Switch 2, Steam Deck, and the next-gen console wars
Mar 18, 2025
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Sean Hollister, a staff writer at The Verge, joins the conversation to dissect the captivating world of handheld gaming. They delve into the Steam Deck's impressive market hold and discuss how the anticipated Switch 2 could shake things up. The talk also highlights the curious absence of Sony and Microsoft from the handheld scene. Additionally, David shares insights from his trip to the innovative TGL golf league, showcasing how technology is reinventing traditional sports. Finally, there's a handy discussion on the benefits of upgrading to the latest iPad models.
The Steam Deck has significantly outperformed its competitors in handheld gaming, highlighting potential growth in this emerging market despite its overall small size.
TGL Golf is revolutionizing traditional golf by incorporating advanced technology and new formats aimed at engaging a broader audience and enhancing entertainment value.
The competition in handheld gaming is heating up, as Sony and Microsoft contemplate strategies to develop their own devices to challenge the current market leaders.
Deep dives
The Nothing Phone and the Current Smartphone Landscape
The Nothing Phone 3A Pro offers an intriguing perspective on smartphones, particularly in a year perceived as relatively uninteresting for mobile devices. The smartphone market currently struggles with limited new innovations, especially in the realms of flip phones and foldable devices, which have not yet achieved mainstream success. The Phone's standout feature, the essential key, serves as an AI input that is intended to enhance user interaction but currently functions primarily as a glorified voice recorder. While the concept reflects a forward-thinking approach to incorporating AI into personal devices, the feature's limitations highlight the challenges of integrating advanced technology into everyday use.
Steam Deck's Position in the Handheld Gaming Market
The Steam Deck has emerged as a dominant player in the handheld gaming market, with reported sales around four million units compared to its closest competitors, which have sold approximately two million units combined. This significant difference underscores the Steam Deck's market penetration since its 2022 release, where it initially benefited from a lack of competition. However, the overall handheld gaming market is still considered small, especially when juxtaposed against the sales figures of more established gaming platforms like the Nintendo Switch. The mixed outlook for the handheld sector raises questions about future growth potential, suggesting that many consumers might be adopting a wait-and-see approach for upcoming advancements.
Insights into Gaming Handheld Consumer Preferences
Consumer interest in gaming handhelds, such as the Switch and Steam Deck, often stems from a desire for portable access to gaming experiences without the complexity associated with more powerful gaming setups. Data suggests that a significant divide exists between traditional PC gamers and those interested in handheld gaming, complicating the market's growth. Many potential buyers may perceive existing handheld devices as subpar or overly complicated, leading to hesitance in purchase. This creates an opportunity for market leaders to better communicate the advantages of handheld systems, aiming to convert traditional gamers who may not see their value.
The Evolution of TGL Golf and Technology Integration
TGL Golf represents an innovative approach to the traditional game of golf, blending technology with entertainment by utilizing a high-tech arena and digital sensors. This format allows for a new style of play that focuses on broadcastable entertainment, featuring an indoor setting where players can hit balls onto a massive screen. The introduction of regulated play formats, such as team sessions and shot clocks, aims to make golf more engaging and accessible to a wider audience, moving beyond its typical association with leisurely outdoor gameplay. However, the integration of technology raises questions about authenticity and whether this new format can truly represent the essence of golf.
Challenges of Blending Real and Virtual Sports
In TGL Golf, the merging of real-life golf with advanced technology introduces unique challenges regarding game authenticity and player experience. For instance, discrepancies between actual player performance and virtual outcomes lead to debates about the reliability of the integration technology in addressing the nuances of real golf. The distinction between what happens in the physical world and how it is represented digitally creates friction, prompting spectators to question the quality and reliability of that experience. As TGL strives to maintain the spirit of golf while exploring digital possibilities, continuous refinement of their technological setup is essential for credibility.
Potential Future of Handheld Gaming and the Role of Major Companies
The competitive landscape for handheld gaming may undergo significant shifts as major companies like Sony and Microsoft assess their strategies for entering this market. Reports indicate that both companies recognize the need to develop high-quality handhelds that can compete with established devices like the Steam Deck, but they are still in the early planning stages. The perception that handheld devices represent a new frontier for gaming could lead to a revaluation of product offerings and a desire to create devices that seamlessly blend into the future of gaming. Should technology firms successfully navigate these waters, it may mark a turning point for the industry, broadening the appeal of handheld gaming.
Handheld gaming looks like the future — so why isn't it more popular? The Verge's Sean Hollister joins the show to talk about some new data about the handheld console market, what it says about the Steam Deck's dominance, whether the Switch 2 might change everything all over again, and why Sony and Microsoft don't appear to be in the game at all. After that, David reports on his trip to Florida to see TGL, the golf league aiming to bring the sport to new places and new fans, with the help of a truly enormous amount of technology. Finally, we answer a question on the Vergecast Hotline about iPads — and more specifically, one particularly good reason to upgrade to the Air or the Pro.
