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I Turned My Switch Into a Steam Deck

> A daring experiment to transform a Nintendo Switch into a handheld Steam gaming machine—complete with Ubuntu, Steam compatibility, and a lot of t...
I turned my Switch into a Steam Deck

I Turned My Switch Into a Steam Deck

A daring experiment to transform a Nintendo Switch into a handheld Steam gaming machine—complete with Ubuntu, Steam compatibility, and a lot of technical hurdles. Here's how it went (and whether it was worth it).

Introduction

The Nintendo Switch is a versatile console, but what if you could push its limits further? Inspired by the Steam Deck’s handheld PC gaming capabilities, I attempted to install Ubuntu and Steam on my Switch—turning it into a budget-friendly alternative. The process was far from smooth, but the results were fascinating (if not entirely practical).

Key Takeaways

  • Possible, but flawed: Running Steam on a Switch requires Linux, custom firmware, and serious compromises.
  • Performance issues: CPU-heavy games struggle due to hardware limitations.
  • Battery drain: Expect rapid power consumption—up to 8% drain in minutes.
  • Input lag & slow loading: Touch support works, but responsiveness is subpar.
  • Legal gray area: Nintendo’s policies make this a risky endeavor.

Was It Worth It?

Pros

  • Proof of concept: It is possible to run Steam on a Switch.
  • Fun experiment: A rewarding challenge for tinkerers.

Cons

  • Unreliable performance: Most games are unplayable.
  • Legal risks: Nintendo discourages modifications, and guides for this process are often taken down.
  • Battery and hardware strain: The Switch isn’t built for this workload.

Final Thoughts

While turning a Switch into a "Steam Deck Lite" is an impressive technical feat, it’s not practical for everyday gaming. For those curious about modding, it’s a fascinating project—but stick to a Steam Deck for real portable PC gaming.

Meta Description: Can you turn a Nintendo Switch into a Steam Deck? This experiment installs Ubuntu and Steam on a hacked Switch—revealing performance limits, battery drain, and why it's more fun than functional.

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