Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS5: Which console should you buy this Christmas?

Starting your Christmas shopping earlier and not sure which console to buy for a child, teen or even yourself? We’ve got you covered.

Despite being pretty different consoles, both the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 are firmly cemented into our best game consoles guide which can make choosing between the two feel like a tricky task.

That’s where we come in. We’ve drawn upon our experiences with both consoles and highlighted the key differences between the Switch 2 and the PS5 below, so you can decide which games console will suit your home the best.

Otherwise, visit our Nintendo Switch 2 vs Xbox Series S guide which explains how the Switch 2 compares to the 4.5-star rated Xbox Series S.

Quick Verdict

Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if:

• You want a versatile console that can be played in handheld, TV or tabletop mode
• You prefer Nintendo’s game library and want to play the likes of Mario Kart World, Zelda or Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• You want a multiplayer experience straight out of the box 

Buy the PS5 if:

• You’re counting down the days until GTA VI
• You want a more powerful gaming experience 
• You want a multimedia console that allows you to access streaming apps and YouTube

Price and availability

Before we start, we should mention that both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the PlayStation 5 have seen hefty price rises in the past year. With the RAM crisis to blame, the PS5 has especially risen in price, meaning it’s a bigger investment than this time last year.

That means the Nintendo Switch now has an RRP of £419.99/$499.99, which includes the console itself, dock and two detachable joy-con controllers, along with all the necessary cables for setting up. Not included is a microSD Express card, Nintendo Switch Online membership or a USB-C camera.

There are a couple PlayStation 5 iterations to choose from, including the standard PS5 that has a built-in disc drive and the digital-only version that’s without a disc drive. With the recent price rises, the standard PS5 will now set you back £569.99/$650 while the digital-only iteration starts at £519.99/$600.

Keep in mind, however, that Black Friday is creeping up, and you might be able to find both the Switch 2 and PS5 with a price drop. It’s also possible that the Switch 2’s accessories may also see a price reduction for the weekend too – though of course this is unconfirmed. Essentially, unless you’re in a serious rush to buy now, it’s worth waiting for Black Friday before investing, on the chance that you’ll see a price cut.

Design

• Nintendo Switch 2 can be used both plugged into the TV and as a portable device
• 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 difference in design is pretty obvious. Not only is the Switch 2 playable in handheld or table-top mode, thanks to the redesigned kickstand that props the screen up, but it can also be connected to the TV via its included docking station too. 

In comparison, the PS5 is simply not as versatile as the Switch 2, as it needs to be plugged into a TV or monitor to use. However, you can invest in the PlayStation Portal which is a remote player that allows you to play your PS5 games somewhat portably – though you will need to be logged into your home Wi-Fi to actually benefit from this tool.

Nintendo Switch 2 PlayStation Portal

Otherwise, the Switch 2 boasts a slightly more sophisticated design from its predecessor, with a sleek black finish and only a hint of colour on the two joy-cons. Speaking of which, the joy-cons now attach magnetically rather than sliding into the ports.

The PS5 has also seen a redesign, with the Slim model replacing the original, chunkier iteration that first launched. In fact, it sees 30% less volume compared to the original PS5, with its dimensions now measuring at 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 either side with different colourways. Plus, removing the slabs allows you to easily replace or add more SSD storage. 

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

Due to its versatility, we’ll give the win to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Joy-Cons and Controllers

• Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Cons
• The new joy-cons are larger than their predecessors
• PS5 comes with one DualSense controller

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

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

However, you can also pair the Switch 2 with the Switch 2 Pro controller which is more comfortable for longer periods of gaming. Just keep in mind that the Pro controller is sold separately. 

In comparison, the PS5 comes equipped with one DualSense controller which includes adaptive triggers and haptic feedback vibration to help increase immersion when gaming. Having said that, keep in mind that these are used to varying degrees across titles. 

We’ll give the win here to the Switch 2, as it comes with the option for two-player gaming straight out of the box. Of course, that’s not to say that the PS5’s DualSense controller isn’t brilliant to play with, it’s just that you’ll need to invest in an additional one for two-player.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Switch 2 Joy-Cons PS5 and controller

Performance

• Nintendo Switch 2 runs on an unnamed custom process from Nvidia
• Although the Switch 2 feels much faster than the original, it doesn’t compete with Sony (nor does it try to)
• PS5 is impressively fast and smooth to play, though not as fast as the Xbox Series X

When it comes to sheer power and speed, Nintendo has never been one to compete with Microsoft or Sony, however that doesn’t mean the Switch 2 isn’t an admirable performer. With an unnamed custom process from Nvidia under the hood, the Switch 2 undoubtedly feels more like a capable 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 remained cool which is thanks to the internal fans which rarely spin up to a noticeable volume. One potential issue, or rather something to keep in mind, is with the Switch 2’s storage. Although it comes with eight times that of the original Switch, you still may struggle with its 256GB allocation. You’ll need to opt for a microSD Express card with your console, as standard microSD cards simply won’t work.

The PS5, on the other hand, runs exceptionally fast. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Xbox Series X, it still allows you to load games and run through settings pretty quickly. In fact, the PS5 is capable of 120fps performance, though that’s only when paired with compatible monitors.  

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

Winner: PlayStation 5

Game Library and Software

• PlayStation allows access to streaming apps including Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video
• Both consoles offer backward compatibility
• Switch 2’s software experience is more or less the same as the original Nintendo Switch

Before we dive in, we should note that if you want a multimedia console that allows you to stream the latest series, access YouTube and more then 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’s interface will look pretty familiar, with the home screen basically looking the exact same as before. We don’t see this as an issue at all, as the interface is easy to navigate across – although it doesn’t boast many customisation options. 

Nintendo Switch 2 PS5

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

Even with everything else in mind, perhaps one of the reasons to opt for either the Switch 2 or the PS5 is with their respective game libraries. For example, Nintendo is home to exclusive titles including Mario Kart World (and other games from the Mario franchise) and Animal Crossing: New Horizons too. In comparison, and perhaps most notably for many, the PS5 will support the upcoming GTA VI. Undeniably one of the most anticipated titles in the last decade, GTA VI will not be available on the Switch 2.

Otherwise, both the PS5 and Switch 2 are backwards compatible, which means they can play older titles. In fact, some original Switch titles will even benefit from free updates to help optimise them for the Switch 2.

With the above in mind, choosing a winner here is tricky, as both consoles have their own pros and cons. Purely as it’s a multimedia console that allows you to access streaming apps alongside games, we’ll give the win to the PS5.

Winner: PlayStation 5

Which is better for kids and families?

• Nintendo Switch 2 arguably has more titles suitable for younger players
• Both have parental controls
• Nintendo Switch 2 is more portable, making it easier for road trips and holidays

Although both consoles have games that are suited for younger players, the Switch 2 arguably has more that are family-friendly and don’t necessarily require connecting online to play. That’s especially aided by the included two joy-cons which allows you to play compatible games on local multiplayer mode without needing to play with users online.

Both the Switch 2 and PS5 also have their own respective parental controls to monitor screen time, set age restrictions and manage access to social features. With the Switch 2, and the original Switch, you can connect to the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

From this app, parents and guardians can check on how long their child has been gaming for and set time limits. They can also manage who children speak to over Game Chat, see their history and restrict video chat too. Finally, parents can also prevent children from playing age-inappropriate games, restrict wider communication with other users and the ability to post screenshots to social media too.

We’ve put together a guide on how to set up Nintendo Switch 2 parental controls, so you can see how easy it is to enable.

Similarly, the PS5 also has a free Family app that allows parents and guardians to keep an eye on their child’s activity online. This means you can also check how long your children have been gaming for, set time limits and enable age restrictions too. Both apps will provide real-time notifications too.

Finally, remember the Nintendo Switch 2 is a much more portable device than the PS5, even with the PS5 Portal as this can only be played when connected to the same Wi-Fi network at the main PS5 console. With this in mind, the Switch 2 is better suited for keeping kids entertained when travelling or on road trips.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Online Services

• Both consoles have optional subscription services
• Nintendo Switch Online unlocks Game Chat
• PS5 Plus comes in three tiers

While you don’t necessarily need to invest in a subscription for either the Switch 2 or PS5, doing so really does level up the overall experience. For the Switch 2 there’s Nintendo Switch Online which allows users to play and chat online with friends, play exclusive titles with no extra cost and unlock special features in-game too. 

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

Alternatively you can opt for Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack which also includes access to N64, Game Boy and Game Boy advance titles too. Nintendo Switch Online will set you back from £3.49 a month while the inclusion of the Expansion Pack will cost £34.99 for the year. For 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, that’s split into three tiers. The cheapest of the lot is coined Essential and allows users to play online, access exclusive discounts and titles, and use Cloud storage too – all from £7.99 a month.

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

Finally, Premium is the most expensive of the tiers at £14.99 a month. It includes all the core benefits as well as access to the Classics Catalogue, Game Trials and Cloud Streaming too.

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

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Verdict

Deciding between the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 will essentially boil down to how you want to use your games console – and the titles you’re likely to play the most. If you want the versatility of a handheld device that can also be connected to a TV or played on the move, then the Switch 2 is an easy recommendation. It’s also the better choice for families or for younger children, as it doesn’t necessarily require an online connection to play and has more games that are suitable for kids. 

On the other hand, if you want access to a wider range of games and want more power and performance, then the PS5 is likely to serve you better. Plus, and this could be the cincher, it will support GTA VI, whereas the Switch 2 won’t.

However, should you wait for the PS6? Although we don’t know exactly when the PS6 will launch, the latest rumours suggest manufacturing will begin in 2027, with the launch slated for the end of the year or early 2028. However, as this is still purely speculation, we’d advise against holding out for a currently unconfirmed console. 

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