The iPhone 16 Pro Max can be counted as a powerful gaming handheld because the A18 Pro that is a part of its innards can run AAA titles at respectable framerates, but how well does it fare against Nintendo’s latest and greatest, the Switch 2, and that too, running Fortnite? Well, the actual portable console has a lead in the latest graphics and framerate comparison, but once you check out the detailed test, you will realize that the Switch 2 depends on Dynamic Resolution scaling and a substantially increased power draw to deliver that performance gain.
When running Fortnite, Switch 2 can reach up to a power draw of 19W in docked mode, but resolution can also drop down to 800p to maintain 60FPS; A18 Pro consistently keeps the same framerate at a single resolution
A graphics and framerate comparison was performed by YouTuber Dame Tech, who revealed some interesting choices taken by the Nintendo Switch 2 when running Fortnite at 60FPS, but let us come to the iPhone 16 Pro Max first. Regardless of whether the device is charging or not, the A18 Pro runs the game at maximum visual settings, with the resolution set to 704p, and framerate running at a consistent 60FPS. The performance does not budge from this number, but it also means that Fortnite is rendered at a lower resolution.
As for Nintendo Switch 2, when docked, the game runs at an impressive 1,224p, and 900p in handheld mode. However, Dame Tech mentions that the portable console utilizes Dynamic Resolution to reduce its docked resolution to 800p and 600p when in handheld mode, making it lower than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 704p resolution to achieve 60FPS in some areas. Additionally, when docked, the power draw of the Switch 2 can reach between 18W and 19W, and 9W in handheld mode. In comparison, the A18 Pro is extremely power efficient, consuming between 4W and 5W, meaning that the Switch 2’s power draw is more than 400 percent higher.
It is possible that if the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s cooling system was better, the A18 Pro could operate at a higher wattage, resulting in Fortnite running at a crispier resolution, but there is also that massive size difference that allows the Switch 2 to sport an increased power draw and accommodate a better heatsink. When comparing raw performance, Nintendo is the winner here, and when taking ‘performance per watt’ into account, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has won effortlessly.
News Source: Dame Tech
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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