Tokyo, June 12, 2025 — The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 may offer performance closer to Microsoft’s Xbox Series S than Sony’s PlayStation 4, according to a recent statement from a senior Koei Tecmo executive. The revelation comes amid growing speculation surrounding the capabilities of Nintendo’s upcoming hybrid console, expected to launch in 2025.
In an interview with Japanese business publication Nikkei, the Koei Tecmo executive suggested that the next-generation Nintendo console would mark a significant upgrade in terms of processing power and graphical capabilities. “The performance level is closer to Xbox Series S,” the executive said, implying a substantial jump from the current Nintendo Switch, which launched in 2017 and is often compared to last-generation systems like the PS4.
Major Technical Leap Expected
If the upcoming Switch does align with Xbox Series S specifications, it would represent a considerable leap for Nintendo. The Series S features a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU architecture, and supports up to 1440p resolution with 120fps performance. In comparison, the current Switch runs on a custom NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip and supports 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked.
The next-gen Switch is rumored to feature NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology and ray tracing, offering developers new tools to enhance visual fidelity and performance. While Nintendo has yet to confirm these details officially, developers and industry analysts expect the device to support modern rendering techniques and a smoother gameplay experience.
Boost for Third-Party Developers
The Koei Tecmo executive’s comments have been welcomed by game developers and industry insiders, many of whom faced significant challenges porting high-performance titles to the original Switch. The improved specs of the Switch 2 could reduce these limitations and lead to more cross-platform releases with minimal compromises.
“Nintendo’s shift to more competitive hardware opens up new possibilities for developers,” said a Tokyo-based game analyst. “It also signals Nintendo’s intent to reach a broader gaming audience, including core gamers who value higher frame rates and resolution.”
Market Launch Expected in 2025
Although Nintendo has not officially announced the console, reports indicate that the Switch 2 could be released as early as March 2025, in line with the company’s fiscal year planning. It is expected to retain the hybrid design that allows players to use the system both as a handheld device and in docked mode for TV play — a unique feature that contributed significantly to the success of the original model.
Analysts suggest that Nintendo may unveil the console’s details in an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation or at a major gaming event later this year.
Conclusion
With expectations mounting and a major hardware upgrade on the horizon, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a crucial release for the company. If the system indeed delivers power on par with the Xbox Series S, it could redefine Nintendo’s position in the console market and expand its reach among both casual and hardcore gamers.
