> I would consider the Nintendo Switch about the maximum size for something to comfortably travel with

I don't understand why. The SD fits in every bag I take with me. Unless all you travel with is a purse? Then I guess sure, it's too big. But the SD being 250g heavier and it being larger than the Switch are all positives for me. It has such a solid feel and the sides are more ergonomic in a way that makes it more comfortable to use than my Switch ever was.

I'm glad you describe it as a positive! It's still at the top of my list.

The Switch fits flat down in my backpack. The Steamdeck would probably not fit in the same way. I haven't had a chance to handle one though. But personally I find the Switch already borderline annoying to take.

Typing this whilst waiting for a flight with a fully packed bag for what it's worth. On its own it would be fine, but once you add a drink bottle, toiletries, a laptop and chargers it adds up.

The Steam Deck has an excellent travel case. If I were needing to travel with it, I would find a way to attach the travel case externally to my bag. That way, it wouldn't impact what can be packed already.

It fits in my personal item (a small messenger bag), in its case, along with good noise-cancelling headphones. There's space for the other stuff I need (a small bottle of water and a snack), but not a jacket, which I have to wear or tie to the strap. I don't think any personal item-sized thing is going to have space for it and headphones a laptop (I put my laptop in my carry-on, which is usually either a 20L backpack or a 40L ultralight rollerboard). Its case has space for a charger and since my phone and headphones are USB-C as well I can just stick with it. It won't be flat like your switch.

I don't think I'd try strapping it to the outside of any bag, even though the case it came with seems quite good. I think it would be unwieldy.

It's "portable" but as someone looking for a gaming computer for a 9 year old, ideal in a lot of ways and certainly preferable to handing him some giant, ugly Windows box or teaching him how to navigate Linux (which I hope he'll do over time with this)

This is why I got a Steamdeck recently, didn’t want/need a full on gaming PC. So far it’s perfect for me.

Despite of that, Steam Deck is much more comfortable to hold than Nintendo Switch. I have both and my hands feel sore after holding the Switch for a while - no such effect on the Deck. It does take up more space in a bag though.

>I would consider the Nintendo Switch about the maximum size for something to comfortably travel with

I have pretty severe hand pain after prolonged use of switch. Getting case with big grips definitely helps, but then switch gets much bigger.

While prolonged use of deck is also noticeable, it's much, much less taxing on hands. Or so i feel. Probably because it's more comfortable to hold due to size and built-in grips?