Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB vs Nintendo Switch 2
Get the Switch 2. Unless you only play on the TV and want Game Pass: then the Series S.
Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB
A small, quiet console for Game Pass that plays mostly at 1080p, with no disc drive and only 512GB. Microsoft's price rises have taken away its value.
Nintendo Switch 2
The console for families and for playing on the go: a bigger, sharper screen than the Switch and Nintendo's own games. Battery life is short in handheld mode.
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They cost about the same, but the Switch 2 plays on the TV or in your hands and has Nintendo's own games. The Series S suits players who want Game Pass and the big Xbox and PC games on the TV.
- —You want Game Pass.
- —You play shooters and sports games with friends on Xbox.
- —It's for children or the family.
- —You want to play away from the TV.
- —You love Mario, Zelda and Pokémon.
What verified owners report
Only reviews from checked buyers count, and every 1–3 star review is read by us. How we do this
Owners love how fast, small and quiet it is, and it's a popular present. The main complaints are the small storage and units that crashed or stopped working.
- ✓A hit as a present
- ✓Fast loading
- ✓Easy to set up and use
- −Crashed, overheated or stopped working
- −Storage fills up after a few games
Owners love the bigger, sharper screen and playing on the TV or on the go. Complaints are Joy-Con faults, pricey games and short battery life.
- ✓A big upgrade on the first Switch
- ✓Sharper graphics
- ✓Play on the TV or handheld
- −Joy-Con stopped working, wouldn't pair or ran down fast
- −Games are expensive, or few are worth buying
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Small and quiet
- +Fast loading
- +Plays every new Xbox game with Game Pass
- −No disc drive: every game is a download.
- −512GB fills after a handful of big games, and the official expansion cards are expensive.
- −Most games run at 1080p, so they look softer on a big 4K TV.
- −Some owners had consoles that crashed or stopped working.
- +Plays on the TV or in your hands
- +Bigger, sharper 120Hz screen
- +Runs most Switch games
- −Handheld battery life is short, about three to five hours.
- −Some games come on cards that only unlock a download.
- −Older microSD cards don't work; it needs microSD Express cards.
- −Some owners had Joy-Con that stopped working or wouldn't pair.
- Is the Xbox Series S worth it?
- Is the Switch 2 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: TechRadar, Push Square (PS5 Pro reviews), manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Xbox Series S: 1,981 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Target (US), read October 2026.
Owner reports for the Switch 2: 290 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Target (US), read October 2026.