Nintendo Switch 2 vs PlayStation 4, Which Is More Powerful?

Nintendo dropped the Switch 2 reveal on April 4, 2025, through a Nintendo Direct, so we’ve got some solid info to chew on, even if all the techy details aren’t fully out yet. This breakdown pits the Switch 2 against the base PlayStation 4, using what we know as of April 5, 2025—looking at hardware, how they run games, their libraries, and what they’re all about.

Hardware Breakdown

Power Under the Hood

The PS4 hit shelves in 2013 with an AMD Jaguar 8-core CPU running at 1.6 GHz and a GPU pumping out 1.84 TFLOPs, backed by 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM with 176 GB/s bandwidth. Back then, it was a beast, handling 1080p gaming with solid frame rates for most stuff.

The Switch 2, from what we saw in the Direct and early breakdowns, rocks a custom NVIDIA chip based on the Ampere setup—maybe a tweak of the Tegra Orin or something built from scratch. Clock speeds are still hush-hush, but word is the GPU hits 4 TFLOPs docked and drops to 1-2 TFLOPs handheld to save battery. It’s got 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM at around 102 GB/s and 256 GB of fast UFS 3.1 storage. Toss in NVIDIA tricks like DLSS and ray-tracing cores, and it’s a different animal from the PS4’s older Radeon GPU.

Analysis: The Switch 2 beats the PS4 in raw power when docked (4 TFLOPs vs. 1.84), but handheld mode probably lands near or under the PS4’s mark because of battery limits. Numbers aside, DLSS and newer tech could let the Switch 2 pull off sharper visuals or smoother play in spots where the PS4 can’t keep up. The PS4’s got faster memory bandwidth (176 GB/s vs. 102), which helps it push data to the GPU, but the Switch 2’s quicker RAM and storage blow the PS4’s old 500 GB hard drive out of the water for load times.

Screen and Video Output

The PS4 sticks to 1080p at 60 FPS on a TV, leaning on your screen to fake 4K if it can. It’s a home console, so no built-in display.
The Switch 2, being a hybrid, comes with an 8-inch 1080p screen—bigger and sharper than the original Switch’s 6.2-inch 720p LCD or 7-inch OLED. It can hit 120 FPS and has HDR, per the Direct. Docked, it pushes up to 1440p at 60 FPS for some games (like Mario Kart World, according to Digital Foundry), using DLSS to stretch lower resolutions cleanly.

Analysis: The Switch 2’s screen and output options leave the PS4 in the dust for flexibility and newness. Handheld, it’s got better resolution and smoother potential (120 FPS), and docked, it tops the PS4’s 1080p with 1440p in the right cases. The PS4 holds steady at 1080p without juggling handheld limits, but it’s missing HDR or higher refresh rates.

How They Play Games

Big Exclusive Games

The PS4’s got heavy hitters like God of War (2018) and The Last of Us Part II, squeezing every bit of its hardware for detailed 1080p visuals, usually locked at 30 FPS. These lean on the PS4’s power and custom-tuned engines.

The Switch 2’s lineup from the Direct includes Mario Kart World (1440p, 60 FPS docked), Donkey Kong Bananza (1080p, 60 FPS), and remasters like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom (both 1440p, 60 FPS). Early looks say they’re light on ray tracing or heavy DLSS, focusing on steady performance and better resolution than the original Switch.

Analysis: The Switch 2’s exclusives outdo the PS4 in resolution and frame rates, thanks to newer tech like DLSS and a slicker setup. But the PS4’s games go harder on visual depth—like fancy lighting and effects—choosing that over resolution or speed. It’s Nintendo’s smooth play vs. Sony’s movie-like detail.

Shared Games from Other Developers

On the PS4, stuff like Skyrim and DOOM (2016) run at 1080p with a steady 30 FPS, making the most of its consistent power. Those ports were dialed in for the hardware back then.

The Switch 2’s got Cyberpunk 2077 (540p-1080p, 30 FPS docked) and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (1080p, 30 FPS), looking cleaner than the PS4 versions with DLSS, though they stumble a bit on frame pacing. They’re about on par or a touch better than the PS4, with some trade-offs for handheld.

Analysis: The Switch 2 keeps up with the PS4 on these ports, often looking nicer with DLSS, but its resolution swings (especially handheld) and minor hiccups show the hybrid balancing act. The PS4’s more even-keeled but can’t match the Switch 2’s upscaling edge.

What They’re Built For

Portability

The PS4’s a stay-at-home console—needs a TV and plug, no travel vibes. It’s all about power for the living room.

The Switch 2 builds on the original’s hybrid idea, flipping between docked and handheld without a hitch. Battery life’s guessed at 4-6 hours for big games (based on past Switches and tech upgrades), and the bigger, better screen makes it great for gaming anywhere.

Analysis: Portability’s where the Switch 2 shines. The PS4’s stuck at home, while the Switch 2 works for both couch and road warriors, widening who it’s for.

Extra Stuff

The PS4 plays Blu-rays, has a solid online setup with PlayStation Network, and runs apps like Netflix, doubling as an entertainment box. The DualShock 4’s Share button made clipping gameplay easy.

The Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 keep motion controls and add some new tricks (details still fuzzy), plus the console brings HDR and 120 FPS. But it’s not big on extras—no Netflix or Blu-ray yet, and its capture options are basic (screenshots, short clips, no streaming).

Analysis: The PS4’s the better all-around device, doing more than games. The Switch 2 sticks to gaming upgrades like HDR and high refresh rates, skipping the PS4’s wider uses.

Game Lineups

By 2025, the PS4’s got over 3,000 games—exclusives like Horizon Zero Dawn and tons of third-party hits. Its long run means a huge, mixed bag of titles.

The Switch 2 starts with new stuff (Mario Kart World), remasters (Metroid Prime 4: Beyond), and PS4-era ports (Cyberpunk 2077). It’s riding the original Switch’s 146 million sales, but its library’s just kicking off, leaning on Nintendo’s exclusives and growing outside support.

Analysis: The PS4’s got a massive, varied lineup that the Switch 2’s launch can’t touch yet. Nintendo’s stars like Mario and Zelda stand out, though, and the Switch 2’s fresh hardware might pull in more new ports down the line.

Wrapping It Up

The Switch 2 and PS4 are aimed at different crowds with their own strengths. The Switch 2’s hybrid setup, NVIDIA tech (DLSS, ray tracing), and docked power (4 TFLOPs, 1440p potential) make it a forward-thinking pick, topping the PS4 in portability and visual smarts. But the PS4’s steady power (1.84 TFLOPs, 1080p), extra features, and huge game collection keep it strong for classic home gaming.

If you want flexibility and Nintendo’s polish, the Switch 2’s the way to go, even fresh out the gate. If you’re after power, versatility, and a deep library—probably cheaper now (PS4 Slim was $300, used ones are less)—the PS4 holds up. The Switch 2’s future depends on how it uses its tech for new games, while the PS4’s already proven itself. More Switch 2 info could change things, but right now, it’s new ideas vs. a solid track record.