Consider the PlayStation Portal over the Nintendo Switch 2: 5 compelling reasons from a gaming hardware veteran's perspective
In 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 may have made its grand entrance, but for me, it can't dethrone my beloved gaming handheld - the PlayStation Portal. Though I know the "they're completely different" argument will be thrown around, let's face it, they're both gaming handhelds, so they're bound to lock horns. And in this battle, the Portal wins for me, both as a committed PS5 user and avid gamer.
First off, the Portal is the perfect companion for the PlayStation 5. The device's streaming of my PS5 or PS5 Pro is almost flawless, allowing me to enjoy my library of games even while abroad or sharing the sofa with my wife. If you're an existing PS5 owner, the Portal is a remarkable accessory that lets you play more PS5 games, helping you conquer your game backlog with ease.
Design-wise, the Portal beats the Switch 2 hands-down. The handheld is built around the DualSense Wireless controller, which prioritizes ergonomics and design before the screen and hardware specs. This results in a gaming handheld that's a breeze to hold, unlike the slim plastic chassis of the Switch 2. Additionally, the Portal offers more color options, with up to 200% more colorways compared to the limited options of the Switch 2.
When it comes to immersion, the PlayStation Portal outperforms the Switch 2 thanks to its superior haptics and adaptive triggers. These features are derived from the DualSense controller and provide players with a far better gaming experience than the Switch 2 can offer, even with an OLED screen.
Now, onto the game library. Objectively, the PlayStation Portal has a superior game library compared to the Switch 2's lackluster launch lineup. The major launch game of the Switch 2 is Mario Kart World, but beyond that, it's mostly a collection of enhanced original Switch games and ports. The Portal, on the other hand, offers a broader range of new games due to its remote play capabilities. Plus, with a PS Plus Premium membership, players can access even more games beyond their own library on PlayStation.
Lastly, the PlayStation Portal offers better value for money. The cost of a Portal with a year's worth of PS Plus Premium is still significantly cheaper than the Switch 2 with no games. You won't need additional accessories for the Portal besides a wired headset or gaming earbuds, while the Switch 2 may require extra add-ons to optimize the experience. Furthermore, in contrast to the scarce availability of the Switch 2, the Portal is actually available for purchase.
In conclusion, despite being a handheld companion rather than a fully-fledged console like the Switch 2, the PlayStation Portal offers numerous advantages that make it my preferred handheld gaming device. Its premium DualSense control integration, large Full HD display, broad game library, and cost-effectiveness make it an appealing choice for committed PS5 users. For those looking for a versatile, standalone handheld, the Switch 2 might still be the better option, but for pure PS5 enjoyment on the go, the PlayStation Portal is king.
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The PlayStation Portal's streaming capability allows me to enjoy my PlayStation 5 games while abroad or sharing the sofa with my wife, making it a remarkable accessory for existing PS5 owners.
The design of the PlayStation Portal beats the Nintendo Switch 2 with its ergonomic build, inspired by the DualSense Wireless controller, offering a wider variety of color options as well.
The PlayStation Portal's game library is objectively superior to the Switch 2's, offering a broader range of new games due to its remote play capabilities and the added benefit of a PS Plus Premium membership.
