Playing Switch Games on Steam Deck is Both Amazing and Disappointing

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The Steam Deck, despite appearing slightly dated, remains an outstanding portable gaming device. It manages to run modern PC games and even high-end retro console emulators quite well, which is a testament to Valve’s engineering prowess. It’s no wonder that it can also play many Nintendo Switch games. Intrigued by this versatility, I chose to explore the possibility of emulating Nintendo’s top console on it.

After successfully running an emulator on Valve’s handheld device and legally transferring ROMs from my Nintendo Switch, I proceeded to play several games. To my amazement, some of the games operate smoothly on the Deck. Nevertheless, it’s not a flawless experience, as some specific titles struggle to perform optimally, even on a more potent system.

Let’s start by discussing my favorable encounters with Switch emulation on the Steam Deck. The debatable Pokémon Brilliant Diamond performs smoothly on this platform. Admittedly, it’s a straightforward JRPG with uncomplicated graphics, but now anyone wishing to enjoy this game can do so effortlessly. By disabling Vsync, it can even run at 60FPS, an impressive visual treat.

Once more, an enjoyable encounter emerged from the Pokémon series, specifically Pokémon Scarlet – a title that’s been a subject of debate. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that the Nintendo Switch OLED model (Deck) offers a smoother experience for this open-world RPG. Although occasional pop-ins can still occur, gameplay is less prone to stuttering, and the overall visuals are enhanced. Playing Pokémon Scarlet on the Deck might just be the optimal method for experiencing this game that’s both maligned and defended.

Playing Fire Emblem Engage on Switch emulation was enjoyable, despite occasional minor lags. Since it’s a tactical turn-based RPG, frame rate isn’t as crucial an issue. Moreover, it outshines the visuals of the recent Pokémon games we discussed.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong offered a satisfactory gaming experience. Being an originally Game Boy Advance title, its basic gameplay makes it run smoothly on the Switch, complementing its stunning graphics. However, players may encounter some performance issues and should consider disabling Vsync to avoid these drops, as they can be particularly annoying in a puzzle-platformer setting.

As a gamer, I must admit that playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land has been quite a rollercoaster ride. The game runs smoothly overall, but occasionally, certain sections of the levels seem to malfunction, which really takes away from the enchanting experience this game offers. Determined fans might still manage to complete the game, but battling through these glitches feels like a disservice to Kirby’s extraordinary Switch journey.

The last Nintendo Switch game I emulated on my Steam Deck was Luigi’s Mansion 3. The overall gaming experience is decent, but there’s an issue with the opening cinematic: the sound moves quicker than the characters’ actions. Given how well-crafted the cutscenes are in

As the Switch 2 arrives, enthusiasts may enjoy enhanced editions of their existing Switch games due to backward compatibility. Experiencing Switch games on Steam Deck was a sneak peek into how these older titles could perform on a more powerful system. While Nintendo’s upcoming device will undoubtedly run these games smoothly, it serves as a testament to the remarkable progress in emulation technology.

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2025-04-01 19:42