A new Nintendo Switch 2 rumor has surfaced claiming that the next-generation hybrid console could actually arrive with more memory than a powerful rival like the Microsoft Xbox Series S. The same source has also offered an update in regard to the Switch 2’s potential DLSS support and ray-tracing capabilities.
More shocking is the speed of the RAM involved.
Xbox Series S
8 GB running at 224 GB/s
2 GB at 56 GB/s
By comparison:
Xbox Series X
16 GB @ 560 GB/s
PS5
16 GB @ 448 GB/s
Xbox One X
12 GB @ 326.4 GB/s
Steam Deck
16 GB @ 88 GB/s
Switch
4 GB @ 25.6 GB/s
You’re highlighting the slower 2GB but in reality that’s not used by games in the first place. They’re relegated to the 8GB which is significantly faster.
The Steam Deck has essentially 2x the available memory but it’s much slower. The point being “having more RAM” isn’t some amazing feat. It really depends on all the involved specs. Even amount/bandwidth isn’t enough. GDDR has much higher bandwidth than DDR or LPDDR but it’s also higher latency. It’s tuned for graphics, not system RAM depending on the work load one can be faster than the other.
If it had 10 GB at the higher speed it would still be hamstrung, but not as badly as it is with 8 GB and 2 GB that’s essentially unusable except for maybe UI overlays.
The 2 is mostly used by the OS. Yes, it would be better if it was all faster but it still wouldn’t be used by the GPU as it’s segmented.
It’s all moot to my original point though. Having more RAM isn’t some miracle or a sign it will be faster.