We Conducted a Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmark on Switch 2, PS4, PS4 Pro, and Series S. What Did We Discover?

Cyberpunk 2077 Performance Across Switch 2, Steam Deck, PS4, PS4 Pro, and Series S – A Developer’s Perspective

In a recent Digital Foundry analysis, hidden internal benchmarks within Cyberpunk 2077 were explored to compare CPU and GPU performance across various platforms, including a prospective Switch 2, Steam Deck, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, and Xbox Series S. Digital Foundry confirmed these test sequences were present in all available versions of the game, including the Stadia version. Digital Foundry initially planned to share PS4 and PS4 Pro data separately on DF clips. However, a compelling Wccftech interview with Black Shamrock, a satellite studio of Virtuos, prompted a change in approach. It’s not every day a developer openly discusses system performance, let alone compares consoles. Eoin O’Grady from Black Shamrock’s comments were eye-opening, starting with his view on graphical performance. He stated that the Switch 2 has slightly inferior GPU performance compared to the Series S, with the difference being more noticeable in handheld mode. A key distinction, however, is that the Series S does not support technologies like DLSS, which the Switch 2 does, making their overall GPU capabilities quite comparable.

Cyberpunk 2077 CPU Performance Analysis: Insights on Switch 2 vs. PS4 Disparity and Porting Challenges

Assessing graphical performance is straightforward, a routine task for Digital Foundry. However, O’Grady’s remarks on CPU power offered new insights. He noted a noticeable gap in CPU power between the two consoles, with the Switch 2 being somewhat stronger than the PS4. O’Grady explained that while most well-optimized games tend to be GPU-restricted, the CPU’s edge might not significantly matter, as it depends on the game and its target frame rate. He indicated that any game running at 60 frames per second (fps) on Series S should be relatively easy to port to Switch 2. Similarly, a GPU-reliant game running at 30 fps on Series S should transfer smoothly. Complex games with intensive physics, animations, or other CPU-demanding features, however, may face additional hurdles to achieve 30 or 60 fps or require extra optimization during the porting process.

Cyberpunk 2077 Dynamic Resolution Scaling Analysis with Kabuki and Upscaling Technologies

Digital Foundry ran the official CD Projekt Red benchmark test on all consoles, a test compatible with any gaming system. The analysis also included tests of the Kabuki streaming feature, which is used across all systems, particularly when demanding high graphical and CPU loads in detailed areas. Performance was impressive in these tests. To analyze dynamic resolution scaling, Digital Foundry colleague Tom Morgan found common images across all systems, a task complicated by the game’s platform-dependent use of various upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR2.

Performance Modes Boost Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 and Series S – A Graphical Quality Gap Persists

At 30 fps, every machine delivered strong results in the benchmark, with only a few frame drops observed on PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro. The Series S and Switch 2, however, offer performance modes that boost frame rates to around 60 fps and 40 fps, respectively, performing nearly flawlessly. In Cyberpunk 2077, the Xbox Series S exhibits a significant graphical quality advantage over the Nintendo Switch 2, sometimes by as much as 70%. This could be attributed to the Switch 2 often hitting its 1080p resolution limit, potentially causing an overload. In performance modes, the Series S maintains an average 73% resolution advantage at 60 fps, compared to the Switch 2’s 40 fps. Based on Cyberpunk 2077 alone, stating the Switch 2’s GPU performance matches that of the Series S appears inaccurate.

Improved Graphics, But CPU Challenges Persist for Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 Compared to Series S and PS4 Pro

This observation prompted a request for further clarification from Virtuos, which provided the following response. Eoin O’Grady reiterated that while porting 60 fps games from the Series S to the Switch 2 should be relatively easy, actual frame rates will depend on game optimization and the producer’s goals. He also mentioned that complex games might face challenges hitting 30 or 60 fps. Measuring raw processor performance during a CPU test is often tricky because it can be limited by the graphics card or the frame rate set by the producer. However, Cyberpunk 2077 is an exception, as it suggests CPU bottlenecks due to high-speed city traversal; these issues are indeed CPU-related, as they also manifest in the PC version of the game. Virtuos noted that the Switch 2’s CPU, while more powerful than the PS4’s, shows weak raw performance due to approximate speeds of just 1 GHz to 1.1 GHz depending on the mode. Games requiring a powerful CPU and GPU, like Cyberpunk 2077, may face additional challenges to reach 30 or 60 fps or necessitate extra optimization during transfer. In all tests, the Switch 2 offers higher pixel counts and uses DLSS and upscaling compared to the original PS4, providing an average resolution improvement of 32%. However, when compared to the PS4 Pro, the Switch 2 is either comparable or significantly inferior, rendering an average comparison irrelevant. Against the Xbox Series S, resolution differences range from negligible to over 70% in favor of the Series S, with larger discrepancies potentially stemming from the Switch 2 frequently reaching its 1080p maximum.

In Cyberpunk 2077, the Switch 2 edges out the PlayStation 4 but lags behind the PS4 Pro in terms of frame rates. The Switch 2 appears to underperform compared to other consoles, particularly as it transmits more detailed visuals while older Sony consoles are hindered by their slower 5400 RPM hard drives. The Series S handles Cyberpunk 2077 without issue at 30 fps. In performance mode with a 40 fps cap, the Switch 2 reaches its limit, causing noticeable drops in frame rate in more demanding areas, whereas the Series S maintains smooth 60 fps gameplay with only occasional hiccups. The Switch 2 does not match the Series S’s performance in this title.

Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 Performance on Switch 2 vs Series S – A Surprising Comparison

The Virtuos-Black Shamrock comments on the Switch 2’s CPU performance align with expectations for a device with limited resources and low clock speeds, given its similar performance to the previous generation. On the GPU side, the Switch 2 is impressive for a system operating in the 20W range, outperforming the PS4 and sometimes even reaching PS4 Pro levels when leveraging the computationally intensive DLSS upscaler. However, Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrates that the Series S excels by processing more pixels, indicating DLSS plays a significant role in the Switch 2’s visual output. While Cyberpunk 2077 looks good, Street Fighter 6 showcases even better image quality on the Switch 2 than the Series S, despite using only 25% of the raw pixel count. Thus, the Switch 2 and Series S are generally comparable, though the Series S holds an edge in raw pixel processing power. The Series S also draws approximately four times more power from the outlet. Discussions continue regarding the feasibility of porting current-generation games to the Switch 2. The gaming community anticipates Star Wars Outlaws as a significant test for the Switch 2’s capabilities.

In Case You Missed It

Excited about the latest game deals? Don’t miss out on our recent post, “New Games Arrive at PlayStation Store Winter Promotion” by Carlos Mendoza, published on July 31, 2025. Sony is rolling out some fantastic discounts this winter, with major titles like Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition and WWE 2K25 getting slashed prices. Plus, PlayStation Brasil has made it even easier to get your hands on these games by offering interest-free installments! Check out all the details New Games Arrive at PlayStation Store Winter Promotion and grab some gaming gems while they’re hot. For fans of the Metal Gear series and Hideo Kojima’s creative vision, you won’t want to miss Carlos Mendoza’s latest piece on Players for Life. Published on July 31, 2025, “Kojima Uninterested in Playing Upcoming Remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” explores Kojima’s surprising lack of interest in the upcoming remake of his classic game, which hits shelves next month without his involvement. If you’re curious about what inspires—or doesn’t inspire—the mastermind behind iconic titles like Death Stranding and its sequel, be sure to check out this insightful read Kojima Uninterested in Playing Upcoming Remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. For all you FIFA fans out there, be sure to check out Marcus Thompson’s latest piece on the upcoming FIFA 26. Published on July 31st, this article delves into the numerous innovations coming to the Clubs mode, including new squad classes and dynamic “Live Rush Club Events.” The post also highlights improvements in player performance evaluation and social aspects of the game, making it a must-read for anyone eager to learn about the future of FIFA. Dive deeper into these exciting updates at FIFA 26 Clubs to Feature Numerous Innovations.

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Carlos Mendoza

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