Hey guys! So, I’m trying to get my wife a handheld for Christmas as they would fit her gaming style very well (casual games are her favourite and she can’t sit at a desk for too long). I was wondering which option would be better between the Switch OLED and SD OLED?
For context, I just ordered an SD OLED for myself and I am super excited about it, but I am a variety gamer, and play a lot of different games on it, ranging from Cyberpunk 2077 to Card Shark. For me the choice was very simple between the two platforms because I had a massive Steam library already and wanted to play more demanding games that the Switch either did not have available or could not run anyway.
My wife’s favourite game is Stardew Valley and she gravitates to games with beautiful art styles and visuals, that are more chill and not very demanding in terms of gameplay. I know the Switch offers Animal Crossing, which is kind of the biggest game in this genre from what I can gather, and the general style of games on there seem closer to what she likes.
On the other hand, I do know that the SD is able to emulate the Switch and any other console after some tinkering (which I can do for her), but I am unsure how easy it is to access and play the games after initially setting them up so that she can just pick up and play without needing any help.
Lastly, there is also the big difference in price, as the Switch OLED sits at around £310, whilst the SD OLED is £480 for the 512GB version.

So, to summarise, I am looking for advice from people that own these consoles and have more experience with them, to see which is more appropriate for her. Bonus points if someone has been in a similar situation with a partner or loved one and can share their experience!

  • purple-hawke@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’d recommend checking out r/CozyGamers, which is for games like the ones your wife plays. They discuss handhelds on there, mostly the Switch and Steam Deck.

    Since she has a gaming laptop already, then I think it makes sense to go for a Switch so she’d have access to games exclusive to there (if she’s interested in them). But some points to consider:

    • The Switch is near the end of its console cycle, so it might be better to wait for the next iteration.
    • Even some “casual” games can be demanding on the switch (like Disney Dreamlight Valley, which I’ve had no issues with on Steam Deck). So it depends on which games she’ll want to play handheld, some will be better on her laptop.
    • The Switch is cheaper upfront, but I believe the games are more expensive since they don’t have as good sales as on Steam.
    • With Stardew Valley she could mod it on Steam Deck but not on the Switch, if that’s something she’s interested in.
    • If you’re already getting one for yourself, then it might make sense for her to get a Switch and for you to share both?
    • GabrielWizz@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Great points here. Based on some conversations we had today it sounds like aside from Zelda and Mario Kart there aren’t many games she is interested on Switch as of now. So I may hold off until the next gen comes around for that. But great tip with the subreddit, lots of good info there!