The Switch 2’s Tegra chip from NVIDIA might have received the label for the most advanced silicon in a handheld, but there are areas where Nintendo’s latest portable console has missed the mark. An in-depth analysis reveals that the device sports a lackluster display, and when it comes to CPU-intensive tasks, a less remarkable SoC like the Tensor G2 running in Google’s previous-generation mid-ranger, the Pixel 7a, can outperform it in games like Minecraft.
An explosion simulation in Minecraft brings the Switch 2 to its knees, while flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 breeze past this task
On X, @tofu_mkw tested out four different devices; a Pixel 7a, Nintendo’s Switch, Switch 2, and a laptop with average specifications, with all of them tested at the exact same graphics settings. The clip below shows some objects simulating the behavior of an TNT explosion, with the blast and smoke physics elements stressing the CPU and forcing it to be overwhelmed if it does not possess sufficient processing firepower. For the computer that features an Intel Core i7-1165G7, this is not going to be a problem, but for portable devices, it is another story.
Surprisingly, the Tensor G2, which is several generations old at this time, and received a ton of criticism for failing to compete with chipsets of its class when it first launched, is able to outperform the Switch 2 in the CPU department, which really speaks volumes on what decisions Nintendo took in gimping the processing prowess of its newest hardware. The GPU, on the other hand, has received a major performance boost, with even Batman: Arkham Knight, which was rated as one of the worst ports for the first-generation Switch, received a hefty performance boost on the Switch 2.
本気で比較してみた
全て同じ設定で実行#Switch2 #マイクラ https://t.co/hh7Gp6Kij3 pic.twitter.com/dUJR7AofWr— とうふ tofoooo! (@tofu_mkw) June 7, 2025
Nintendo likely took this direction to maintain efficiency for its latest handheld, but as you can tell, it was at the obvious cost of performance. Then again, displaying a CPU-intensive simulation through Minecraft is just one scenario where other devices have an upper hand against the Switch 2. In pure gaming comparisons, the latter would likely win by miles.
News Source: @tofu_mkw
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
