Nintendo Switch OLED first impressions are now out, and they appear mixed to say the least. On the one hand the console's new OLED screen seems to enhance the portable offering of the system, but on the other the machine's lack of any internal hardware upgrade, or addition of long-overdue basic features like Bluetooth headphone support, have left many commentators disappointed.
And, things appear to have just gotten a lot worse for the Nintendo Switch OLED, too. That's because the other hot new handheld to be unveiled recently, the Valve Steam Deck, has just been reported as being set to benefit from a powerful new processor upgrade that should mean it capable of even better gaming performance.
The report comes courtesy of tech site Phoronix, who states that, "along with other optimizations to benefit the Steam Deck, AMD and Valve have been jointly working on CPU frequency/power scaling improvements to enhance the Steam Play gaming experience on modern AMD platforms running Linux."
- Nintendo Switch OLED has left me feeling like a discarded "legacy" gamer
- The Steam Deck sold out in minutes, which suggests it's a very good idea
In basic terms this means that, thanks to smart new optimisations being worked on by AMD, the tech that powers the Steam Deck (a Zen 2 based custom APU) should be able to be used even better as its OS is based on Linux, thereby leading to faster framerates in games.
Now, Valve has already gone on record stating that the Steam Deck is "a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse, delivering more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games". And also that it is targeting 30fps for games at its native resolution of 800p. What Valve hasn't done, though, is go into details of just how well the Steam Deck will run those games in terms of frame rates, which has led some to question if a framerate of over 30fps would be possible on brand new graphically intensive titles.
However, when you factor this incoming Linux processor driver upgrade, which seems completely geared around squeezing the absolute most performance out of Zen 2 hardware (like in the Steam Deck), it suddenly seems a lot more likely that gamers are going to be enjoying high-fidelity, high framerate portable gaming experiences on the console. The idea of playing titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla while on the go, and with good performance, too, suddenly seems very real.
All of which is really bad news, in my opinion, for the Nintendo Switch OLED. If the Switch OLED's half-a-decade-old internal hardware didn't seem outdated right now to gamers, just think what the experience comparison will be like when Steam Deck drops?
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Yes, I get it, the two consoles are largely made for different audiences, but when Steam Deck looks set to deliver genuine modern AAA gaming experiences, with the latest and greatest, most graphically intense games playable at high framerates, and the Switch OLED unable to thanks to creaking hardware, how many gamers will have their heads turned, or see their interest in the Switch platform die off?
I've loved the Nintendo Switch and, to a lesser extent, Nintendo Switch Lite and feel the consoles have delivered excellent gaming experiences, but I needed a serious hardware upgrade to maintain my interest in the platform and what Nintendo hasn't delivered, it looks increasingly like Valve really has.
According to the reported information AMD will be revealing more about this upgrade next month, so hopefully we'll get even more information about just how much more performance we should expect from Steam Deck then.
Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites.
-
The best gaming headset I've ever used hits lowest-ever price for Black Friday
This SteelSeries headset will elevate your gaming
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I sold my PS5 to upgrade to the PS5 Pro and it might have been a mistake
Do I regret it? Ask me again in six months...
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I tried Kindle Colorsoft and it's everything I wanted – except one thing
A Kindle in colour is pretty amazing, but is it worth buying?
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple allegedly planning major changes to App Store that make so much sense
Apple might be making a one-stop shop for its best games.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox rolls out the red carpet for Call of Duty with new accessories
Xbox has a bunch of accessory designs to celebrate the arrival of Black Ops 6
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
How to watch the new Xbox Games Showcase this week
Xbox's new online presentation is all about games, games, games – here's how to watch it live
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Playing games is good for you, it's official – well, one game in particular
Powerwash Simulator chills you out
By Max Freeman-Mills Published