Keen to invest in either the new Switch 2 or PlayStation 5 but aren’t sure which one will better suit you or your family? This guide will help you decide.
While the long anticipated Switch 2 is now finally available globally, the PS5 has been around since 2020 and has firmly cemented its place on our best game consoles list. As the two consoles are quite different, it can be tough to know which one will get more use.
To help you choose, we’ve highlighted the key differences between the Switch 2 and PS5 below. Alternatively, 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.
Price and availability
After months of speculation, the Nintendo Switch 2 is now available globally with an RRP of £399.95/$499.99. This price is for the console, dock and two detachable controllers, alongside all the cables you need to set-up. Not included is a microSD Express card, Nintendo Switch Online membership or a USB-C camera.
There are a few different iterations of the PlayStation 5 to choose from, which we’ll dive further into later on in detail. For now, there’s the standard PlayStation 5 which has a built-in disc drive and will set you back from £479.99 for the Slim version, or the digital-only version without a disc drive that costs slightly less at £429.99.
As the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Digital Edition are more or less the same console, just without the disc drive, we’ll compare the two versions throughout with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 is a portable console
Perhaps the biggest and most obvious difference between the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 is that the Nintendo Switch 2 is a portable console. Not only is the Nintendo Switch 2 playable in handheld or table-top mode for both personal and multiplayer gaming on the go, but it can also be connected to the TV via its docking station too.
By design, the PS5 is not as versatile as the Nintendo Switch 2 as it needs to be plugged into a TV or gaming monitor. Having said that, if portability is important to you then you can invest in the PlayStation Portal (£199.99/$199) which is a remote player that allows you to play your PS5 games somewhat portably. We say somewhat as you will need to be logged into your home Wi-Fi to benefit from this.
Nintendo Switch 2
PlayStation Portal
Both offer backwards compatibility for games
As both the Switch 2 and PS5 are the latest additions to their respective console lineups, it’s important to note that they both offer backwards compatibility. Essentially, this means that you can play original Switch titles on your Switch 2 and PS4 games on your PS5, with some games even benefitting from a performance boost when paired with a newer console.
Not only that, but the PS5 also allows you to play some PS3, PS2 and even PlayStation games via the PlayStation Plus Premium service. In addition, there are some classic Nintendo titles that can be found via the Switch Online membership.
PlayStation 5 has 1TB of storage space
Anyone who enjoys playing numerous titles at once will especially benefit from the PlayStation 5, as it boasts a massive 1TB of storage space. Not only that, but you can also install an M.2 SSD which increases the storage capacity even further, although just note that this is sold separately. To help with this, we’ve put together this guide on how to install an SSD in your PS5.
Although the Switch 2 benefits from eight times the capacity of the original Nintendo Switch, at 256GB you will likely need to invest in a microSD Express card to expand your storage. In fact, we noted that the Switch 2 games are much bigger than its predecessor and 7GB of its capacity is taken up by its system software in the first place.
At the time of writing, there’s only two microSD Express sizes available in the UK: 128 or 256GB, although larger options should launch soon.
PlayStation 5 is available as a digital-only console
As mentioned briefly earlier, the PS5 is available in two versions: either with or without a built-in disc drive. The latter is best suited for those who typically prefer to download or stream games and won’t benefit from discs or Blu-Rays.
While a PS5 Digital Edition is slightly cheaper than the standard PS5, if you do ever decide to add a disc-drive to your console then this will set you back up to £200/$200 which is a pricey addition. We’d argue that if there’s even a slight chance you’ll want to use a disc, then spend the additional £50/$50 and get the PS5.
On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch 2 comes as it is. Like the standard PS5, games on the Switch 2 are playable as both physical game cards or via Switch Online.
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with two controllers
Much like the OG Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED, the Switch 2 comes equipped with two Joy-Cons that attach to either side of the console. Although the controllers of the predecessors attached via a sliding mechanism, the controllers of the Switch 2 attach magnetically.
The beauty of the Switch 2 (and Switch for that matter) coming equipped with two controllers means you can instantly engage in multiplayer gaming, without needing to splurge on additional equipment. Alternatively, the controls have been cleverly designed so when paired together, in handheld or TV mode, they make up one complete remote.
The PS5, on the other hand, comes with just one controller with additional ones needing to be purchased separately.
Switch 2 Joy-Cons
PS5 and controller
Early Verdict
Both the Switch 2 and PS5 offer different advantages to gaming. While the Switch 2 offers versatility and is home to Nintendo exclusives like Mario and Zelda, the PlayStation 5 is a mighty console that is home to a huge catalogue of games from PS-exclusives to favourites such as GTA.
