May 28, 2025 – In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the gaming world, leaked performance tests of Nintendo's upcoming "Switch 2" suggest it's far more powerful than anyone anticipated. The most jaw-dropping revelation? The handheld-hybrid successor reportedly runs the notoriously demanding Cyberpunk 2077 significantly better than Sony's last-gen PS4 and even edges out Microsoft's current-gen Xbox Series S.
This bombshell comes courtesy of detailed benchmarking performed by trusted tech channel GameTech DeepDive, whose exclusive early access footage reveals the Switch 2 tackling Night City with surprising competence. Witness the incredible side-by-side comparison yourself: Nintendo Switch 2 vs PS4 vs Xbox Series S - Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmark Showdown.
The video meticulously compares performance across key metrics:
- Frame Rate Stability: While the PS4 struggles to maintain 25-30fps in dense city areas, often dipping into the teens, and the Xbox Series S targets 30fps but experiences noticeable hitches, the Switch 2 reportedly holds a remarkably stable 30fps target in similar scenarios. Dynamic resolution scaling appears more aggressive but effective on the Nintendo hardware.
- Loading Times: Leveraging a modern, high-speed NVMe SSD solution (details hinted at in this exclusive Switch 2 motherboard leak from GSMArena Tech: Exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 Motherboard Analysis), the Switch 2 loads into the game and fast-travels significantly faster than the PS4's HDD and even shows improvements over the Series S.
- Visual Fidelity: While not matching the highest settings on premium PCs or the PS5/Xbox Series X, the Switch 2 version demonstrates superior texture filtering, ambient occlusion, and more stable shadows compared to the PS4. It sits visually closer to the Series S version, albeit sometimes at a slightly lower internal resolution.
What's Powering This Surprising Performance?
Industry whispers and earlier leaks, like GSMArena Tech's deep dive into the rumored AMD-based architecture (A1X Handheld: Inside the AMD Tech Powering Next-Gen), pointed to a custom AMD solution combining powerful new CPU cores with RDNA-based graphics. The benchmarks seen in the video strongly corroborate these reports. The efficiency and raw power of this chip, combined with Nintendo's renowned optimization magic, seem to be delivering results that defy expectations based purely on theoretical specs.
Why the Xbox Series S Comparison Matters
The Xbox Series S, while the entry-level current-gen console, is still a dedicated home console plugged into the wall. The Nintendo Switch 2, fundamentally a device designed for portability with a likely lower thermal envelope and power draw, matching or even slightly exceeding its performance in a title as punishing as Cyberpunk 2077 is nothing short of remarkable. It speaks volumes about the generational leap Nintendo seems poised to make.
Preparing for the Switch 2 Era
With anticipation reaching fever pitch after these leaks, many gamers are already thinking about accessories. While official Nintendo options will surely arrive, premium third-party solutions are expected to be crucial:
- High-Capacity Storage: AAA games like Cyberpunk demand space. Consider a fast, reliable microSD card like the SanDisk Extreme 1TB for expanding the Switch 2's base storage: SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD Card - Ideal for Switch 2.
- Enhanced Audio: Immerse yourself fully in Night City. A quality gaming headset like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 offers great sound and a clear mic: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset.
The Bigger Picture
This performance leak fundamentally shifts the narrative around the Switch 2. It’s no longer just about running Nintendo's first-party titles beautifully; it’s about being a genuinely capable third-party machine. If these results hold true for the final hardware and other demanding ports, the Switch 2 could become the most versatile gaming device on the market, offering high-quality home console experiences and true next-gen portable play. The pressure is now squarely on Sony and Microsoft to respond in the portable space they've largely ceded to Nintendo.
Nintendo has remained officially silent on the Switch 2's specs and release date (widely expected late 2025/early 2026), but this leak suggests gamers have every reason to be excited. The performance bar for handheld gaming is about to be shattered.
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