Which console should you choose?

Price and availability

The Nintendo Switch 2 is available to buy now, and has an official RRP of £395.95/$499.99. This includes the console itself, the dock and two detachable joy-con controllers, as well as all the necessary cables for setup. Not included, however, is a microSD Express card, a Nintendo Switch Online membership or a USB-C camera.

There are several iterations of the PlayStation 5 to choose from, including the regular PS5 with a built-in disc and a digital-only version without a disc drive. Unfortunately, Sony recently announced that they will be raising the prices of the PS5, which means that it is more expensive than ever.

That means the standard PS5 will now set you back £569.99/$650 while the digital-only iteration starts at £519.99/$600.

Design

• The Nintendo Switch 2 can be used both connected to a TV and as a portable device
• The PlayStation 5 is not portable, and can only be used when connected to a TV or monitor

Put the Switch 2 and PS5 side by side and their differences in design are pretty obvious. The Switch 2 is not only playable in handheld or tabletop mode, thanks to a redesigned kickstand that raises the screen, but it can also be connected to a TV via its included docking station.

In comparison, the PS5 is nothing like the Switch 2, as it needs to be connected to a TV or monitor to use. However, you can invest in PlayStation Portal which is a remote player that allows you to play your PS5 games slowly portable – or you’ll need to be connected to your home Wi-Fi to really benefit from this tool.

Otherwise, the Switch 2 boasts a more polished design than its predecessor, with a glossy black finish and just a hint of color on the two consoles. Speaking of which, the joy-cons now attach magnetically rather than sliding into the ports.

The PS5 also saw a redesign, with the Slim model replacing the original, chunkier iteration that was first introduced. In fact, it sees a 30% smaller volume compared to the original PS5, and its dimensions are now 358 mm x 216mm x 96 mm (disc edition) or 358 mm x 216mm x 80 mm (digital).

While the PS5 comes as a white-and-black model, you can replace the white plastic slabs on both sides with different colors. Also, removing the slabs allows you to easily replace or add more SSD storage.

Picking a winner between the Switch 2 and the PS5 is difficult in this instance, as both consoles are well-designed – but serve different purposes. If portability and flexibility are important to you, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a no-brainer. On the other hand, if you prefer to stick to one dedicated gaming console, the PS5 is a solid option as well.

Because of its versatility, we’ll give the Nintendo Switch 2 the win.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Joy-Cons and controllers

• The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Cons
• New states of happiness are greater than their predecessors
• The PS5 comes with a single DualSense controller

The Switch 2 comes equipped with two Joy-Cons that attach magnetically to either end of the console. Not only are the Joy-Cons larger than their predecessors, but they are also equipped with new features including the C button to open Game Chat and the ability to be used as a mouse for certain titles.

For a complete list of all the changes from the predecessor, visit our Joy-Con 2 vs Joy-Con.

However, you can also pair the Switch 2 with the more comfortable Switch 2 Pro controller for longer gaming sessions. Just remember that the Pro controller is sold separately.

In comparison, the PS5 comes equipped with a single DualSense controller that includes dynamic triggers and haptic feedback vibrations to help increase immersion when playing. Having said that, remember that these are used to varying degrees in all subjects.

We’ll give the win here to the Switch 2, as it’s arguably the more versatile of the two consoles. However, that doesn’t mean the DualSense PS5 controller isn’t a smart tool to play with.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Working

• The Nintendo Switch 2 runs on an unspecified custom processor from Nvidia
• Although the Switch 2 feels a lot faster than the original, it doesn’t compete with the Sony (and it doesn’t try to).
• The PS5 is incredibly fast and smooth to play, even if it’s not as fast as the Xbox Series X

When it comes to power and speed, Nintendo has never been one to compete with Microsoft or Sony, but that doesn’t mean the Switch 2 isn’t an impressive player. With an unspecified custom process from Nvidia under the hood, the Switch 2 undoubtedly feels like a more powerful console than its predecessor, with games running at much more stable frame rates.

We also found that, during our time with the console, the Switch 2 stayed cool thanks to the internal fans that rarely turn up to noticeable volume. One potential issue, or something to keep in mind, is the Switch 2’s storage. Although it comes with eight times the capacity of the original Switch, you may still struggle with its 256GB allotment. You will need to select a microSD Express card for your console, as standard microSD cards will not work.

The PS5, on the other hand, runs much faster. Although it doesn’t reach the heights of the Xbox Series X, it still allows you to load games and run through settings very quickly. In fact, the PS5 is capable of 120fps performance, but only when paired with compatible monitors.

Otherwise, we found that the console itself runs quietly and doesn’t seem to generate much heat.

Winner: PlayStation 5

Game Library and Software

• PlayStation allows access to streaming apps including Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video
• Both consoles offer backwards compatibility
• The Switch 2’s software experience is almost identical to the original Nintendo Switch

Before we dive in, we should note that if you’re looking for a multi-media console that lets you stream the latest series, access YouTube and more, the PlayStation 5 is the obvious choice here. Instead, the Switch 2 is purely for gaming.

If you’ve used the original Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite before, then the Switch 2 interface will look familiar, with the home screen basically looking the same as before. We don’t see this as a problem at all, as the interface is easy to navigate throughout – although it doesn’t boast many customization options.

The PS5 is also very easy to navigate, with one press of the PlayStation button bringing up the Control Center which houses all the information you’ll need, including downloads, friends, music, notifications and more.

Even if you have everything else in mind, perhaps one of the reasons to choose Switch 2 or PS5 are the game libraries. For example, Nintendo is home to exclusive titles including Mario Kart World (and other games from the Mario franchise) and Animal Crossing as well.

Both the PS5 and Switch 2 are backwards compatible, meaning they can play older titles. In fact, some Switch titles even benefit from free updates to help better prepare them for Switch 2.

Internet Services

• Both consoles have optional subscription services
• Nintendo Switch Online opens Game Chat
• The PS5 Plus comes in three categories

While you don’t need to invest in a Switch 2 or PS5 subscription, doing so enhances the overall experience. On the Switch 2 is Nintendo Switch Online which allows users to play and chat online with friends, play exclusive titles at no extra cost and unlock special features within the game.

Basically, if you want to play online with friends you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online, although you won’t need it if you want to play locally.

Alternatively you can choose Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack which includes access to N64, Game Boy and Game Boy titles as well. Nintendo Switch Online will set you back from £3.49 per month while the Expansion Pack will cost £34.99 per year. To take a closer look at the differences, our Nintendo Switch Online vs Expansion Pack guide will have you covered.

The PlayStation 5 also has an optional subscription service, PlayStation Plus, which is divided into three categories. The cheapest of the lot is called Essential and allows users to play online, access exclusive discounts and titles, and use cloud storage – all from £7.99 a month.

Next up is Extra which includes everything found in Essential but includes the Game Catalog and Ubisoft Plus Classics from £11.99 per month.

Finally, Premium is the most expensive of the tiers at £14.99 per month. It includes all the essential benefits and access to the Classic catalog, Game Trials and Cloud Streaming too.

Based on its purchase, we’ll give Nintendo the win here as Switch Online is refreshingly budget-friendly at just £3.49 a month. However, with its versatility, PlayStation Plus offers something for every budget.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

The decision

Deciding between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the PS5 will really depend on what you want to use the console for – and what titles you’re likely to play the most. If you want the versatility of a handheld device that can be plugged into a TV or played on the go, then the Switch 2 is an easy recommendation.

On the other hand, if you want access to a wider range of games and want more power and performance, then the PS5 will probably work better for you.