Nintendo Switch 2 Size Comparison: How the Next-Gen Handheld Stacks Up Against Steam Deck and Classic Consoles

Nintendo fans and handheld gaming enthusiasts continue to buzz about the Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to the best-selling Nintendo Switch.

With legendary hardware innovation as its hallmark, Nintendo has again made headlines for the Switch 2’s striking form factor and its implications for both portability and play experience.

The company has published official specifications alongside leaked images and hands-on reports, inviting spirited comparisons between the Switch 2 and other iconic handheld consoles.

Here’s how the Nintendo Switch 2’s size measures up against rivals like the Steam Deck, the Game Boy Advance, and other classics. Industry analysts and early adopters have noted that the Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped with a larger screen than its predecessor—surpassing even the display size of the Nintendo Switch OLED model.

Despite featuring a more expansive screen, the Switch 2 is notably slimmer and lighter than many competitors, including the recognizably hefty Steam Deck by Valve.

Community members have remarked on the console’s comfort, highlighting its ability to fit snugly in hands without the bulkiness traditionally associated with high-performance portable hardware.

As one commentator observed, "Nintendo has managed to deliver a device that feels large and premium without becoming unwieldy or cinder block-like." Curious gamers have gone to creative lengths to contextualize the Switch 2’s scale—some jokingly requesting measurements relative to bananas or even chihuahuas.

Jokes aside, comparisons with the Steam Deck reveal that, while Valve’s machine boasts a bulky functional design, the Switch 2’s aesthetics and ergonomics remain true to Nintendo’s legacy of accessible, travel-ready systems.

Several users have pointed out that the Switch 2’s display outmatches the Steam Deck’s in both size and clarity, which is particularly advantageous for extended sessions and a diverse audience. In direct side-by-side photos, the Nintendo Switch 2 is slightly smaller overall than the Steam Deck despite its bigger screen, making it easier to transport in a backpack or larger pocket.

For those familiar with classic Nintendo handhelds, the Switch 2 dwarfs devices like the Game Boy Advance Micro and comes close to rivalling the clamshell 3DS XL in footprint—yet retains a surprisingly svelte profile.

A detail that stands out is the size of the Joy-Con controllers, which are now larger than a Game Boy Micro, reflecting Nintendo’s initiative to prioritize hand comfort for longer gaming sessions.

Fans have also drawn comparisons to the PlayStation Vita and the classic Atari Lynx, further emphasizing how far handheld design has evolved. Since its debut in 2017, the original Nintendo Switch has sold over 125 million units worldwide, rapidly becoming one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time.

Nintendo's continual refinements are evident in the Switch 2, as it offers a harmony of increased display real estate, improved form factor, and portability.

According to verified reports, the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release in 2025 and will be available across traditional retail and digital platforms, including the Nintendo eShop. In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 makes bold strides in handheld gaming design, deftly balancing an expanded screen with a compact body.

Its favorable comparisons to the Steam Deck, Game Boy Advance, and other past consoles highlight Nintendo’s deep expertise in making gaming both powerful and portable.

As more hands-on previews and official dimensions emerge, fans and industry experts alike are eager to see how the Switch 2 sets a new standard for portable gaming hardware.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Steam Deck Steam Switch 2 Switch Game Boy Game Boy Advance