Switch 2 Can Run Xbox Series S Games, Says Dev

Nintendo Switch 2 Could Handle Xbox Series S Games, Says Developer

In a surprising development that sheds light on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities, a senior developer has suggested that the device may be more powerful than previously assumed. According to Eoin O’Grady, Technical Director at Black Shamrock, a game development studio under Virtuos, the next-gen Nintendo console should be capable of running any game currently designed for the Xbox Series S — thanks in part to cutting-edge graphics technology.

Bridging the Gap Between Portability and Performance

Nintendo has always been known for its unique approach to console design. Instead of directly competing with Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox in terms of raw power, Nintendo typically focuses on innovative hardware and gameplay mechanics. However, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be taking a major step forward in performance — aiming to reduce the gap between portable consoles and traditional home consoles.

While the original Nintendo Switch was a marvel of portability, it couldn’t match the horsepower of its rivals. This limited the kinds of games that could be ported over, requiring heavy graphical downgrades. But now, that may change.

Insight from Black Shamrock’s Technical Director

Speaking to Wccftech on July 7, 2025, O’Grady gave his perspective on how Nintendo’s upcoming device compares to other current-generation consoles. He emphasized that while the Switch 2’s graphics processing unit (GPU) may be slightly weaker than the one found in the Xbox Series S, it benefits significantly from Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology — something Xbox lacks entirely.

DLSS uses AI-powered upscaling to improve frame rates and graphical fidelity without demanding as much from the hardware. This essentially allows games to appear sharper and run smoother, despite being rendered at lower native resolutions. In a device like the Switch 2, which must balance performance with battery life and portability, this technology is a game-changer.

CPU Comparisons and Real-World Impacts

While the GPU side looks promising, how about the central processing unit (CPU), which handles game logic, physics, and AI? According to O’Grady, the Switch 2’s CPU performance is roughly on par with the PlayStation 4. While that may not sound like a significant jump in raw numbers, when paired with DLSS and modern GPU features, it positions the Switch 2 as a very capable system for modern game development.

However, he did caution that certain CPU-heavy games, especially those with complex physics simulations or sophisticated animation systems, may require extra optimization to achieve smooth performance on the Switch 2. This could lead to developers having to tweak their code more thoroughly when preparing a port.

A New Era of Nintendo Ports?

This revelation could mean good news for Nintendo fans who’ve longed for higher-quality third-party games on the company’s handheld systems. In the past, studios often avoided porting major titles to the Switch due to its limited performance and memory.

Now, games that were previously deemed too demanding for the original Switch — like Marvel’s Midnight Suns, The Outer Worlds, and Grounded — might be possible on the Switch 2 without sacrificing core gameplay elements or visual quality. Interestingly, Black Shamrock has worked on all these titles, which makes their optimism even more credible.

DLSS: Nintendo’s Secret Weapon

The key to this leap in performance lies in Nvidia’s DLSS technology, which is already a staple in high-end PC gaming but rarely seen in handheld consoles. Since the Nintendo Switch 2 is believed to be powered by a custom Nvidia chip, DLSS is expected to play a central role in delivering high-quality visuals.

DLSS works by rendering a game at a lower resolution internally and then using AI algorithms to upscale it to a higher resolution. This means a game that runs at 720p natively could look like 1080p or even 4K on screen — with a fraction of the processing cost. For handheld systems with limited thermal capacity, this technology could be the silver bullet for performance and battery life balance.

O’Grady’s comments suggest that DLSS isn’t just a bonus — it’s a necessity that allows the Switch 2 to match or even outperform expectations based on its raw specs.

How Does the Switch 2 Stack Up?

While the Series S is still the more powerful of the two in terms of raw specs, the Switch 2’s hybrid form factor and smart software features (like DLSS) give it a competitive edge in terms of practical game development.

Challenges for Developers

Even with DLSS and comparable specs, developers still face hurdles when porting games. These include:

  • Memory Optimization: Games made for Xbox and PS5 are often optimized for 10–16 GB RAM. The Switch 2 may require memory-efficient design.
  • Thermal and Battery Constraints: Portable mode may require lower clocks or dynamic resolution scaling.
  • Control Schemes: Adapting console controls to handheld format can be tricky.
  • Resolution Scaling: DLSS helps, but scaling assets properly still takes time.

Despite these challenges, O’Grady is confident that with proper planning, nearly any modern game can be brought over to the Switch 2 without major compromises.

A Competitive Future for Nintendo

If O’Grady’s insights are correct, the Nintendo Switch 2 could become the most versatile and developer-friendly handheld ever released. This aligns with previous leaks and reports suggesting that the Switch 2 was demoed running Zelda: Breath of the Wild at 4K 60FPS with DLSS 3.5 — a clear sign of its next-gen ambitions.

While Nintendo has not officially confirmed the full specs or release date of the Switch 2, speculation continues to build as we approach late 2025. Some rumors suggest a reveal may come as soon as September, with a global launch following in early 2026.

Summary

The idea that any Xbox Series S game could run on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a major development in the world of console gaming. With tools like DLSS, a capable GPU, and a smart approach to power management, Nintendo could soon deliver a hybrid console that satisfies both casual players and hardcore gamers alike.

If developers like Black Shamrock are already optimistic about porting high-performance titles, then the Nintendo Switch 2 may truly redefine what’s possible on a portable gaming device. Fans eagerly await official confirmation from Nintendo, but the signs are clear — a new era of handheld gaming is on the horizon.