PS4 vs Nintendo Switch
How does Nintendo’s console varies from its rivals? We compare all the specs, controllers, hardware, features and games.
The Nintendo Switch is unlike any other console on the market. Taking HD gaming and putting it in your pocket, there are some serious technical achievements. But how does it compare to its competitors, and what can you expect in terms of performance?
The Nintendo Switch is unlike any other console on the market. Taking HD gaming and putting it in your pocket, there are some serious technical achievements. But how does it compare to its competitors, and what can you expect in terms of performance?
Lets get started with Nintendo switch...
How the Nintendo Switch works
Before we drop down some detailed comparison, lets explain how the Switch works.
- Main console is a 6.2-inch 1,280 x 720-pixel touchscreen unit, controlled by two detachable Joy-Con controllers that dock to either side
- Between 2.5 and 6 hours of battery life when gaming
- Console can be docked, outputting games to your TV. Joy-Cons instead connect to Joy-Con Grip for wireless play
- Joy-Cons can also be used separately by two players for simpler games or games that use multiplayer motion controls
- More traditional “Pro” controller sold separately
- Up to eight consoles can connect wirelessly for local multiplayer
Now we’re up to speed, let’s head to the comparisons.
Nintendo Switch vs PS4 and– Controllers
| Feature | Joy-Con pair | Switch Pro | Xbox One | PS4 | PS4 Move pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control buttons | 18 touchscreen | 18 | 17 | 17 touch | 18 |
| Analogue sticks | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Vibration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery capacity | 525mAh (each) | 1300mAh | N/A | 1000mAh | 1520mAh (each) |
| Battery life | 20h (official) | 40h (official) | Variable | ~7 h | ~10h |
| Motion controls | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| IR camera | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Removable batteries | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Play and charge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone jack | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
A table can’t explain all the differences between the controllers. For example, the rumble feedback in the Joy-Con controllers is described as “HD”, with extremely precise motors that let you feel very subtle movements. This will come in handy in motion-controlled games and the rumoured VR headset.
Nintendo Switch vs PS4 and Xbox One – Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch is a technically fascinating console with loads of features that might take time to fulfil their potential. At £280, it will be a harder sell than the known entities of the PS4 and Xbox One, but those machines can’t do gaming on the move – a huge, huge deal for many people.
Ultimately, the Switch isn’t really designed as a straight-up rival to the PlayStation and Xbox, if only because you probably already own one of those systems. To our mind, the most compelling argument for the Switch is as a complementary console, one which adds unique functionality and a handful of tempting exclusives – namely The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – to your gaming arsenal.
For hardcore gamers, die-hard Nintendo fans, and those with long commutes, buying the Switch may be something of a no-brainer. But for the rest of us, nigh on £300 is a steep asking price for something that, in all likelihood, will live its life as a secondary system.
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