Nintendo’s not playing catch-up in 2025 anymore. The Switch 2 doesn’t rival the PS5 or Xbox Series X in raw specs, but it’s shifting the expectations for modern gaming systems.
This is a new way to play, share, and experience games, whether on the go or at home.
Switch 2 vs Xbox Series X vs PS5 Hardware Performance: Which Is Better?
Hardware-wise, the Switch 2 features a custom Nvidia Ampere-based chip and 12GB of LPDDR5X memory. That might not look impressive next to the PS5 and Xbox Series X’s specs, but Nvidia’s DLSS tech narrows the difference.
When docked, the console can push certain games like Cyberpunk 2077 up to dynamic 4K with upscaling. Performance on the go holds up well with a 1080p HDR display and variable refresh rate.
It performs technically between the PS4 Pro and Series S, yet clever upscaling and hardware optimization often deliver a smoother experience than expected for a hybrid. Sony and Microsoft, by comparison, stay locked in on native 4K performance.
The PS5 and Series X both feature 8-core AMD Zen 2 processors and fast memory, which gives them a significant performance edge. Games look stunning, with higher frame rates, ray tracing, and shorter load times.
But neither console offers the same kind of pick-up-and-play flexibility that the Switch 2 thrives on.
While Sony has the PlayStation Portal and Microsoft is rumored to be working on handheld solutions, they’re still not standalone systems. The Switch 2 keeps its spot as the only big console that’s fully playable at home and on the go.
How Does the Switch 2 Hold Up in Design and Portability?
Design-wise, the Switch 2 builds on the original by offering a brighter, smoother 7.9-inch LCD screen and Joy-Con 2 controllers that add extra buttons and mouse-style motion tracking for more gameplay options.
It's still slim enough to fit in a bag and light enough to bring anywhere, something the bulky PS5 and Series X simply can’t compete with.
Does Switch 2 Have Good Third-Party Support?
The Switch 2 is launching with more major games, unlike the original Switch, which leaned mostly on first-party exclusives and indie releases.
Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Borderlands 4 are all coming to the system. Most games run at 30fps or have minor graphics cuts, but launching them on day one with PS5 and Xbox shows devs mean business.
Is Switch 2 Cheaper Than Xbox & PS5?
The Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, which is higher than the Xbox Series S and the PS5 Digital Edition, but it provides greater flexibility out of the box. Each unit includes Joy-Con 2 controllers and is ready for multiplayer right away.
The PS5 Standard Edition sits at $499.99, while the Series X jumps to $599.99. Even with better graphics and power, those systems can’t match the Switch 2’s blend of affordability and versatility. The Switch 2 isn’t trying to beat the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S at their own game.
It’s setting itself apart by blending portability and power while cutting back on compromises. If what you care about is flexibility, convenience, and access to a solid mix of exclusives and third-party games, Nintendo’s latest might just be the smartest console choice in 2025.
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