Switch 2's CPU already outdated?

[ertaboy356b]

PS and Xbox aren't, they consistently beat similarly priced PCs at launch. It takes years for PC parts pricing to catch up.
It's just Nintendo.

Disregarding price, these boxes are outdated the moment they came out.

Post automatically merged: May 16, 2025

If they're using 3D NAND, doesn't this mean bad things for Switch 2 cartridge shelf-life? Those stacked cells are going to lose their charge faster over time, and we're already seeing 3DS carts dying from their NAND chips losing their charge.

They've been using Nand since the 3DS hence the infamous cart corruptions. I think the Switch has similar reports so Switch 2 will be the same. The era of "printed" carts are over.

 

[subcon959]

Disregarding price, these boxes are outdated the moment they came out.

I don't think I agree with that. From what I remember it took at least a year or two for average PC specs to catch up. Assuming we're talking about price parity and not high end components that will always beat consoles by large margins, which doesn't seem like a fair comparison.

 

[ertaboy356b]

I don't think I agree with that. From what I remember it took at least a year or two for average PC specs to catch up. Assuming we're talking about price parity and not high end components that will always beat consoles by large margins, which doesn't seem like a fair comparison.

I did say disregarding price. Also, these boxes are known to be subsidized and the retail price does not reflect the real value.

 

[subcon959]

I did say disregarding price. Also, these boxes are known to be subsidized and the retail price does not reflect the real value.

Right but it is what it is so it doesn't make sense to disregard and make a hypothetical point. I think the main problem is the extended life cycles of consoles now because the hardware gets stretched too far past its technical proficiency.

 

[Moogley]

Right but it is what it is so it doesn't make sense to disregard and make a hypothetical point. I think the main problem is the extended life cycles of consoles now because the hardware gets stretched too far past its technical proficiency.

This is true, but Switch 2 is going to be outdated way before its life cycle is considered long. But my problem isn't that it's weak - it's that it's selling itself ON strength and multi-plats. Nintendo systems are usually specced down, but they're also usually the cheapest option and the least reliant on ports to pad the library. The Switch 1/2 have changed that. Switch 1 had far fewer exclusives than previous Nintendo systems, and Switch 2 is already trying to market itself as a port machine with a premium price. That's my issue more than the specs.

Knowing it would rely on ports, the customer and developer-friendly strategy would have been padding the CPU, knowing that future-proofing optimization would be the best thing for smooth porting processes. But like Nintendo has exclusively done since Furukawa took over, we're getting the bare minimum viability at the most aggressive profit margin possible.

Whoever buys a Switch 2 will be on Reddit daily trying to figure out how X game performs in handheld and docked modes. Their personal catchphrase isn't going to be "I'm having so much fun!" It's going to be, "Has it been patched yet?"

 

[subcon959]

This is true, but Switch 2 is going to be outdated way before its life cycle is considered long. But my problem isn't that it's weak - it's that it's selling itself ON strength and multi-plats. Nintendo systems are usually specced down, but they're also usually the cheapest option and the least reliant on ports to pad the library. The Switch 1/2 have changed that. Switch 1 had far fewer exclusives than previous Nintendo systems, and Switch 2 is already trying to market itself as a port machine with a premium price. That's my issue more than the specs.

Knowing it would rely on ports, the customer and developer-friendly strategy would have been padding the CPU, knowing that future-proofing optimization would be the best thing for smooth porting processes. But like Nintendo has exclusively done since Furukawa took over, we're getting the bare minimum viability at the most aggressive profit margin possible.

Whoever buys a Switch 2 will be on Reddit daily trying to figure out how X game performs in handheld and docked modes. Their personal catchphrase isn't going to be "I'm having so much fun!" It's going to be, "Has it been patched yet?"

I'm one of the few here who has been saying the console itself is overpriced, whereas everyone else seems to think it's "reasonable". They deliberately chose a price that makes it appear like the hardware is far more premium than it is - which is typically an Apple strategy.

Want to hear something crazy? I read somewhere (I can't find it again anymore) that it's likely the Switch 2 will eventually become the number one third party partner over both the PS5 and XS. I mean, what planet are these people on?

Edit: Found it! https://metro.co.uk/2025/05/16/nint...-third-party-games-predict-analysts-23096252/

 

[YoureALoser]

Switch hardware was outdated before the console released. Tegra X1 being such a bad piece of hardware is why Nintendo used it. Tablet/smart phone manufacturers wouldn't use the X1 because it wasn't as efficient as other ARM cpus, nor did it offer the performance of other ARM cpus. X1 is only 4 big cores, while every other ARM cpu at the time was 4 big & 4 LITTLE cores. Switch 2 being 8 core already destroys the Switch. You also have to factor in the software side of things. The apis used are why consoles can compete with PC, because the apis used are better than DirectX/Vulkan.

 

[DiscostewSM]

I'm one of the few here who has been saying the console itself is overpriced, whereas everyone else seems to think it's "reasonable". They deliberately chose a price that makes it appear like the hardware is far more premium than it is - which is typically an Apple strategy.

What exactly is it about the Switch 2 that gives you the impression it is overpriced? I don't consider "because Nintendo" as a rational reason because that phrase has been used as a dismissal time and time again, never actually explaining anything.

 

[subcon959]

What exactly is it about the Switch 2 that gives you the impression it is overpriced? I don't consider "because Nintendo" as a rational reason because that phrase has been used as a dismissal time and time again, never actually explaining anything.

As stated above, I don't believe the hardware is worth the price they are asking. There is a reason Nintendo left it till right before release to provide details on the specs, it's because they knew it would have a negative effect on the hype early on. It's also the reason they are able to sell the Japanese-only version for £270 (yes it's subsidised) compared to £395 here (and this price may well go up later in the year).

Your idea on how much premium the portable hybridization should add to cost may vary but for me this console has no business being the same price as a PS5 (around £400 usually), which is many tiers above. Granted not an apples to apples comparison, but it makes sense in my head.

I think the Switch 2 should be £340 at the most, and I believe they want to charge closer to £450 at some point.

All personal opinion, I won't get offended if everyone else on the planet disagrees.

 

[CruelAlchemist]

As stated above, I don't believe the hardware is worth the price they are asking. There is a reason Nintendo left it till right before release to provide details on the specs, it's because they knew it would have a negative effect on the hype early on. It's also the reason they are able to sell the Japanese-only version for £270 (yes it's subsidised) compared to £395 here (and this price may well go up later in the year).

Your idea on how much premium the portable hybridization should add to cost may vary but for me this console has no business being the same price as a PS5 (around £400 usually), which is many tiers above. Granted not an apples to apples comparison, but it makes sense in my head.

I think the Switch 2 should be £340 at the most, and I believe they want to charge closer to £450 at some point.

All personal opinion, I won't get offended if everyone else on the planet disagrees.

in regards to the price I wouldn't be TOO surprised if nintendo raised the price to £450 (at least when it comes to any future console and games bundles) especially if the switch 2 in the bundle is themed after the included game or franchise it's from or included something extra like a year of base switch online. That's just my opinion tho

 

[ijustwantedtopostonething]

Not like it matters what they'd use, you guys would complain immediately anyway. Go touch grass, stop being so negative. It's a damn video game system.

Bit ironic to complain about complaints.

 

[Moogley]

Not like it matters what they'd use, you guys would complain immediately anyway. Go touch grass, stop being so negative. It's a damn video game system.

"Negativity" is what you have when you complain about your friend's artwork or your wife's cooking. Things you paid nothing for and have no reason to criticize. "Negativity" is not the word for questioning a corporation's anti-consumer behavior because blind consumption is not "positivity."

I find it interesting that "go touch grass" is the phrase you chose when responding to people who question corporate practices and have a passion for their hobby. Imo, the person who takes time out of their day to try to frame passion as a bad thing is the person who probably hasn't gone outside in a while.

 

[YYDeckard]

I think for the majority of buyers they wont even have a clue what the CPU is (or care) and thats fine - this isn't a steam deck and N know their market. It's only the tech nerds (like us) that do care but then why are you buying a S2 or really any console thats locked to hardware for like an 8 year cycle ? Get something you can upgrade ....I had a S1 since launch and its been my main console as I work all over and for that N I am truly thankful for the 100s of zelda hours, Minter games, Dead Cells and Satryn DX (I am top there btw ) I probably should get a steam deck but now I am old even that would piss me off fiddling with settings tbh...

 

[Viri]

Doesn't pretty much every console release with an outdated CPU? Unless it's some weird shit like the Cell.

 

[Delerious]

I think for the majority of buyers they wont even have a clue what the CPU is (or care) and thats fine - this isn't a steam deck and N know their market. It's only the tech nerds (like us) that do care but then why are you buying a S2 or really any console thats locked to hardware for like an 8 year cycle ? Get something you can upgrade ....I had a S1 since launch and its been my main console as I work all over and for that N I am truly thankful for the 100s of zelda hours, Minter games, Dead Cells and Satryn DX (I am top there btw ) I probably should get a steam deck but now I am old even that would piss me off fiddling with settings tbh...

Pretty much this. The Switch 2 was only ever supposed to have PS4+ performance, but with more up-to-date features to handle more current APIs and engine features. Considering Cyberpunk is able to run as well as it does on the system, I'm not too worried. Now sure, it probably won't be getting certain games, with, even Baldur's Gate 3 still being a question. But that's just something people who end up getting the system will have to accept. But let's not act like it's a an issue, when we, and much of the consumer base at large, were ultimately fine with the limitations that the Switch had. Ultimately, it's kind of a nothing-burger problem for the Switch 2.

 

[YoureALoser]

Doesn't pretty much every console release with an outdated CPU? Unless it's some weird shit like the Cell.

Not really, no. PS5/Series consoles use Zen 2 & Zen 2 released a year before the consoles. Switch launched in 2017, Tegra X1 launched in 2015. The X1 cpu is comparable to mobile hardware from 2012. X1 only has 4 cores, based on tech from 2012. Meanwhile, every other ARM cpu released in 2015 had 4 big & 4 LITTLE cores.

Post automatically merged: May 22, 2025

Pretty much this. The Switch 2 was only ever supposed to have PS4+ performance, but with more up-to-date features to handle more current APIs and engine features. Considering Cyberpunk is able to run as well as it does on the system, I'm not too worried. Now sure, it probably won't be getting certain games, with, even Baldur's Gate 3 still being a question. But that's just something people who end up getting the system will have to accept. But let's not act like it's a an issue, when we, and much of the consumer base at large, were ultimately fine with the limitations that the Switch had. Ultimately, it's kind of a nothing-burger problem for the Switch 2.

It's a huge problem for the Switch 2. Why? The Switch had no competition when it launched. That is no longer the case. All of the portable computers. Sony/Microsoft entering the portable space etc.

 

[Newhouse-Estates]

Ironic really, since Nvidia just deprecated 32bit PhysX support from it's latest GPUs.



Tells users of a forum to stop discussing topics relevant to the forum. Maybe take your own advice if this seems like a productive use of your time? Or is your opinion more important because you think you're special when you're really just a narcissist? Why are you jumping to the defense of a giant corporation at every opportunity anyway? Stop being so sensitive about what other people are saying, it's just a video game system. Etc etc blah blah talking points taken from your playbook.

This, We need more of this.
let's be more like subcon959.

 

[YYDeckard]

I will call it now - N will wipe the floor with the rest in terms of sales for so so so many reasons - this gen I feel like both S and M dropped the ball so hard so I cant see any mobile endeavour doing any better and no-one beats N in the mobile market althoug MANY have tried (I have an OLED vita just for TxK of which I might add I am top on !)

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/1gqg44j/microsoft_confirms_plans_to_release_an_xbox/

Sums it up nicely and lets not talk too much about the PS Portal or Sony's VR support......

Plus and my mates with steam decks all say this

"I have a steam deck, and it always takes forever to get most newer games looking good, I end up tweaking the setting half the time instead of playing, even then most newer games look terrible docked"

You turn your Switch on (or S2) and 5 seconds later you're playing the game as good as it can be not messing with frame rates or drivers or image quality at a basic level in the OS.

 

[Moogley]

Pretty much this. The Switch 2 was only ever supposed to have PS4+ performance, but with more up-to-date features to handle more current APIs and engine features. Considering Cyberpunk is able to run as well as it does on the system, I'm not too worried. Now sure, it probably won't be getting certain games, with, even Baldur's Gate 3 still being a question. But that's just something people who end up getting the system will have to accept. But let's not act like it's a an issue, when we, and much of the consumer base at large, were ultimately fine with the limitations that the Switch had. Ultimately, it's kind of a nothing-burger problem for the Switch 2.

What you're saying kind of makes sense in a vacuum, but it leaves out one important issue -- the Switch 1 was NOT sold and upsold to us based on its tech stack or its ability to play PC ports. It was sold as the cheapest system on the market on the basis of playing Breath of the Wild and Mario Odyssey with a unique hybrid form factor.

Early reports are already showing Cyberpunk looking really rough. On Switch 1, people accepted this kind of thing with big games because it was "amazing it was able to run as well as it does." Console-level handheld play was a novelty. That doesn't fly anymore when the system is priced competitively and 75% of the games won't even be physical anymore.

My problem is not the performance of the games on its own. It's the performance being offered on a system that is upcharged FOR the specs. That's a big difference. When people chose Switch over PS/XBOX, they were making a declaration that they care more about exclusives and novelty than pure hardware. That's fine. But if they choose Switch 2, they're making a declaration that they care more about fake hardware specs than real ones. That's a VERY different problem, and it's not the lesson we want gaming companies to learn.

 

[YoureALoser]

I will call it now - N will wipe the floor with the rest in terms of sales for so so so many reasons - this gen I feel like both S and M dropped the ball so hard so I cant see any mobile endeavour doing any better and no-one beats N in the mobile market althoug MANY have tried (I have an OLED vita just for TxK of which I might add I am top on !)

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/1gqg44j/microsoft_confirms_plans_to_release_an_xbox/

Sums it up nicely and lets not talk too much about the PS Portal or Sony's VR support......

Plus and my mates with steam decks all say this

"I have a steam deck, and it always takes forever to get most newer games looking good, I end up tweaking the setting half the time instead of playing, even then most newer games look terrible docked"

You turn your Switch on (or S2) and 5 seconds later you're playing the game as good as it can be not messing with frame rates or drivers or image quality at a basic level in the OS.

Lmfao hardly. Nintendo creates trash games these days. Switch had no good first party games. Newer Zelda games are absolute trash & shouldn't even be called Zelda. Nintendo hasn't released a quality game in over a decade. Idiots such as yourself will continue supporting them though because you're a casual gamer that doesn't know what quality games are.