Comparison
PS5 vs Nintendo Switch 2: Which Console Should You Buy?
The PS5 Slim is the better 4K TV console. The Switch 2 plays on the TV and in your hands. Round by round, with full specs and live prices.
It comes down to where you play. The PS5 Slim is the better console for a 4K TV, with more power and 1TB of storage. The Nintendo Switch 2 plays on your TV and in your hands, and it is the only way to play Nintendo's games. If you want to play away from the TV, that decides it.
The real difference: TV power or play anywhere
- Same on both4K output on a TV, up to 120fps, Wi-Fi 6, and they play most games from the console before
- The PS5 Slim gets youMore graphics power, 1TB of storage, an optional disc drive and PlayStation's games
- The Switch 2 gets youA 7.9-inch 120Hz handheld screen, about 2 to 6.5 hours of battery, and Nintendo's games like Mario and Pokemon
You play on a 4K TV
You want the best-looking big games
You want 1TB of storage
You buy game discs
You want to play away from the TV
You play with kids or friends in the room
You want Mario, Zelda or Pokemon
You already own Switch games
Not sure? Answer 3 quick questions
Where will you play most?
Who is it mostly for?
Do you have a 4K TV and care how games look?
Round by round
Both output 4K at up to 120fps, but the PS5 is the more powerful console, so big games look sharper and run smoother on a 4K TV.
The Switch 2 lifts out of its dock and becomes a handheld with a 7.9-inch 120Hz screen. The PS5 only plays on a TV.
1TB on the PS5 against 256GB on the Switch 2. Both can add more: an M.2 SSD on the PS5, a microSD Express card on the Switch 2.
Nintendo's games (Mario Kart, Mario Party, Pokemon) are made for playing together in one room, and only come out on Switch.
The PS5 plays most PS4 games. The Switch 2 plays most original Switch games. Your existing library may decide it.
The PS5 Disc model plays Blu-ray game discs you can buy, sell or lend. The Switch 2 uses game cards, which also work secondhand.
The PS5 wins on power, storage and discs. The Switch 2 wins on portability and family games. The games you want should break the tie.
Skip it if
Skip the PS5 Slim if
- You want to play in bed, on trips or while someone else uses the TV
- Your kids mainly want Mario, Pokemon or Animal Crossing
- You have no space near the TV for a 3.2kg console
Skip the Switch 2 if
- You want the best graphics on a 4K TV
- You play long sessions away from a charger. Nintendo rates it at about 2 to 6.5 hours
- You want PlayStation's games
SOur take
If the console lives under the TV and you care how games look, get the PS5 Slim.
If you want to play anywhere, or you are buying for a family with younger kids, get the Switch 2. Their game libraries barely overlap, so let the games you want decide.
Every spec side by side
Better Same on both
Specs from Sony and Nintendo. Switch 2 battery life depends on the game.
Before you buy
Disc or digital?
The PS5 Slim comes as a Disc Edition or Digital Edition, both with 1TB. Get the disc model if you buy used games or borrow from friends. The Switch 2 uses game cards, so there is no choice to make.
Good to know
- Online play needs PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Switch Online for most games
- The Switch 2 takes microSD Express cards only, not regular microSD
- Each console comes with one controller if it was originally bundled, plus the power and HDMI cables
Price
A pre-owned PS5 Slim starts at $939.99 in our store, and a Nintendo Switch 2 starts at $609.99. Prices update live. Browse all consoles. Every console comes with up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.
Related: PS5 vs Xbox Series X · PS5 vs PS5 Slim vs PS5 Pro · Every Switch compared
Still choosing? Read our guide to which console to buy.
FAQ
Is the PS5 or Switch 2 better?
For a 4K TV and big action games, the PS5. For playing on the go and family games, the Switch 2. The games barely overlap, so pick by the games you want.
Is the Switch 2 as powerful as a PS5?
No. Both can output 4K at up to 120fps, but the PS5 is the more powerful console, so demanding games look and run better on it.
Can the Switch 2 play on a TV?
Yes. Put it in the dock and it outputs up to 4K to your TV. Take it out and it is a handheld.
Which is better for kids?
Usually the Switch 2. It works as a handheld, and Nintendo makes many games for younger players and families. For older kids who want big action and sports games on a 4K TV, the PS5.
Do I need a subscription to play online?
For most online multiplayer, yes: PlayStation Plus on the PS5 and Nintendo Switch Online on the Switch 2. Free-to-play games are the usual exception.
Can I play my old games?
The PS5 plays most PS4 games, and the Switch 2 plays most original Switch games.
Sources: PlayStation: PS5; Nintendo: Switch 2.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the PlayStation 5 Slim pre-owned from $939.99, tested by real technicians with up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.
