The Nintendo Switch and PS5 couldn’t be more different in how they deliver gaming. The Switch gives you the freedom to play wherever you want, while the PS5 focuses on high-performance gaming at home.
In this guide, I’ll go over what each console has to offer and help you figure out which one matches your gaming style. Let’s dive right in!
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Nintendo Switch vs PS5—Choose your perfect console
The Nintendo Switch first dropped in March 2017 for $299 and quickly became a favorite for gamers who wanted the best of both worlds. You can play it at home, docked on your TV, or pop it out and take it with you anywhere. It’s perfect for moments when you want to squeeze in a quick round of Super Mario Odyssey while you’re out and about, or dive into Zelda: Breath of the Wild from the comfort of your couch. If you’re someone who needs a flexible gaming experience that fits around your day, the Switch’s portability is a big draw.
Then there’s the PS5, which came onto the scene in November 2020 for around $499. This console is all about power, and it’s built to stay at home. With its fast load times, jaw-dropping graphics, and exclusive games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls, the PS5 is for gamers who want an immersive, cinematic experience.
The PS5 isn’t just about pretty graphics or fast load times—it’s really about how the whole experience pulls you in. Take the DualSense controller, for example. It’s not just for controlling your character; it actually makes you feel like you’re in the game. In Gran Turismo 7, for instance, you can actually feel the road beneath you through the controller’s vibrations.
So, what’s the right choice for you?
Go for Nintendo Switch if you: – Value Portability: Play anywhere—at home, outdoors, or on the go. – Game with Family/Friends: Enjoy multiplayer experiences with family-friendly games. – Want Flexibility: Switch between casual and intense gaming, from Mario Odyssey to Zelda. – Like Variety: Detachable Joy-Con controllers offer diverse ways to play. – Love Nintendo Exclusives: Dive into iconic games like Zelda and Super Mario. – Need an Affordable Option: Get quality gaming without the high price tag. | Go for PS5 if you: – Want the Best Graphics: Enjoy ray tracing, 4K resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate for top-notch visuals. – Crave faster load times: Skip long load times with the PS5’s super-fast custom SSD. – Love PS5 Exclusive Games: Play standout titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Horizon Forbidden West. – Enjoy Immersive Gameplay: Feel every action with the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. – Own PS4 games: Play most of your PS4 games on the PS5 with improved performance. – Want the Ultimate Gaming Setup: Upgrade your home gaming experience with premium performance and sound. |
The Verdict: If you need portability and variety, the Switch is probably the way to go. But if you’re all about the ultimate home gaming setup with stunning visuals, the PS5 has got you covered.
Nintendo Switch vs PS5: Detailed Breakdown
Nintendo Switch | PlayStation 5 | |
Price | $299.99 / £259.99 / AU $469.95 | $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95 |
Dimensions | 4.1 x 9.4 x 0.55 inches (104 x 238.76 x 13.97mm) | 15.4 x 4.1 x 10.2 inches (390 x 104 x 260 mm) |
Weight | 0.87 lbs (with Joy-Con) | 9.92 lbs |
Display Size | 6.2-inch LCD (Standard Model); 7-inch OLED (OLED Model) | Depends on the TV or Monitor |
CPU | Quad-Core NVIDIA Tegra X1 | 8-core AMD Zen 2 |
GPU | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor | 10.28 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4 | 16GB GDDR6 |
Storage | 32GB internal (Standard Model); 64GB internal (OLED Model); expandable via microSD up to 2TB | 825GB SSD |
Resolution | 720p (Handheld); up to 1080p (Docked) | Up to 4K at 120Hz; 8K support |
Controllers | Joy-Con controllers; Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (sold separately) | DualSense Wireless Controller |
Backward Compatibility | No | Yes, with PlayStation 4 games |
Game Format | Physical cartridges; digital downloads via Nintendo eShop | Ultra HD Blu-ray discs; digital downloads via PlayStation Store |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac); Bluetooth 4.1; USB-C; 3.5mm headphone jack | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.1; USB-C; USB-A; Ethernet; HDMI 2.1 |
In this section, I’ll be breaking down the differences in specs and features between the Nintendo Switch vs PS5, so you can get a better sense of what each device offers. I’ll walk you through how their specs translate into real gaming experiences to help you figure out which one fits your needs best. Let’s dive in!
Nintendo Switch vs PS5: Portability & Power
The Switch is all about being flexible. Want to play games on the couch? Sure. On a train? Easy. In bed while pretending to sleep? Been there. It’s lightweight and built for people who want gaming to fit into their day, not the other way around.
Now, the PS5 is a different story—it’s a beast of a console that demands its own dedicated spot in your living room. But that’s because it’s designed for power, not portability. This is the kind of system you fire up when you want to lose yourself in stunning, big-screen worlds.
Nintendo Switch vs PS5: Graphics and Performance
Okay, so let’s not pretend the Switch is winning any beauty contests in the graphics department. It caps out at 1080p when docked (and 720p handheld), but honestly? Games like Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart don’t need jaw-dropping realism to be fun. They’re bright, charming, and totally engaging in their own way.
The PS5, though? It’s where gaming meets art. With 4K resolution and ray tracing, it doesn’t just look good—it feels real. Think about Spider-Man: Miles Morales—you’re swinging through New York, and you can see the reflections in skyscraper windows. It’s breathtaking.
Nintendo Switch vs PS5: Storage
Here’s the thing about the Switch: it only has 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED version) of internal storage. Sounds tiny, right? But most Switch games are surprisingly small, and if you need more space, you can just slap in a microSD card. Problem solved.
The PS5’s 825GB SSD might sound like a lot, but it fills up fast once you start downloading games. Just Red Dead Redemption 2 takes up over 100GB. That said, the SSD isn’t just about storage—it’s insanely fast. Load times? Pretty much gone. If you hate waiting, it’s a total game-changer.
Nintendo Switch vs PS5: Multiplayer
The Switch is perfect for quick multiplayer sessions. You grab a Joy-Con, hand it to a friend, and boom—you’re racing in Mario Kart. It’s ideal for casual gaming nights with friends or family. The online service isn’t great, but it gets the job done for games like Splatoon or Smash Bros.
On the PS5, online gaming feels like an entire ecosystem. You’ll have party chats, game streaming, and PlayStation Plus, which gives you free games every month. It’s built for people who want to go all-in on online multiplayer.
Claim Your PS5 Accessories First with Prelaunch Pre-Orders
If you want to improve your PlayStation setup, I recommend checking out Prelaunch for some awesome accessories. From a PowerA bundle with a protective case and charging station to sleek Chroma Teal console covers, these items will help you keep your PS5 safe and looking great. Plus, you can pre-order them before they’re available anywhere else!
PowerA Accessory Bundle for PS Portal
![PowerA Accessory](https://prelaunch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/accessory-portal.webp)
The PowerA Accessory Bundle for PS Portal offers essential accessories for gamers who want to enhance their setup. It includes a protective case, a charging station with RGB lights, and a screen protector kit to keep your device safe during travel.
- Price: Pre-order for $74.99 instead of the regular $94.00
- Includes: Charging station, protection case, screen protector kit
- Link to Product: PowerA Accessory Bundle.
PS5™ Console Covers (slim) – Chroma Teal
![PS5™ Console Covers](https://prelaunch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/slim-console-cover.webp)
These official PlayStation console covers are simple to install.
Just remove your old PS5 covers and snap the new ones into place for a stunningly vivid gaming experience.
- Price (Pre-order): $64.99
- Link to Product: PS5 Console Covers
PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller – Chroma Teal
![PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller](https://prelaunch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ps-dualsense.webp)
The PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller in Chroma Teal offers an eye-catching design with improved gaming features. The standout aspect is its immersive feedback, adjusting the feel of every action as you play. With its adaptive triggers and versatile connectivity, it’s built to elevate your gaming experience.
- Price: Pre-order and pay $80 instead of the regular $130
- Link to Product: PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
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Conclusion
Hopefully this Nintendo Switch vs PS5 comparison has pointed you in the right direction. To sum it all up, The Switch is all about portability while the PS5 focuses on power and immersive visuals. They’re so different that it’s tough to compare them directly. If you can grab both, great—you’ll get the best of both worlds. But if not, just think about how you like to game—on the go or at home with top-tier performance. Happy gaming!