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With the decision to end physical disc production by 2028, some people are finding it hard to be a fan of Sony’s PlayStation 5 right now. Maybe you think a Nintendo Switch 2 might be the way to go, even though the closest competitor to the PS5 is the more powerful Xbox Series X. But gamers are always chasing where the fun is, rather than the console with the most powerful hardware (the Switch 2 would definitely lose). We saw this when the OG Switch managed to outsell the PS4 and Xbox One, despite being underpowered. But the PS5 arguably has both the raw performance and fun factor that give it an edge over the Nintendo Switch 2 in certain areas.Â
The PS5 is the more expensive console, starting at $599 for the PS5 Digital Edition, while the Nintendo Switch 2 is $499.99. As much as the Switch can do certain things a PS5 can’t, Sony has beaten Nintendo when it comes to offering high-fidelity, immersive AAA experiences and just being an overall entertainment hub. These may justify the extra $100. Despite that, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t make the Nintendo Switch 2 an inferior console to the PS5 when it comes to the overall gaming experience, but there are some reasons you might want to consider the latter.
The PS5 has better graphics
Both the PS5’s AMD Radeon RDNA and the Switch 2’s custom Nvidia Tegra T239 are capable of 4K output. However, only the PS5 can output 4K natively thanks to its 10.28 teraflops of raw graphical power — it just doesn’t do it for every game. On the other hand, the Switch 2 runs at 3.072 TFLOPs in docked mode and 1.71 TFLOPs in handheld mode. However, games on the Switch 2 still look great thanks to Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which is Nvidia’s AI upscaling technology. But even with powerful upscaling, the Switch 2 struggles to reach 4K resolutions in highly demanding games since it prioritises efficiency over fidelity.
The graphical tests by Digital Foundry on “Resident Evil Requiem” found that it runs at a native 540p on the Switch 2 in docked mode, but with DLSS upscaling, the resolution goes up to 1080p. On PS5, the native resolution is 1080p before being blown up to 4K thanks to AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) upscaling. Digital Foundry found that the Switch 2’s upscaling offers better image stability in certain areas. However, with AI-powered Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR) upscaling now available on the base PS5, offering more detail and stability than FSR, Resident Evil Requiem has the potential to look even better. However, the Switch 2 manages to hit 4K with several OG Switch games like “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and Switch 2 upgrades of “Xenoblade Chronicles 2” and “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.”
The PS5 has higher frame rates
When we talk about performance mode, the PS5 can consistently push higher frame rates. According to tests done by Digital Foundry, the Switch 2 edition of “Elden Ring” runs at 30 to 35 FPS in docked mode, while targeting 40 FPS and having the graphical fidelity of the PS4 version. In handheld mode, the FPS can drop to about 25 frames per second. This means the experience is smoother on the PS5, which targets 60 FPS in performance mode most of the time, according to Digital Foundry. However, it can drop into the 40s during demanding scenes.
Keep in mind that “Elden Ring” is a soulsike, where more frames make dodging and parrying easier. I know this because when I replayed “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” on 60 FPS, I found parrying way easier than when I played it on 30 FPS on the PS4. Another example of where the PS5’s higher frame rates shine is with “Cyberpunk 2077.” On Switch 2, it targets 40 FPS, while its target is 60 FPS on the PS5. It’s clear that for those seeking a smoother experience, especially with blockbuster titles, the PS5 is the better option.
The PS5 has more first-party blockbusters exclusives
First, let’s define what “blockbuster” means when talking about AAA games. Here, we’re talking about realistic graphics, deep narratives, and cinematics that push the boundary between games and movies. At the same time, there are highly-polished games with deep and fun mechanics that delight both critics and players alike. When looking at the quantity of blockbusters on both consoles, the PS5 wins. This is especially true when you throw in the number of blockbuster games it inherits from the PS4 through backward compatibility. These still look great today, with several receiving remasters, remakes, and enhanced versions to take advantage of the PS5’s graphical and performance benefits.
Nintendo takes a different approach with its first-party games. It prefers stylized graphics, and these may age better than the realistic graphics that Sony is pushing for in its modern titles. That is why “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” from the GameCube and “Super Mario Galaxy 2” for the Wii still look good today. Games like “God of War 3” and “The Last of Us” look dated, even with PS4 remasters they got. It doesn’t take away the fact that at the time of their initial release, they were great-looking games. Even though Nintendo’s games aren’t blockbuster in design, they do blockbuster numbers thanks to a heavy emphasis on fun mechanics. However, for our definition of blockbuster, the PS5 is where it’s at.
The PS5 is VR-compatible
When it comes to immersive experience, the PS5 takes it even further than the Switch 2 with PlayStation VR2. For example, while both consoles have “Resident Evil Village,” the Switch 2 version has no VR mode. On PS5, VR can feel like you’re actually in locations like Castle Dimitrescu, bringing you closer to the action and tension. It can up the stakes, especially on higher difficulties. Sure, the PSVR2 costs $399.99, but it’s still one of the most affordable VR headsets around.Â
Even though Sony hasn’t released much on PSVR2 in terms of first-party games, you still have high-quality experiences in “Horizon Call of the Mountain” and “Gran Turismo 7.” As for third-party games, there’s “Resident Evil 4 Remake,” “Metro Awakening,” “Hitman World of Assassination,” and “Pistol Whip”. There’s plenty to play and get yourself immersed in.
Unfortunately, PSVR2 can’t run the OG PSVR’s games. If it did, the library would have been even bigger, with games like “Astro Bot Rescue Mission,” “Resident Evil Village,” and “Beat Saber.” But if you are coming from the PS4 and still have the PSVR 1, you can still use it with the PS5. The only thing you will need is a PS4 camera adapter, which you can get for $9.99 on Amazon. The PS4’s camera can not connect directly to the PS5.
The PS5 is an entertainment hub
Games require you to be actively engaged, which is not what we always want from entertainment. During moments of downtime, it’s nice to enjoy some passive entertainment. You may want to watch a movie or TV show or listen to some music. You’d think a handheld console would be something that would be perfect for this, but the Switch 2 has no streaming apps that work.Â
Nintendo did this intentionally to make the Nintendo Switch a dedicated gaming console. However, it ignores the needs of players who enjoy passive entertainment. Despite that, there are rumours that YouTube may be coming to the Switch 2. But until that happens, the PS5 has the edge on just how much more entertainment it can offer.
A PS5 can be a valuable entertainment hub for the whole house, especially if you pair it with the PS5 Media Remote, which costs $29.99. The remote has dedicated buttons for Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Spotify. Anyone in the household can use it, while the Nintendo is strictly a gaming console. Also, if you have the PS5 with a disc drive, you have a capable Blu-ray player on your hands. You can actually have a Blu-ray collection along with your physical game collection.
