The steam deck rode the balance point between cost, heat, and power extremely well, in my opinion. It was cheap enough to justify the cost. Its battery lasts a respectable amount of time, and it's computing power was enough.
I can see how it could have been improved much, given the tech and use limitations.
At least for me, I have a gaming PC. If I need to dock it, I'll just switch computers. Though if it's your only gaming PC then it could probably be more powerful.
Is the Switch doing a good job? Drift issues run rampant and Nintendo never fixed it. For all we know, they might use it on the Switch 2 as well. Between pricey games, drift, and their shitty approach with ROMs and enthusiasts I've soured on Nintendo.
Just wait, Microsoft will release their own version with an Xbox launcher to have a user friendly UI with Windows in the background allowing you to run any Windows compatible games.
I sometimes play Switch at a friend’s. After a few hours my hands hurt. It seems the controllers were designed for toddler hands. Is a steam deck better?
It is quite impressive how many games can run at all in the Switch let alone be optimized for it.
I imagine either Nintendo did a good job supporting third parties for the hardware, or the money was so damn profitable that third parties were willing to shell out the money to find outsourcing that could make it run.
The switch is the only console we currently have, but it does some games very well! Balatro seems the same on desktop as on switch, but that is a card game. Dave the Diver also does well on the switch!
Tbf, not a lot of game companies priorities optimization. That's why you'll have 50 GB + games look good on devices with better specs.
Edit: I want to specify this isn't really defending Nintendo, but more defending the idea of lighter games, with more artistic direction, better optimization and not just a focus on "realism"