iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Switch 2 in Fortnite: Apple's Smartphone Leads in Efficiency

Mobile gamers have a surprising new talking point. YouTube channel Dame Tech conducted the first direct comparison of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Apple's flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max, testing them in the popular game Fortnite. The results highlight interesting trade-offs in how each device achieves smooth gameplay.

Testing based on early hardware and software versions showed the Nintendo Switch 2 manages a higher FPS in Fortnite compared to the iPhone. However, this win comes at a cost. The console heavily utilizes Dynamic Resolution Scaling (DRS). When docked, resolution can drop from 1224p down to 800p, and in handheld mode, it can dip from 900p to 600p during intense scenes just to maintain a stable 60 frames per second. Furthermore, the Switch 2's power consumption was significantly higher: hitting 18-19W docked and around 9W in handheld mode.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, equipped with the latest A18 Pro chip, takes a different approach. The smartphone consistently delivers a locked 60 FPS in Fortnite at max graphics settings and a fixed 704p resolution, whether plugged in or not. Apple's key advantage lies in its outstanding power efficiency: consumption sits at just 4-5W. This means the docked Switch 2 uses roughly quadruple the power to achieve its performance.

The Switch 2 prioritizes pushing the highest possible FPS and detail, but sacrifices resolution stability and power efficiency, leveraging its larger cooling system. Apple's chip, meanwhile, lives up to its reputation as a performance-per-watt leader. It delivers smooth gameplay with consistent image quality while sipping power – remarkably little for such demanding tasks. The Switch 2's handheld power draw (9W vs. the iPhone's 4-5W) directly impacts battery life and how much the device heats up. The iPhone, conversely, can't quite match the Switch 2's peak visual detail.

Dame Tech's experiment clearly shows that even when targeting the same audience – mobile gamers – Nintendo and Apple take radically different approaches to balancing performance, image quality, and energy efficiency. Consumers will face a choice: the raw power of the console (with its compromises), or the smartphone's optimized experience focused on stability and battery life.