Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: Performance, Features, and More

Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: Portability meets power, see how Nintendo’s hybrid stacks up against the mighty PS5.

With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, console gamers, especially those who are fans of Nintendo and Sony, are greeted with a diverse yet versatile gaming option. No doubt the PS5 represents raw horsepower in terms of games, but the Switch 2 can also do (RT) rendering, like the PS5, and supports a better upscaling model. PSSR isn’t there on the PS5, which gives the Switch 2 a clear edge in terms of technology. So, how do these two incredible gaming consoles stack up? Let’s find out.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: Which One Is Better?

Pricing Overview

Nintendo Switch 2: $449.99 (base model) | $499.99 (Mario Kart World bundle)
PlayStation 5: $379–$499 (Digital Edition to Disc Version with Astro Bot bundle)

Note – Pricing is subject to change without notice.

Design Comparison

The Nintendo Switch 2 retains its hybrid DNA, but refines it further with an improved 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen (with 120Hz VRR support). This time, the display has reduced the bezels significantly. The Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers attach via rails with an ejection mechanism and feature Hall-effect joysticks to eliminate drift. At just 534g with the Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 balances portability while maintaining a very ergonomic design.

The PS5 also features a slim variant, which adopts a compact design, approximately 31.6% smaller than the original model. On the flip side, due to the sheer difference in size, the PS5 gains a lot in its cooling and also features a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, in the disc version. This also means that the Digital Edition is even sleeker.

Features

This is where the competition gets very interesting. The Sony PS5 features its infamous DualSense controller, which boasts beloved voice-coil actuators for detailed haptic feedback. Like simulating sand textures, and you can even sense car burnouts, etc. The audio on the PS5 is also dramatically different, as the Tempest 3D Audio Engine delivers incredible spatial width with hardware-accelerated ray-traced audio production. Games like Returnal use this feature actively.

The Switch 2, on the other hand, introduces “mouse-mode” for Joy-Cons, which enables precise cursor control in supported games. Speaking of Raytracing and technology. Nvidia’s Ampere GPU is present here, which means DLSS 3.5 (Ray Reconstruction) and future support for DLSS 4 Upscaling (depending on developer integration) are also available. The Switch 2 can also operate in docked mode, allowing it to run at full performance. While in docked mode, you can also utilize its USB 4 connectivity for external storage.

Hardware Comparison

Nintendo Switch 2 main system (Image via Nintendo | Deltia's Gaming) — Image showing the Nintendo Switch 2 (Image via Nintendo)

Controllers and Build

Joy-Con 2 vs DualSense:

The Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 weighs 78g each, features hall effect joysticks, reduced wobble, and textured grips. The PS5’s DualSense weighs 281g, offering advanced haptics and adaptive triggers, but lacks modularity.

Device Construction:

The Switch 2 features a magnesium-alloy frame (270mm x 116mm x 14mm), emphasizing a lightweight yet incredibly durable design, as it is primarily geared towards portability. The PS5, on the other hand, particularly the slim model, features a matte-plastic shell (358mm x 96mm x 216mm), yet it boasts incredible heat dissipation and runs silently.

Technical Specifications

Component	Nintendo Switch 2	PlayStation 5
CPU	8-core ARM Cortex A78C (1.7GHz max)	AMD Zen 2 (8-core, 3.5GHz)
GPU	Ampere (3.09 TFLOPS docked)	RDNA 2 (10.28 TFLOPS)
RAM	12GB LPDDR5 (9GB available for games)	16GB GDDR6 (13.5GB available for games)
Storage	256GB + microSD Express	825GB PCIe 4.0 SSD / Expandable further
Battery Size	5220mAh	N/A (AC-powered)
Battery Life	2–6.5 hours	N/A
Video Output (Docked)	4K/60Hz, 1440p/120Hz	4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz (future update)
Screen Size/Type	7.9-inch LCD (1080p/120Hz)	N/A
Max Framerate	120Hz (handheld/docked)	120Hz
HDR/VRR Support	HDR10, VRR (Unavailable on docked)	HDR10, VRR
Weight	534g (with Joy-Cons)	3.9kg (Digital) / 4.5kg (Disc)
Dimensions	270mm x 116mm x 14mm	358mm x 96mm x 216mm

Performance Benchmarks

Note: These results are compiled from publicly available data.

Cyberpunk 2077: Switch 2 runs at 1080p/30fps (Quality mode) via DLSS, while the PS5 achieves native 1440p/30fps with ray tracing.
Metroid Prime 4: Switch 2 offers 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps modes, whereas PS5 exclusives like Demon’s Souls render at native 4K/30fps (cinematic) or dynamic 1440p/60fps (performance mode).

While this comparison is not technically apples to apples, rather than comparing two gaming consoles with diverse use cases, it’s impressive how rapidly portable devices are progressing in terms of computing power.

Overall Impressions

It’s apparent, in terms of pure horsepower and the best-looking image, the PS5 is the clear winner over here. However, the Switch 2 disrupts portable gaming with its Nvidia-based chip, offering performance that nearly matches that of an Xbox Series S. That said, if you want exclusive access to franchises like Mario Kart World, the asking price of $449.99 is a hefty premium just for that. In return, you get hybrid capabilities, average battery life, and Ray Tracing. Ultimately, choose the option that suits your budget and gaming requirements.

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Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: Performance, Features, and More