | A gaming laptop is a traditional laptop with a keyboard, Mouse trackpad, and a larger display. |
| Portability | The Steam Deck is designed for maximum portability, being smaller and lighter than most gaming laptops, making it easier to carry around in a backpack or pocket. | Gaming laptops are bulkier and may require a dedicated bag or carrying case, and may not be as easy to carry around as the Steam Deck. |
| Performance | Gaming laptops typically offer more powerful hardware, with higher-end processors, graphics cards, and more RAM, which can result in better gaming performance for demanding games. | The Steam Deck, while powerful for a handheld device, may not match the performance of a high-end gaming laptop. |
| Display | Gaming laptops usually have larger displays, ranging from 15 to 17 inches or even larger, with higher refresh rates and resolutions, which can provide a more immersive gaming experience. | The Steam Deck has a smaller 7-inch touchscreen display with a lower resolution, which may not be as visually impressive for gaming. |
| Controls | The Steam Deck has built-in controls, including a D-pad, thumbsticks, and buttons similar to a traditional gaming console, providing a convenient and familiar gaming experience on the go. | Gaming laptops rely on external peripherals like a mouse and keyboard or a game controller, which may not be as portable or integrated as the built-in controls of the Steam Deck. |
| Software | The Steam Deck runs on a custom AMD APU and allows you to access your Steam library and play PC games directly from your Steam account, providing a seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem. | Gaming laptops run a full-fledged operating system like Windows, giving you access to a wider range of games and software beyond the Steam ecosystem. |
Gaming laptop under $700
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between a Steam Deck and a gaming laptop depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Steam Deck offers a more portable and budget-friendly option with console-like controls, ideal for gaming on the go and access your Steam library. On the other hand, gaming laptops provide higher performance, larger displays, and a wider range of software options, but may be bulkier and more expensive. Consider factors such as portability, performance, display size, controls, software ecosystem, and budget to choose your gaming needs best.
FAQ
How does Steam Deck compare to gaming laptops?
The Steam Deck offers a more portable and budget-friendly option with console-like controls, while gaming laptops provide higher performance and a wider range of software options. Factors to consider include portability, performance, display size, controls, software ecosystem, and budge
How expensive is the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is priced at $399 for the base model with 64GB eMMC storage, $529 for the 256GB NVMe SSD model, and $649 for the 512GB NVMe SSD model. However, prices may vary depending on region and availability.
Which one is easier to use, a Steam Deck or a gaming laptop?
The ease of use for a Steam Deck or a gaming laptop depends on individual preferences and familiarity with the platform. The Steam Deck offers a more plug-and-play experience with its built-in controls and direct access to Steam games, while a gaming laptop may require additional setup and customization. Both options have their learning curve, and ease of use may vary based on personal preferences and familiarity with the platform.
What is the price difference between a Steam Deck and a gaming laptop?
As of my knowledge cutoff date is September 2021, the Steam Deck is priced at $399 for the base model with 64GB eMMC storage, $529 for the 256GB NVMe SSD model, and $649 for the 512GB NVMe SSD model. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, can vary greatly in price depending on the brand, specifications, and features, ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Overall, the Steam Deck tends to be a more budget-friendly option compared to gaming laptops.