Steam Deck Sales Plunge After Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 has significantly impacted the sales of Valve's Steam Deck, which fell to its lowest global ranking since its launch in 2022, dropping from third to 47th in the sales charts. This decline coincided with the Switch 2's reveal on January 16, 2025, highlighting a shift in consumer interest towards Nintendo's upcoming handheld, which boasts improved features and the promise of powerful AAA titles. Despite the Steam Deck's popularity in the PC gaming market, potential buyers appear to be gravitating towards the Switch 2, which offers exclusive Nintendo games and competitive specs. The anticipation surrounding the Switch 2, including support from major publishers, suggests that it may attract a sizable audience when it launches in 2025. While the Steam Deck is expected to bounce back in sales, the competition in the handheld gaming space is clearly intensifying. Analysts suggest this trend may also influence future developments for both devices as they adapt to market demands.