One of the most recurring debates surrounding the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has centered on where it fits in the current console generation landscape. With official specs still under wraps, some of Nintendo’s most loyal fans have been eager to place it on par with the PlayStation 4, in an attempt to emphasize a supposed technological leap by the Japanese company. And yet, here we are—still trying to define its place in a system it might not belong to.
Trying to compare its raw power to Sony or Microsoft’s consoles feels like staring at the finger instead of the meteor it’s pointing to. The real question isn’t which generation it belongs to, but rather what kind of experience it offers. Are we getting more than just prettier visuals? Is there a true step forward beyond technical specs?
Amid all the speculation, a credible voice has emerged. Takuto Edagawa, producer of Wild Hearts S at Koei Tecmo—a studio with deep experience on Nintendo platforms—has weighed in with a more grounded comparison. In an interview with Wccftech, Edagawa said that while it’s hard to generalize due to the range of capabilities, he believes the Switch 2 is “closer to an Xbox Series S” in terms of processing power.
That statement carries weight. If accurate, it suggests the Switch 2 sits somewhere between console generations—not quite reaching the heights of the PS5 or Xbox Series X, but still modern enough to support today’s multiplatform games.
And that seems to be one of Nintendo’s main goals. The Switch 2 aims to be a platform that can host titles previously out of reach—games like Cyberpunk 2077 or the promising Split Fiction. While some technical compromises are likely, the mere fact that these games could run on a portable hybrid console marks a meaningful evolution.
It’s worth noting that the Xbox Series S, though initially criticized by some hardcore fans, has played a key role in broadening access to the new generation. It offers a solid gaming experience at a lower price point. If Nintendo follows that path, it may attract a large audience looking for modern gaming without breaking the bank.
In fact, early signs suggest that strategy is paying off. Rumors indicate that Nintendo has sold out of its first shipment in Spain, reportedly moving between 60,000 and 65,000 units. While it’s already confirmed that we won’t see PS4-level performance in a Switch form factor, Nintendo once again appears to be betting on underpowered hardware—paired with strong ideas and a compelling catalog.
A modestly specced console? Perhaps. But also one with a clear, ambitious vision. And in that, Nintendo rarely misses.
