How Strong Should the New Switch Be?

Sung Lee: Nintendo is not known to compete in the graphics and performance race for their console. But how strong should the next Switch be considering there are much more powerful PC-like handhelds available in today's market?

[Neonridr]

I'd use the Steam Deck OLED as your starting point.

[phoenixwing]

You'll be lucky if it's that powerful

[Neonridr]

just saying what I'd like to see. I don't expect it to be that.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

The Steam Deck OLED is somewhere between a base PS4 and a PRO, closer, moreso to a base model. I expect the Switch to get close to, but probably be weaker than a PS4, although I think it'll upscale like the PS4 PRO's checker boarding does, but it'll use Nvidia's upscaling tech most likely.

It's not going to be as powerful as the Steam Deck, Nintendo has not been a leader in performance for the past few gens plus.

[Neonridr]

Steam Deck level of performance wouldn't be a leader. Pretty sure some of those other companies that make niche handhelds are more powerful

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

@Neonridr,
I never said the Steam Deck was a leader, there's heaps of handhelds that surpass it performance-wise, actually, I think almost all of the handheld PCs beat it. I'm pretty sure the Steam Deck is the cheapest option with the best battery performance, and I'm pretty sure Nintendo isn't going to spend more money than Valve making a hybrid (plus Nintendo likes to make a good profit on hardware).

I really can't see Nintendo making something more powerful than Valve unless a better performing/cheaper chip comes out, the Nvidia is going to slap their price premium on it as well. The reason most console manufacturer's moved on from Nvidia in the first place was because they were difficult to work with. We're not going to get a Nintendo console that's going to be a performance leader, they haven't been for many generations.

[Espangerish]

It will be at steam deck levels of power at best. Any more than that and battery takes a big hit as seen on the rog ally and similar handhelds which will be a non starter for them.

Given nintendos history it will be underpowered and still sell massively.

[Kosic]

Depends on the OS, you could get away with building a very efficient OS that improves battery life.

One thing I wish Nintendo did with the original switch was allow two switches to link up and recreate the idea of the Wii U, games like Nintendo land and ZombiU had some great concept with a dual screen set up.

[TheEnigma313]

meh, It'll be on par with with PS4/Xbox 1 if that. They have to have a certain price point and I think they will try to keep it under $400.

[phoenixwing]

Not only do they have price points they also try to make a profit on the hardware. So don't expect something cutting edge.

[Neonridr]

on par with a PS4 would be amazing for a handheld though. Not to mention they'd be able to use DLSS via nvidia tech.

[Relientk77]

Stronger than what Nintendo is making it to be

[GotGame818]

Just saying, and Nintendo won't do it. Handheld only device, TV only device, Hybrid.

[specialguest]

Give us the latest and best processor and gpu that will fit in a large handheld form factor. The Asus ROG Z1 Extreme has the best specs for a PC handheld today. I think Nintendo should take it a step above that

[Lexreborn2]

I wish they would release a console and handheld simultaneously. We already know they’ll release a base model, then a lite within 2-3 years then an “enhanced” with 5. So I wish they would just cut through the bull. Release a powerful system that’s almost as strong as a ps5 series x. And release a portable right with it, something as strong as the steam deck that can run the consoles at lower resolutions but portable.

This way they can push their games more and thanks to current tech advancements scaling to portables don’t require complete engine overhauls like the past.

[Neonridr]

I don't even think you could make a device as small as the Switch that could be as powerful as a PS5. Not only would the battery die in 2 minutes, but the machine would probably melt.

[Lexreborn2]

Doesn’t need to be as strong as the ps5 can be as strong as a steam deck or a little less. Would still be stronger than its predecessor. And if its in the same architecture it could be a all digital system too and the primary console could be physical and digital.

[Neonridr]

@Lex - well that was my original comment at the top. The Steam Deck OLED would be an amazing starting point.

[Demetrius]

Hopefully it can run a higher fps, I'm used to nintendo doing their own thing and I'm sure they wana make it affordable as possible tho we will see they always make some nice looking consoles too

[RaiderNation]

I think minimum, the Switch 2's performance should be on on par with the pinnacle of LAST gen performance, which would be PS4 Pro/Xbox One X. I know that won't be the case, but I think that would be the happy medium that would satisfy most core gamers who care about performance and casuals who care about mobile gaming.

The way I see it, even the Series S, which is nearly 4 years old already and smaller than a cigar box, is a little more powerful than PS4 Pro/Xbox One X. I don't think it's unreasonable to want something in handheld form in 2024 that matches performance of a device from 2016. But this is Nintendo, so we'll likely get something underwhelming.