The Vergecast
Switch 2, Steam Deck, and the next-gen console wars
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The handheld gaming market is currently smaller and less successful than anticipated, with the Steam Deck holding a commanding lead.
- Technological advancements in sports, particularly through TGL, are reshaping the way traditional games are played and viewed, posing questions about authenticity.
- For college students, the iPad Air or Pro models offer significant advantages in productivity and performance compared to the base model, making them worthwhile investments.
Summary
Handheld Gaming Landscape and Market Analysis
David Pierce starts the episode by discussing the current smartphone innovations, leading to a conversation with Sean Hollister. They dive into recent data regarding the handheld gaming market, highlighting the Steam Deck's performance compared to other devices like the Switch and newer Windows handhelds. Despite initial excitement, the market appears smaller than expected, raising questions about the future of handheld gaming and where the Steam Deck may lead it.
The Future of Golf: TGL and Technology's Role
David recounts his experience visiting the TGL (Tech Golf League) in West Palm Beach, showcasing how technology is transforming traditional sports. He explains the indoor golf setup, including a giant screen and robotic cameras, and discusses how these advancements aim to make golf more accessible and engaging for fans. The blend of technology and sport raises intriguing questions about the nature of 'golf' itself and whether technology can replicate the traditional experience.
iPad Considerations for College Students
The episode concludes with a listener's question regarding the practicality of different iPads for college students. David acknowledges the benefits of the iPad Air over the base model, particularly for intensive note-taking and productivity. This discussion highlights the importance of having a device capable of multitasking and handling demanding applications, suggesting that students may find greater value in investing in the Air or Pro models over the basic iPad.
Sponsors
- Picasso · Picasso makes luxury second home ownership easy. You co-own a stunning vacation home with a small group of vetted buyers and Picasso takes care of everything.
Show notes
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.
Further reading:
Three years later, the Steam Deck has dominated handheld PC gaming shipments
Steam Deck OLED review: better, not faster
Lenovo Legion Go S review: feels good, plays bad
Asus ROG Ally X review: the best Windows gaming handheld by a mile
MSI Claw review: an embarrassment
A night at TGL, the would-be future of golf
From ESPN: Inside the making of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL
From Wired: Robotic Putting Greens. Mixed Reality. Loud Spectators. This Is Golf?!
Apple iPad Air 2025 review: what the M3 upgrade really gets you
Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account