Overview
This video provides an in-depth comparison of Cyberpunk 2077 running on Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck OLED, analyzing visual settings, performance, power efficiency, and feature differences using matched benchmarking sequences.
Benchmark Methodology and Setup
- Internal Cyberpunk 2077 benchmarks are used for direct gameplay comparison across devices.
- PC save-based benchmarks were ported to consoles, including Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
- Steam Deck runs the PC version via Proton; Switch 2 has a native port with custom enhancements.
- Settings approximation involved detailed visual matching to PC presets, with detailed pixel counting and scene analysis.
- Switch 2 employs custom DLSS upscaling; Steam Deck relies on AMD-based FSR3 or XESS.
- Display differences: Switch 2 outputs at 1080p, Steam Deck at 800p.
Graphics and Visual Settings Comparison
- Switch 2 crowd density matches PC’s medium preset in both docked/handheld play.
- Contact shadows, volumetric fog, and cloud settings on Switch 2 mirror PC’s medium/high presets depending on mode.
- Ambient occlusion on Switch 2 ranges from high (docked) to low (handheld).
- Screen space reflections and shadow settings on Switch 2 have no exact PC match due to custom work.
- Level of detail and geometry is simplified on Switch 2 but often superior to last-gen PlayStation versions.
Performance Analysis: Docked and Handheld Modes
- Switch 2 achieves a stable 30fps at up to 1080p docked with performance headroom for higher resolutions.
- Steam Deck struggles to maintain frame rate and consistency at 1080p, suffering from upscaling performance costs.
- At 40fps, Switch 2 maintains performance advantage, especially in GPU-limited scenes.
- Handheld mode sees both devices closer in performance; Switch 2 still delivers better efficiency, using roughly 36% of Deck's power for comparable gameplay.
- Native 720p on Steam Deck offers improved frame rate stability and is optimal for its display.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
- Switch 2 power usage: 16-17W docked, ~9W handheld.
- Steam Deck OLED uses 24-25W docked/handheld, but has a much larger 50Wh battery.
- Switch 2 delivers higher performance per watt compared to Deck—remarkable given potentially inferior chip fabrication.
Image Quality and Upscaling
- Switch 2’s DLSS provides significantly superior upscaling to Steam Deck’s FSR3/XESS.
- Deck’s HDR implementation is notably better than Switch 2.
- Image quality gap is most visible in docked, 1080p scenarios.
Limitations and Caveats
- True like-for-like setting matches are impossible due to custom console adaptations.
- Benchmarking accuracy is limited by capture methods, especially for Switch 2 handheld.
Conclusions and Takeaways
- Switch 2’s GPU outperforms Deck in docked/1080p scenarios, with exceptional efficiency.
- Steam Deck OLED matches or exceeds Switch 2 in handheld, native 720p scenarios, especially in CPU-limited scenes.
- Switch 2’s efficiency sets a new standard for portable gaming devices.
- Battery life is broadly similar despite differing capacities, due to Switch 2's lower draw and Deck's larger battery.
Recommendations / Advice
- For docked or high-resolution play, Switch 2 is preferable due to efficiency and image quality.
- Steam Deck OLED is optimal for native 720p handheld use, leveraging its display and battery.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Availability of future Cyberpunk internal benchmarks for Phantom Liberty content.
- Potential deeper dive into last-gen console comparisons per viewer interest.