The battle between PS5 and Switch 2 is heating up — and while neither company deserves a medal for generosity, Sony might surprise you. Sure, PlayStation’s got its flaws (looking at you, $70 remakes), but compared to the nickel-and-dime approach Nintendo’s rolling out with Switch 2, the PS5 feels like a breath of fresh air.
Here’s where Sony is quietly doing more right — and why Switch 2’s “friendly” image is starting to look like a nostalgic illusion.
1. Party Chat Is Free on PS5 — and Locked Behind a Paywall on Switch 2
This one’s a head-scratcher. Voice chat is a basic multiplayer feature in 2025 — yet Nintendo is charging for it.
The Switch 2’s new “GameChat” feature works… if you’re subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online Plus, which is a fancy way of saying: pay up or stay silent. There’s a free trial, sure — but after that, if you want to talk to your friends during gameplay, you’re paying for the privilege.
Meanwhile, on PS5, party chat remains completely free. It’s been that way for over a decade. No PS Plus? No problem — you can still coordinate in-game, socialize, or just trash talk your friends mid-match. It’s not a luxury; it’s just how online gaming should work in 2025.
2. Sony’s $10 Game Upgrades Usually Include Real Value — Nintendo’s? Not So Much
Nintendo just announced that upgrading certain Switch titles to their Switch 2 versions will cost up to $20 — even when the improvements are minor or cosmetic.
Compare that to Sony, where $10 upgrades usually come bundled with actual improvements:
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Higher frame rates
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4K textures
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New content modes (e.g. The Last of Us Part II Remastered’s roguelike mode)
And when games like Horizon Forbidden West or Ghost of Tsushima got PS5 updates? Many of those were free.
Nintendo’s asking players to shell out double the price for enhancements that are sometimes barely noticeable — and often locked behind subscription perks. That’s not “next-gen.” That’s just next-level monetization.
3. Physical Games on PS5 Are Still… Games. Not Download Receipts.
PS5 discs actually come with most of the game data on them. Sure, you’ll probably need a day-one patch, but you can install and start playing out of the box.
Now enter the Switch 2’s Game-Key Cards — Nintendo’s new “physical” format where most of the content needs to be downloaded before you can even start. No internet? No game. And years from now, when Nintendo inevitably shuts down its servers (like they did with the 3DS and Wii U), what happens to your purchases?
With PS5, your disc is still a disc. With Switch 2, it’s a glorified unlock token.
4. Sony’s First-Party Games Are Cheaper — and Drop in Price Sooner
Let’s talk price. Sony first-party titles launched at $69.99. Painful, yes — but Nintendo has decided that’s not enough. Titles like Mario Kart World are launching at $79.99, and in Europe? You’re looking at €89.99 (nearly $100). For a racing game.
Even worse? Nintendo’s games rarely go on sale. Tears of the Kingdom has only dropped below $50 once. Meanwhile, Spider-Man 2 has hit $39.99 three times already.
Sony plays the long game. Nintendo milks its catalog dry. And it’s gamers footing the bill.
5. You Can Buy Retro PS1 Games Without a Subscription — Nintendo Won’t Let You
Remember Ape Escape? Dino Crisis? You can buy those outright on PS5 with no PS Plus requirement. Some even come with Trophy support, adding replayability and value.
With the Switch 2, however, most retro titles are locked behind Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. No sub, no nostalgia.
Sony’s not innocent — its PS Plus Premium service isn’t cheap either — but at least it gives you the choice to buy retro games á la carte. Nintendo wants you on a leash.
Neither Company Is a Saint. But Sony’s Giving You More Bang for Your Buck (For Now)
Nintendo has built a reputation on being the “family-friendly” brand. But if you follow the money trail in 2025, it’s clear who’s really looking out for consumers.
Sony’s PS5 might still make dumb decisions (like charging for early access or pushing unnecessary remakes), but it’s the lesser evil right now — offering more freedom, better value, and fewer gotchas.
And in a world where “consumer-friendly” often means “less predatory than usual,” that’s saying something.
FAQ: PS5 vs. Switch 2 in 2025
Q: Is voice chat free on both consoles?
A: Only on PS5. Switch 2 requires a subscription to use voice chat after a limited trial.
Q: Can I upgrade Switch games for free on Switch 2?
A: Sometimes — but many upgrades cost $10–$20. Sony often provides upgrades for free or $10, with added content.
Q: Do Switch 2 physical games work offline?
A: Not always. Many require a large download via Nintendo’s Game-Key system. PS5 discs are usually playable out of the box.
Q: Why are Switch 2 games more expensive?
A: Nintendo has raised prices to $79.99–€89.99 for top-tier titles. PS5 still sits at $69.99 for first-party games.
Q: Can I buy retro games without a subscription?
A: On PS5, yes. On Switch 2, most classic titles require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Joyce Lewis is a talented journalist at 3Zebras, known for her insightful coverage of technology, gaming, and privacy issues. Her work delves into the human aspects of tech, from the politeness of virtual assistants to the security risks of smart toys. Joyce’s articles are engaging and informative, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.