Ken Levine: Switch 2 and Steam Deck Point to Diminishing Returns

Ken Levine, creator of the BioShock series, said in a recent interview that Nintendo’s Switch 2, the Steam Deck and an upcoming Steam Machine indicate video game graphics are reaching diminishing returns. He added that photorealism “doesn’t age as well.”

Levine argued current consumer hardware can meet most visual goals and that hardware makers are not relying on large graphical leaps. He pointed to the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck as examples of systems that prioritize accessibility and portability rather than major hardware upgrades. He also noted Microsoft and Sony are preparing next-generation consoles expected next year, though those launches could be delayed by component shortages.

On art direction, Levine contrasted photorealism with stylized art, saying stylistic choices tend to hold up longer. He used BioShock as an example: “BioShock still looks good, I think, because it wasn’t trying to get every nut and bolt super realistic.”

Levine said recent portable and lower-cost hardware suggests developers can reach creative goals without chasing raw graphical fidelity. He described the Switch 2 and the upcoming Steam Machine as devices that are not large technological upgrades and said people are recognizing diminishing returns from focusing on pure graphical power.

BioShock launched with a distinct stylized look and is frequently cited as an example of a game whose visuals have aged well. The Steam Deck has increased interest in portable PC gaming, and Nintendo’s forthcoming hardware aims to balance performance with broad consumer reach; Levine referenced both trends in his comments.

His remarks addressed how developers and platform holders allocate resources across design choices, device performance and player access. Levine linked the lasting visual appeal of some older titles to deliberate art direction rather than a chase for photoreal detail.