Between the PlayStation 5 (Launch) and Switch 2, the PlayStation 5 (Launch) comes out ahead in storage and ram, while the Switch 2 wins on several specs. Overall, the PlayStation 5 (Launch) scores 63.4 and the Switch 2 scores 55.4 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The PlayStation 5 (Launch) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.0 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the PlayStation 5 (Launch) if you push the hardware — gaming, on-device AI, heavy multitasking — and the extra compute headroom is worth the trade-offs. The biggest gaps in its favor are storage, ram, disc drive, among others.
The Switch 2 similarly doesn't carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable max refresh, ray tracing, vrr, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the PlayStation 5 (Launch) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Sony - PlayStation 5 (Launch) wins
- ▲Storage — 222.27% more. 825 GB vs 256 GB.
- ▲RAM — 33.33% more. 16 GB vs 12 GB.
- ▲Has Disc drive.
- ▲Has VR support.
- ▲Max resolution: 8K (vs 4K).
Why Nintendo - Switch 2 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Performance
Storage
| Spec | Sony - PlayStation 5 (Launch) | Nintendo - Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Storageⓘ | 825 GBlead | 256 GB |
| Storage typeⓘ | NVMe SSDlead | UFS |
| Expandable storage | true | true |
Design & I/O
| Spec | Sony - PlayStation 5 (Launch) | Nintendo - Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | truelead | false |
| HDMIⓘ | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| USB ports | 4lead | 2 |
| Weight | 4.5 kg | 0.535 kglead |
| VR support | truelead | false |
Frequently asked
Does PlayStation 5 (Launch) or Switch 2 have a disc drive?+
PlayStation 5 (Launch) has a disc drive; Switch 2 is digital-only.
Which has more storage, PlayStation 5 (Launch) or Switch 2?+
PlayStation 5 (Launch) ships with 825GB of NVMe SSD.
Which supports higher refresh rates, PlayStation 5 (Launch) or Switch 2?+
Switch 2 supports up to 120Hz vs 120Hz.
Spec-level deep dives
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