In the world of online gaming, two of the most popular handheld machines are “Steam Deck” and “Odin”. Both consoles have their unique features and gameplay mechanics. So, which one is better? In this ultimate comparison, we will put these two handheld computers against each other in a battle to see which one comes out on top.

Be sure to purchase your full setup for your handheld PC and explore the full list of our recommended Steam Deck gear.

What is The Odin?

The Odin is a home video game console released by Trinity in 2006. It is the first console of the Trinity gaming system. The Odin is a seventh-generation console, and Trinity’s first console to use optical discs for game storage. The console’s design is a black, glossy rectangle with sharp angles. The front of the console has two USB ports, two controller ports, and a disc drive. The left side of the console has a power button, while the right side has a reset button. The back of the console has an AV input, an AV output, and a power input.

The console’s games are stored on optical discs, which are inserted into the disc drive on the front of the console. The Odin has a library of over 100 games, including titles such as Trinity: The Shattering, Odinsphere, and Trinity: Origins. The console is also backward compatible with Trinity’s previous console, the Trinity: The Awakening. The Odin was released in North America on November 14, 2006, and in Europe on November 17, 2006. The console retailed for $399.99 in North America, and €399.99 in Europe.

The Odin received generally positive reviews from critics. The console was praised for its backward compatibility, a library of games, and its overall design. However, the console was criticized for its high price tag and its lack of online functionality.

Steam Deck vs Odin Specs

	Steam Deck	Odin
CPU:	Zen 2 4c/8t	Qualcomm Snapdragon SD845
GPU:	8 RDNA 2 CUs	Adreno 636@787 Mhz
RAM:	16 GB LPDDR5	4GB LPDDR4x
Storage:	64 GB eMMC (PCIe Gen 2 x1)	64GB UFS 2.1
Display:	7 inches	5.98 inches
OS:	SteamOS	Android 10.0
Battery:	40Whr	5000MAh

Price

One of the most important considerations for most people is price. The Steam Deck is the more expensive option, but it does come with a lot more features. If you’re on a budget, then Odin might be a better choice. The Steam Deck (base model) is currently retailing for $399, while the Odin is selling for $239. So, if the price is your primary concern, then Odin is the better option.

Games

Both the Steam Deck and the Odin have a large selection of games available, but the Steam Deck has the edge here. It has access to the entire Steam library, which includes over 35,000 games. While The Odin only has access to the Epic Games Store, which has a smaller selection of around 2,000 games. So, if you want the most gaming options available, the Steam Deck is the better option.

Performance

Another thing you need to consider is what type of games you want to play. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest AAA titles, then the Steam Deck is the clear winner. It has access to a huge library of games, including all the latest releases.

However, if you’re more interested in independent or niche games, then Odin might be a better fit. It has a smaller selection of games, but it’s more likely to have the types of games you’re looking for.

According to its specs, the Steam Deck is a compact computer rather than just a basic gaming system. An AMD Accelerated Processing Unit with a Zen 2-based 4C/8T Processor and a maximum turbo clock of 3.5GHz powers the gadget. It has octa-core Radeon graphics powered by RDNA 2 design on the GPU side. This APU’s customizable Thermal Design Power ranges from 4 to 15W, according to Valve.

Comparing this to Odin, the Odin console pales in comparison as it has much inferior CPU components. Though the SD845 is a powerful processor used in high-end smartphones, it just is not as efficient and powerful as the Zen 2 4c/8t.

For Steam Deck, there are multiple storage choices and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM available in terms of memory. The base model features 512GB/256GB NVMe SSD, and 64GB eMMC (PCIe Gen 2 x1). Additionally, there is a dedicated MicroSD card socket for storage expansion.

Steam has stated that there is no in-game change in frames per second or graphical clarity despite the different storage options. The Deck starts with SteamOS 3.0, which is based on Arch. But Windows OS can be set up on the Steam Deck should you prefer so.

On the other hand, Odin’s base model features 64GB of UFS 2.1 storage which is not even the latest mobile storage (UFS 3.1). Compared to the SSD storage of Steam Deck, Odin’s storage performs significantly worse; the read/write and data transfer speeds are slower.

When it comes to performance, both consoles are very capable. However, the Steam Deck has a slight edge thanks to its more powerful hardware. If you want the absolute best gaming experience, then the Steam Deck is the way to go. You can also overclock the Steam Deck and get even more performance.

Quality

The Steam Deck is often compared to the Nintendo Switch, but while being clearly much bigger, we think it’s more similar to the Sega Game Gear. The device seems remarkably light although weighing nearly 1.5 lbs. Including its large flat core and curved handrails, the Steam Deck has a luxury appearance thanks to its high level of construction.

This is one of the areas where Odin has a significant edge over the Steam Deck though Odin is a whole lot cheaper than Steam Deck, the overall build quality is not that different, and does not feel like a cheap build at all. It is also significantly lighter than Steam Deck.

For Steam Deck, the fit and finish are great all together. The device we have been evaluating has a gorgeous Super Nintendo-inspired color scheme of purple (atomic purple). The edges of the gadget and the area beneath the joystick have blue LED lights, which most people would not necessarily hate but we are pleased to know that it can be switched down.

On the other hand, Odin does not have any LED indicators which is not a huge deal but it’s better to have them and not use them than not have them at all.

Features

The Steam Deck has a variety of features that make it an attractive option for gamers. First and foremost, it offers a great gaming experience. The console is capable of playing a wide variety of games, including first-person shooters, role-playing games, and strategy games. It also offers a wide variety of input and output options, which allows gamers to connect to a variety of different devices.

Meanwhile, Odin also supports a wide variety of games but you will need to install an emulator to run those games. In addition to that, Odin runs on Android 10.0 which is not a bad operating system but when it comes to the overall gaming experience and optimization, SteamOS is very beneficial.

The Steam Deck also offers a number of gaming-related features. The console comes with a social networking service that allows gamers to connect with friends and other gamers. The service allows gamers to share photos, videos, and game information. The console also comes with a digital distribution platform that allows gamers to purchase and download games. The platform offers a wide variety of games, including indie games, AAA titles, and classic games.

The features mentioned in the paragraph above are not available on Odin nor does Odin have any dedicated services and features that are set to match the features provided by Steam Deck. In defense, Odin runs on Android so users can probably use social media platforms for communication.

Moreover, you will not find AAA games on Odin like you would on Steam Deck. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the console. You can play awesome games from Xbox pass but you will need to pay separately for them. Similar to the cover that conceals Switch cards, the top of the device has a dedicated SD card port and a Micro HDMI connector. The silly Odin branding behind the D-pad seems to be the only genuine issue we have with this device.

With more games being released for the platform each year, and more people getting into the hobby, it’s only natural that console gamers are starting to take notice. But which platform is the best for gaming? Is it the ever-popular Steam platform, or the up-and-coming Odin?

The Steam Deck is a more future-proof option, as it’s constantly being updated with new features and games. The Odin, on the other hand, is a more static platform. It’s not likely to see much in the way of updates or new games.

Steam Deck vs Odin: Which is Better?

In short, the Steam Deck is the better option for the majority of buyers out there. It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you want the best gaming experience, then the Steam Deck is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer niche games, then the Odin might be a better fit. If you can sacrifice the excellent support and features of the Steam Deck, purely because of budgetary reasons, the Odin is still a great option, but overall, the Steam Deck is unbeatable.