If you’re buying one console this winter, it’s very likely a choice between Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo’s Switch 2. They’re very different machines: the PS5 is a living-room powerhouse for big-budget games on your TV, while the Switch 2 is a hybrid you can play docked or take on the train. Prices have also moved a lot in 2026, so it’s worth checking what each one actually costs in Europe now.
Below we compare the PS5, PS5 Pro and Switch 2 on price, performance, portability and games, using figures from European price reports and reviews by outlets such as Tom’s Guide.
Our picks at a glance
- Best for familiesNintendo Switch 2
- Best home consoleSony PlayStation 5
- Best for 4K TVsSony PlayStation 5 Pro
Prices are approximate and change often. Ad
Price in Europe: both got more expensive in 2026
A worldwide memory-chip shortage pushed console prices up through 2026. Sony raised PS5 prices by €100 from 2 April 2026: the PS5 with disc drive now costs €649.99, the Digital Edition €599.99 and the PS5 Pro €899.99. Nintendo raised the Switch 2 from €469.99 to €499.99 on 1 September 2026.
That makes the Switch 2 the cheapest entry point by €100 compared with the PS5 Digital Edition — but remember that games and online subscriptions add to the total cost on both systems.
| Model | Nintendo Switch 2Best for families | Sony PlayStation 5Best home console | Sony PlayStation 5 ProBest for 4K TVs |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechHive score | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Approx. price | €500 | €600 | €900 |
| Editions | — | Disc / Digital | — |
| Output | — | Up to 4K | 4K |
| Best for | — | Living-room gaming | High-end 4K TVs |
| Plays | — | — | Full PS5 library |
| Shop Ad | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
Performance and picture quality
The PS5 is the more powerful console, designed for 4K TVs, and the PS5 Pro goes further for players with high-end TVs. If you care about the best possible graphics in big releases, PlayStation wins clearly.
The Switch 2 uses a custom Nvidia T239 chip and a 7.9-inch 1080p, 120 Hz LCD screen. Tom’s Guide found strong performance both docked and handheld — a big step up from the original Switch — but it isn’t aiming to match the PS5’s power.
Portability: the Switch 2’s big advantage
The Switch 2 works as a handheld, a tabletop console and a TV console. That’s ideal for commuting, travel and families sharing one TV. The catch is battery life: Tom’s Guide measured around 2 hours 40 minutes in its battery test, so long trips need a power bank.
The PS5 is home-only. If portability matters but you want PC games, also look at handheld PCs like the Steam Deck OLED in our consoles and handhelds guide.
Games
The deciding factor for most people is the library. Nintendo’s own series appear only on Nintendo hardware, and the Switch 2 suits family, party and local multiplayer games. PlayStation has Sony’s big cinematic exclusives plus the widest selection of major third-party releases with the best performance.
Think about which games you actually want to play over the next two or three years — and what your friends play, if you enjoy online multiplayer.
Which should you buy?
Buy the Switch 2 if…
You want to play on the go or share a console with children, you love Nintendo’s games, or you want the cheaper console.
Nintendo Switch 2
Strong performance both docked and handheld, with Nintendo's exclusives — the easiest console to recommend for households.
Pros
- Strong docked and handheld performance
- Plays anywhere
Cons
- Short battery life
- Flat, plain design
- Price rose to €499.99 in Sep 2026
Buy the PS5 if…
You play mainly on a TV, want the best graphics and the biggest third-party releases, and don’t need portability. The Digital Edition saves €50 if you only buy games online.
Sony PlayStation 5
Still the default living-room console, available as a disc or cheaper digital-only edition.
- Editions
- Disc / Digital
- Output
- Up to 4K
- Best for
- Living-room gaming
Pros
- Huge library of games
- Choice of disc or digital edition
Cons
- €100 price rise in April 2026
- Digital edition locks you into online purchases
Buy the PS5 Pro if…
You have a high-end 4K TV and want the best PlayStation performance, and the €899.99 price doesn’t put you off. For most people the standard PS5 is the better value.
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro
The premium PS5 for owners of high-end 4K TVs who want the best possible console image quality.
- Output
- 4K
- Best for
- High-end 4K TVs
- Plays
- Full PS5 library
Pros
- Best PlayStation image quality
- Same library as standard PS5
Cons
- Very expensive at €899.99
- Gains only visible on good TVs
Accessories worth adding
A good headset makes a bigger difference than most upgrades — see our best gaming headsets. For PS5, a gaming TV with HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz lets the console show its best; for Switch 2 handheld play, a light wired headset such as the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit is ideal.
How we compared
We used European price reports from German outlets (PCGH, Giga, Winfuture) and reviews from Tom’s Guide. We haven’t tested the consoles ourselves; see how we research.
FAQ
Is the Switch 2 cheaper than the PS5?
Yes. In October 2026 the Switch 2 costs €499.99, the PS5 Digital Edition €599.99 and the PS5 with disc drive €649.99.
Why did console prices go up in 2026?
A global memory-chip shortage raised component costs, and Sony, Nintendo, Valve and Microsoft all raised prices in Europe during the year.
Can the Switch 2 play in 4K?
The handheld screen is 1080p. When docked it outputs to a TV, but it is less powerful than the PS5, which is built for 4K.
Which is better for kids?
For most families the Switch 2: it’s portable, cheaper and has a large library of family-friendly and local multiplayer games.
