Switch 2 vs. PS5: Nintendo's New Console May Already Have More Exclusive Games, Sparking Heated Debate

For decades, the battle for living room dominance has been fought not just with hardware specs, but with games you can't play anywhere else. From Mario to Master Chief, exclusive titles have been the primary weapon in a console maker's arsenal. Now, a surprising new comparison is setting the gaming world ablaze: despite being on the market for less than a year, the Nintendo Switch 2 may already boast a larger library of exclusive games than Sony's PlayStation 5, which launched in 2020.

This startling claim has forced gamers and industry watchers to re-examine what "console exclusivity" means in the modern era and has sparked a fierce debate about the very future of the console war.

The Numbers Behind the Rivalry

The conversation ignited when a breakdown, sourced from Wikipedia and shared widely on social media, put the exclusive game counts head-to-head. According to the data, the Nintendo Switch 2 currently leads with 22 exclusive titles, compared to the PlayStation 5's 18.

It's crucial to note the caveats. This list includes some remasters and enhanced versions of games available on other platforms, counting them as "exclusive" to the Switch 2. For instance, a definitive version of a last-gen title that launches only on the new Nintendo hardware would be included in this tally. The user Rock solid shared the viral comparison that has become the centerpiece of the debate.

Embedded Link: View the viral social media comparison that started the debate.

You can explore the official lists for yourself to see what's included:

Embedded Link: Category: Nintendo Switch 2-only games on Wikipedia
Embedded Link: Category: PlayStation 5-only games on Wikipedia

While the methodology can be debated, the numbers highlight a clear trend. The PS5, while a commercial powerhouse, has seen a different release strategy from Sony, one that has left some fans yearning for the PS4's earlier days.

A Contrast in Console Launch Strategies

The PlayStation 5's journey was famously hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused severe supply chain issues and slowed game development. Its launch window was notably thin on exclusive system-sellers, with major first-party titles like Horizon Forbidden West facing delays. While the release pace has picked up, critics often point out that the PS4 seemed to have a more robust and compelling lineup of must-play exclusives at a similar point in its lifecycle.

The Nintendo Switch 2, conversely, launched with a familiar Nintendo strategy: one massive, undeniable hit. While its June release didn't overwhelm with quantity, the presence of Mario Kart World as a launch title provided a colossal draw. It was supported by upgraded versions of beloved Zelda games, giving players both a new experience and enhanced classics right out of the gate.

More importantly, Nintendo has maintained a steady drumbeat of first-party releases since. Following the recent announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the upcoming calendar is packed with heavy hitters like Kirby Air Riders and the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Embedded Link: Read our preview of the eight major first-party games coming to Switch 2.
Embedded Link: Pokémon Legends: Z-A pre-orders are now live. Get the details here.

The PS5 is Thriving, But Its Strategy Has Evolved

To understand this exclusivity gap, it's essential to recognize that Sony and Nintendo are playing different games. Sony is no longer solely focused on selling consoles with walled-garden exclusives. The company has fully embraced a multi-platform strategy, systematically porting its biggest titles to PC, albeit often a year or more after their PS5 debut. Furthermore, with Xbox sales dwindling in some markets, Sony has even begun tentatively supporting the Microsoft platform with live-service titles.

Sony's goal appears to be building an ecosystem around its brands, whether you play on a PS5, a gaming PC, or, in the future, potentially elsewhere. The console is the best place to play first, but not necessarily the only place.

Nintendo, however, remains the undisputed king of the first-party fortress. Its characters and franchises are so powerful that they consistently drive hardware sales on their own. One significant shift with the Switch 2, however, is its improved ability to handle AAA third-party projects, with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 making a impressive showing. Yet, even with these blockbusters available, it's the Switch 2 exclusive games that continue to dominate the sales charts.

What Does This Mean for Gamers?

The debate rages on. For some, the raw number of exclusives proves Nintendo's unwavering commitment to providing a unique and compelling reason to own its hardware. For others, the PS5's strategy of bringing its acclaimed narratives to a wider audience is the more consumer-friendly approach.

The outcome of this battle of philosophies is still unfolding. With reports of some third-party developers still lacking ample Switch 2 dev kits, Nintendo's first-party titles may continue to rule its platform for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Sony will likely continue to see success by treating the PS5 as the flagship vessel for a broader gaming armada.

One thing is certain: the conversation has moved beyond mere teraflops. In 2025, the value of a console is being measured not just by its power, but by the unique experiences it offers—and by that metric, the Nintendo Switch 2 is making a incredibly strong case for itself right out of the gate.