Our full review of the Nintendo Switch 2 – and how it stacks up vs PS5

I used the Nintendo Switch 2 as my main gaming system for ten days.

I took it on trips, played late into the night, and hosted friends for Mario Kart. After all this, I can say the Switch 2’s value really depends on how you play. It shines as a handheld, but I can’t recommend it as a home console right now.

Setting up the Switch 2 was easy. I swapped in the new dock, used the magnetic charging for the controllers, and played my first game on the TV. When comparing it to a PlayStation 5, the gap in performance stood out. With Cyberpunk 2077, the Switch 2 only manages about 80 percent of the visual effects, 60 percent of the resolution, and half the frame rate of a PS5. The difference is easy to spot, even on a good TV. Graphics and control quality just can’t match what Sony or Microsoft offer. The updated Joy-Con controllers have a better feel, but they still don’t include extras like adaptive triggers. Aiming in shooter games isn’t as sharp as it should be, and the joystick drift problem hasn’t gone away.

Online features also trail behind the competition.

Other systems have faster Wi-Fi, more reliable servers, and better online choices. The Switch 2’s price, especially when you add a game like Cyberpunk 2077, is higher than a PlayStation 5 Slim bundle. The PS5 also offers more storage, supports surround sound, and works as a full home entertainment device with more apps. Adding storage to the Switch 2 costs extra, and the better Pro controller is another added cost.

Some features, like mouse mode on the Joy-Cons and improved game chat, actually work quite well but push the total price higher. If you want the camera for certain games, you need to buy it separately. Soon you’ll need to pay an annual fee for the upgraded online subscription too.

If you mainly want a home console, the only strong reason to get Switch 2 is for exclusive Nintendo games. But right now, the list of launch games is pretty thin. Mario Kart World stands out, but it’s mostly for groups. The remastered Zelda games are good, but most fans have already played them.

Big third-party games like Cyberpunk and Hogwarts Legacy are available, but they don’t look as sharp on a TV when compared to PS5. The graphics have more rough edges, and the frame rates are lower. If you spend most of your playtime on a big screen, other consoles deliver a better experience.

Things look different if portable gaming matters to you. If you like playing in short bursts or need your games to travel, the Switch 2 lands ahead of most options. Handheld gaming always comes with trade-offs between power, battery life, and portability. The Switch 2 handles these better than most rivals. The Steam Deck is bigger and heavier. Windows handhelds have weaker batteries and awkward software. Xbox’s upcoming handhelds could change things, but for now, the Switch 2 leads for portability.

When used as a handheld, the Switch 2 keeps most visual effects on, even if resolution takes a hit. Running demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 on a slim device with solid speakers and barely any fan noise feels impressive. Controls are good, though some buttons could be improved. The triggers work well, and taking off the controllers is quick and easy.

For me, Switch 2 fits two main roles. First, it’s the place for Nintendo exclusives, which will only grow over time. Second, it lets me play console-quality games in those quick pockets of free time that would go unused with a regular console. Whether I’m walking on a treadmill or sitting with family, it just fits into a busy life. The screen is bright, but glare becomes a problem outside or in direct light.

Developers say it’s now easier to bring home console games to Switch 2. With strong sales already, more studios will likely join in. This could make Switch 2 a key spot for portable versions of big titles.

Battery life is a mixed story. Playing Cyberpunk drains the battery in about three hours. That’s less than the Switch OLED, but still better than some, like the ROG Ally, which gets around 90 minutes. Among popular handhelds, Switch 2 runs out of power the quickest, so it’s best to keep a charger handy.

In short, go for the Switch 2 when the games you want are out. The hardware is solid and works best as a portable. If you want a focus on handheld gaming, Switch 2 is a great pick. If you mostly play at home, other consoles give you more for your money.