Nintendo as we know it has always marched to the beat of its own pixelated drum. While Sony and Microsoft have always been at war for teraflops and photorealism, Nintendo built its legacy on innovation, charm and beloved games. With the Nintendo Switch 2 announced on April 2, 2025, the question isn’t just what Nintendo will bring to the table, but will it be able to compete with the gaming giants of the industry? The original Nintendo Switch was a game changer not only due to the fact that it was powerful, but because it was different. With titles such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo proved that you do not need high tech hardware to create an unforgettable experience. However, this formula of Nintendo is now being tested. The Switches hardware is way behind that of the Steam Deck, PS X and other such consoles. Players are beginning to feel the gap through issues such as long load times, frame drops and limitations on third-party ports. Leaks and developer rumors have suggested that the Switch 2 will house an NVIDIA chip based on Ampere Architecture. It’s also rumored that the Device will also support DLSS upscaling that will push visuals closer to current-gen standards. Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 is expected to feature a redesigned Dock Station and support for the faster MicroSD Express memory cards, which could significantly cut down game loading times. While full details remain under wraps, current speculation points to a launch price of $399, with games likely ranging between $69 and $79. If all this is true, it will be Nintendo’s biggest leap in power yet finally giving developers more room to work with. The PS5 and Xbox are pushing through 4k, raytracing and SSD level load speeds similarly the Steam Deck is also showing that portable power is possible too with access to AAA titles through PC storefronts. What Nintendo has no one else does. It shines in its exclusive catalogue and brand power. Titles such as Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, Pokémon, Splatoon make Nintendo what it is as no one else has these franchises. So, no matter how good other platforms get they simply cannot beat Nintendo’s charm. Apart from this, then there’s the nostalgic factor. Nintendo fans span generations, and the company knows exactly how to tap into that emotional connection. Nintendo’s Switch 2 doesn’t need to beat Sony or Microsoft it just has to deliver “Nintendo moments” better than before. The PS5 is in its prime with titles such as Spiderman-2, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth and Rise of Ronin. Xbox is also expanding its ecosystem through Game Passes and acquisitions such as Bethesda and Activision. Meanwhile Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go are reshaping handheld gaming. The devices offer power and portability threatening to damage Nintendo’s hybrid console lead. The real question isn’t whether it can compete but rather, should it? Nintendo has rarely ever competed on specs and still is wildly successful and profitable with the original switch selling nearly 130 million units up till 2017. The Switch 2 doesn’t need to win the power race. It just has to stay relevant by offering smooth performance, modern features and better online support. If Nintendo can deliver titles like Zelda, Mario Kart 9 and a true Pokémon evolution, the power gap becomes secondary.
Nintendo has never played the same game as Sony or Microsoft and maybe that’s exactly why it keeps winning. With the Switch 2 on its way Nintendo has the opportunity to balance innovation with meaningful hardware. It won’t match the Steam Deck, ROG Ally or other consoles in raw performance and maybe it doesn’t have too. Because Nintendo does what it does best and that’s “creating magic” not just keeping up with competitors. Nintendo is just simply running a different race and still crossing the finish line and winning the hearts of millions. It’s no shock that the Switch 2 is already estimated to sell around 17 million units this year. Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋 How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔 [Comparisons Expert] Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built. Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
Nintendo’s Playbook: Fun Over Firepower
A Long-Awaited Power Boost
What Nintendo Has That Others Don’t
The Competition Isn’t Slowing Down
Can Nintendo Keep Up or Should It Even Try?
Final Thoughts
Can Nintendo’s Switch 2 Keep Up with the Powerhouses?
Nintendo doesn't have to compete.
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