Six Months Later, the Switch 2 Proves It Has Staying Power - Gizmodo

Six months after launch, Nintendo Switch 2 has quietly proven it has staying power. Its secret isn’t raw specs—it’s smart, handheld-first optimization, Nvidia DLSS upscaling, and a growing slate of ports that play better than you’d expect on modest, console-grade hardware.

Why Switch 2 still matters in 2025

• The novelty has worn off, but performance holds up against pricier handheld PCs when you factor in targeted optimization and DLSS.
• While Xbox Series X|S and PS5 run AMD APUs akin to PCs, Switch 2’s Nvidia ARM-based architecture makes ports harder—but DLSS helps keep games playable and good-looking.
• It’s not a PC replacement, and hidden costs are real (bigger microSD Express storage, digital key cards, $80 game pricing). With a RAM shortage looming, hardware could get pricier in 2026—so buy what you want now.

Hardware and architecture snapshot

• Chip: Nvidia Tegra T239 (ARM CPU + Ampere GPU, 2020-era tech)
• Memory: 12GB total (about 9GB for games)
• Power: Capped around 13W TDP (vs 30–40W on many handheld PCs)
• Competition runs newer AMD RDNA 3.5 chips with more RAM and higher TDP

Real‑world performance vs handheld PCs
The author tested Legion Go S (SteamOS), Legion Go 2 (Windows/Bazzite), and Asus ROG Ally X (Windows). Linux-based handhelds consistently outperformed Windows at the same specs.

Cyberpunk 2077

• Legion Go S (SteamOS, 33W): ~35–40 fps
• ROG Ally X (Windows): ~39–45 fps, dips ~37 fps
• Legion Go 2 (33W): ~50 fps at 1200p for the smoothest handheld experience tested
• Switch 2: just under 30 fps in Quality mode; targets ~40 fps in Performance mode
  What makes it work: DLSS upscales to 1080p docked from a lower internal resolution; handheld Performance targets 720p and upscales. CD Projekt Red trimmed minor environmental details. Aside from Phantom Liberty DLC sections, the Switch 2 version holds up remarkably well given its much lower power draw—and cost.

Ubisoft ports built for Switch 2

• Star Wars Outlaws (Snowdrop): A standout port with stable performance and strong environmental lighting on Switch 2.
• Assassin’s Creed: Shadows (Anvil): Typically at or just below 30 fps on Switch 2 with some effects dialed back (e.g., water splashes). On ROG Ally at 1080p/low, it barely stays above 30 fps; Bazzite on Legion Go 2 at 1200p offers similar results. Slightly better on pricier handheld PCs—but not enough to justify spending $200+ more for a similar experience.

The optimization reality
Switch 2’s distinct architecture means ports need bespoke work. Publishers are investing: Gearbox delayed Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 for “additional development and polish,” and FromSoftware pushed Elden Ring Tarnished Edition after early performance concerns. The takeaway: handhelds only shine when games are tuned for them.

First‑party lineup: mixed, with one breakthrough

• Mario Kart World: A fun pack-in, but not a system showcase.
• Donkey Kong Bananza: Pure joy with occasional slowdowns.
• Pokémon Legends: Z‑A: Bold real-time battles but sparse environments.
• Kirby Air Riders: Fast, frantic fun that’s easy to love.
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: The clear showcase. It uniquely uses Joy-Con 2 for seamless hybrid gyro/mouse-style aiming. Docked mode can reach true 4K at 60 fps; Performance mode targets 1080p and up to 120 fps. Art direction elevates the look beyond pure texture counts.

Design advantage: Only Nintendo does Nintendo
No other handheld matches Switch 2’s dockability, couch-friendly sharing, and plug‑and‑play convenience. Handheld PCs win on customizability and library size, but Switch 2 shows what’s possible when the platform holder and third parties fully support a handheld—and when hardware‑level upscaling is in the mix.

Bottom line
Switch 2 proves that thoughtful optimization, DLSS, and console‑first design can rival beefier hardware at a fraction of the cost. If Sony’s rumored PS6 brings advanced upscaling (including AMD’s Redstone), the broader industry may follow. For now, Switch 2 is 2025’s most impressive handheld.

Source: https://gizmodo.com/six-months-later-the-switch-2-proves-it-has-staying-power-2000699204