Nintendo Switch vs. PlayStation 4 Pro specs, price news update: Hybrid console lacks power but provides rich gaming experience

Gaming enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Nintendo Switch. The Japanese electronics and software company is gearing up for the release of its hybrid gaming console in March 2017. It is said that the next-generation console will finally allow Nintendo to compete with the two powerhouses in the gaming industry: Microsoft and Sony. With that in mind, how does the Switch fare when compared to one of the recently released consoles in the market — the PlayStation 4 Pro (PS4 Pro)?

Sony released the PS4 Pro last September as a mid-generation update to its best-selling console, the PS4. One of the major draws of the "super-charged" gaming system is improved hardware that enables 4K gaming and entertainment.

The PS4 Pro is powered by an octa-core AMD Jaguar processor and a Radeon-based graphics processing unit (GPU) that delivers up to 4.20 teraflops of power. It comes with 8 GB of GDDR5 random access memory (RAM) and 1 TB of internal storage.

While the Nintendo Switch's specs have yet to be officially confirmed, it will reportedly sport a NVIDIA Tegra processor and a GPU similar to the GeForce graphics cards. However, in terms of processing power, it is unlikely to match the PS4 Pro.

On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch will offer players a rich, multifaceted gaming experience due to its hybrid setup. Aside from the traditional gaming system at home, the Switch can be transformed into a handheld device. According to Nintendo, this enables gamers to "play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose."

In terms of available titles, the Switch is lagging behind as all PS4 games are compatible on the PS4 Pro. Nevertheless, unlike the Wii U that lacked third-party support, many game developers have already expressed desire to work with the company to develop titles for the Switch, including Activision, Bandai Namco, Bethesda, Capcom, Electronic Arts, SEGA, Take-Two Interactive, and Ubisoft.

The Nintendo Switch is expected to have a price tag of about $250–$299 which is comparable to other consoles in the market. The PS4 Pro is priced at $399.

Based on what has been revealed so far, the Nintendo Switch and PS4 Pro are both impressive gaming systems. Ultimately, it depends of which type of experience prospective customers are looking for. The PS4 Pro is best-suited for gamers looking to play graphics-heavy titles in the comfort of their own home while the Switch might be ideal for casual gamers who want to have their gaming device always within reach.

To further enlighten consumers on which console to purchase, Nintendo will be releasing more information about the Switch during a presentation on Jan. 12, 2017.