Switch Port Experts Share Thoughts About Switch 2’s “Raw” Performance

Even now that we’ve gotten our hands on the Switch 2, numerous developers are expressing their opinions regarding the capabilities of the system and its placement in the market. In the same interview with Wccftech, the Virtuos team was questioned about how the new Nintendo device compares in terms of “raw console performance” and whether it aligns more with an Xbox Series S or a PlayStation 4.

According to Eoin O’Grady, who serves as technical director at Black Shamrock (a studio and subsidiary of Virtuos), it somewhat embodies characteristics of both, depending on the hardware component under review. The GPU in the Switch 2 reportedly operates “slightly below” the Series S (though it includes some extra technologies), whereas the CPU is said to be “closer” to the PlayStation 4.

Here’s O’Grady’s complete statement, which further elaborates on what developers might anticipate when adapting their existing games to Nintendo’s new hardware:

In terms of raw console capabilities, do you concur that the Switch 2 is nearer to the Xbox Series S than to the PlayStation 4, simplifying the process for developers to port their current-generation titles to the hardware?

“In terms of GPU, the Switch 2 operates slightly below the Series S; this difference becomes more apparent in handheld mode. Nonetheless, the Series S lacks support for technologies like DLSS, which the Switch 2 includes. This renders the GPU functionalities of both consoles generally comparable.

“Regarding the CPU, there is a more distinct separation between the two consoles. The Switch 2 aligns closer to the PlayStation (PS) 4 in this regard, boasting a CPU marginally more potent than that of the PS4. Given that most games are generally more GPU-bound than CPU-bound when adequately optimized, the significance of this difference greatly varies depending on the specific title and its target frame rate. Any game running at 60 FPS on the Series S should easily transfer to the Switch 2. Similarly, a 30 FPS Series S title that is GPU-bound should also transition smoothly. Games that feature intricate physics, animations, or other CPU-demanding elements might face additional hurdles in achieving 30 or 60 FPS or necessitate further optimization during the transfer process.”

This aligns with remarks from companies like Koei Tecmo, indicating that Nintendo’s fresh hybrid system bears resemblance to an Xbox Series S concerning “raw computational strength”. Other companies such as Firaxis (Civilization VII) have also shared their insights based on their development experiences. Nvidia (the developer of the Switch 2 chip) even referred to it as a “technical marvel” and “unlike anything” they have ever constructed before.

How are you perceiving the Switch 2’s capabilities? Has it lived up to your anticipations? Do you believe it can endure over time? We welcome your opinions in the comments.