Buy the Switch 2 edition if portability, Nintendo’s hybrid play modes, or cross-play with friends on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC matters most. EA lists 60 FPS in docked mode at native 1080p, plus higher texture resolution and improved lighting, effects and shadows. Existing Nintendo Switch owners are promised a free upgrade. Choose PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC instead when that is the hardware you already own and you do not need a handheld option.
There is no defensible graphics winner from EA’s published information: comparable frame-rate, resolution and settings targets for PS5 and Xbox are not provided, and the PC requirements are not benchmark results. The Switch 2 edition is announced at $39.99, with launch scheduled for October 15, 2026 in most regions and October 16 in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Confirm your local edition, price and Friend’s Pass route before paying.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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It Takes Two Switch / Switch 2 | VideoGame | English | $32.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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It Takes Two - Compatible with Nintendo Switch (EU Version) | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Cuphead - Nintendo Switch | $31.97 | Buy on Amazon |
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Quick answer: which version fits your pair?
| Choose this edition | It is the better fit when | Published facts that matter |
|---|---|---|
| Switch 2 | You want handheld or docked Nintendo play, or need to join friends on PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC. | EA advertises cross-play with those systems, 60 FPS docked at native 1080p, and a $39.99 standard price announced for launch. |
| PS5 | Your pair already owns PlayStation hardware and will play mainly on a television. | It is listed by EA as a cross-play partner for Switch 2. EA’s cited pages do not publish a directly comparable PS5 frame-rate or resolution target. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Your household is already in the Xbox ecosystem and does not need portability. | It is listed by EA as a cross-play partner for Switch 2. No like-for-like performance target is given in the cited official pages. |
| PC | You already have a Windows machine that meets the requirements and want flexible display and input options. | EA publishes minimum requirements and lists recommended CPU/GPU information on its purchase page, but those requirements do not establish console-comparable frame rates. |
| Original Nintendo Switch | You are playing only with another original-Switch owner and already own that edition. | EA’s original-Switch information says that edition has no cross-play with other platforms. It is separate from the newly announced Switch 2 feature set. |
The practical decision is therefore about where your pair will play, which edition each person owns, and whether portability is worth the purchase—not an unsupported ranking of graphics.
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What the Switch 2 edition actually delivers
Release timing and announced price
EA’s launch announcement schedules It Takes Two for October 15, 2026 in most regions. Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea are listed for October 16. The announcement gives a $39.99 standard price for the Switch 2 edition. Prices, taxes, discounts and storefront availability can change, so treat that figure as the announced standard price rather than a guaranteed local checkout total. See the EA launch announcement for the regional schedule and pricing statement.
#1 Best Overall
- Fully compatible with Switch 2. Reminder: The Nintendo Switch 2 system's hardware is different from Nintendo Switch, and some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2
- Pure Co-Op Perfection: As Cody and May, embark on a crazy journey built purely for two in couch co-op or online through Friend's Pass
- Gleefully Disruptive Gameplay: Master unique and connected character abilities with every new level; You'll never know what you're up against next
- A Universal Tale of Relationships: Discover a metaphorical merging of gameplay and narrative in a light-hearted story of the hardships in getting along
- Help each other across an abundance of unexpected obstacles and laugh-out-loud moments; Embrace a heartfelt and hilarious story where narrative and gameplay weave into a uniquely metaphorical experience
Published Switch 2 performance
EA specifies 60 FPS in docked mode at native 1080p. It also describes maximum texture resolution and improvements to lighting, visual-effect complexity and dynamic-shadow quality. The 60 FPS statement is explicitly tied to docked mode; it should not be rewritten as a promise for handheld play.
Those are vendor specifications, not an independent comparison test. EA’s official material reviewed for this decision does not provide equivalent PS5 or Xbox targets, nor a set of PC settings and measured frame rates. The fair conclusion is that Switch 2 has a clear published target, while a cross-platform performance ranking remains unestablished.
Hybrid and local play
Switch 2 gives you the console’s handheld and docked form factors. EA documents local and online play with other Switch 2 players, and it describes Gameshare support involving Switch players. For Nintendo couch co-op, EA says you need two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers. Check your household’s controller count and comfort before assuming the console alone is a complete two-player setup.
Cross-play is edition-sensitive
Switch 2 cross-play partners
EA says the Switch 2 edition can play online with players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. That is the key reason to choose Switch 2 when your friends use different systems. The promise applies to the Switch 2 edition, not automatically to every Nintendo edition.
Why old Nintendo Switch pages cause confusion
EA’s older Nintendo Switch feature page describes the original Switch edition as playing with another Switch player and having no cross-play. That statement predates the Switch 2 announcement and concerns the original edition. Do not apply it to Switch 2, but do not assume an original-Switch owner can join a Switch 2 cross-play lobby either. Before buying, write down the exact console and edition each player will use.
Gameshare and the downgrade route
EA’s Switch 2 information mentions Gameshare for local joining by Switch players and a specific online route in which a Switch 2 player downgrades from the Switch 2 edition. Because the available route depends on the editions involved, follow EA’s current support instructions for that exact pairing rather than relying on a generic “all Switch versions connect” assumption. The safest check is the Switch 2 support page together with EA’s platform and Friend’s Pass guidance.
Friend’s Pass can eliminate a second full-price purchase
One player buys and owns the full game; the other downloads Friend’s Pass for the relevant platform. If neither player owns the game, the first chapter is available as a trial. The owner controls hosting.
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Online play requires the relevant platform’s online subscription for both players. Couch co-op can be played offline, so a second subscription is unnecessary when both people are sharing one local setup.
- Identify both editions. Confirm whether each player is on Switch 2, original Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC.
- Have the owner install the full game. The owner starts the session and sends the invitation through the platform’s supported friend system.
- Have the second player install Friend’s Pass. Download it from that player’s platform store, not from a different edition’s listing.
- Check the cross-play route before inviting. Switch 2 cross-play is specifically advertised with PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC; original-Switch limitations still apply.
- Confirm subscriptions for online play. Both online participants need the platform subscription required by their system. Offline couch co-op does not.
EA describes Friend’s Pass as available across platforms, but that does not make every edition pairing interchangeable. If a friend is on original Switch, verify the supported route before purchasing on the assumption that a Switch 2 invitation will work.
Switch 2, PS5, Xbox and PC: what can actually be compared
| Decision factor | Switch 2 | PS5 | Xbox Series X|S | PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-play with Switch 2 | Yes, according to EA’s Switch 2 announcement and support information. | Yes, listed as a Switch 2 cross-play platform. | Yes, listed as a Switch 2 cross-play platform. | Yes, listed as a Switch 2 cross-play platform. |
| Handheld option | Yes, through Nintendo’s hybrid format. | Not provided by the cited sources. | Not provided by the cited sources. | Depends on the computer and display; no specific handheld PC is established by the sources. |
| Published target in the cited material | 60 FPS docked, native 1080p; maximum texture resolution and upgraded lighting, effects and dynamic shadows. | EA does not publish a directly comparable target in the cited pages. | EA does not publish a directly comparable target in the cited pages. | EA publishes requirements, not a measured cross-platform target. |
| Second-player purchase option | Friend’s Pass, subject to edition compatibility. | Friend’s Pass, subject to edition compatibility. | Friend’s Pass, subject to edition compatibility. | Friend’s Pass, subject to edition compatibility. |
This table intentionally stops where EA’s documentation stops. It would be misleading to fill the PS5, Xbox or PC cells with guessed resolutions, frame-rate caps or quality modes.
Rank #2
- Step into the shoes of Cody and May, a clashing couple who turn into dolls through unknown magical means. Trapped in a fantastical world where unpredictability hides around every corner, they must reluctantly learn to overcome their differences, save their fractured relationship, and find their path back home to their beloved daughter Rose
- You and a friend can play couch co-op with a pair of Joycons and a second gamepad, utilize local wireless play by connecting two Switch consoles together, or play online co-op with another Switch player using Friend’s pass
- Voice-overs in Japanese, French, German, and Spanish, as well subtitles spread even further across regions, allow more players to experience the game's unpredictable world
- Filled with genre-bending challenges and character abilities to master as you experience a metaphorical merging of gameplay and narrative to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling like never before
Upgrade rules for existing Nintendo Switch owners
Who gets the free upgrade?
EA says owners of the Nintendo Switch edition can upgrade to the Switch 2 edition for free. EA Help specifies that upgrades are available only from the Nintendo Switch edition, not from PlayStation, Xbox or PC purchases. The launch announcement also notes a Japan-specific small charge caused by legal restrictions; players in Japan should check the local Nintendo storefront instead of assuming the worldwide free-upgrade wording applies unchanged.
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EA’s launch announcement quotes Team Hazelight: “We are very happy to finally bring It Takes Two to even more players on Nintendo Switch 2. Everyone who owns the game on Nintendo Switch can upgrade for free! Our partners at Turn Me Up Games have done a great job optimizing the game.” The attribution is to Team Hazelight rather than a named individual.
How to avoid an upgrade mistake
- Open the Nintendo account and storefront that owns the original Switch edition.
- Look for the Switch 2 edition or upgrade entitlement after the regional launch date.
- Check whether your account is in Japan, where EA announces a legal-restriction exception.
- Do not expect a PS5, Xbox or PC purchase to generate a Nintendo upgrade.
- Confirm that the downloaded application is labeled for Switch 2 before deleting or archiving the original edition.
If the entitlement is missing, use EA’s support instructions and verify that you are signed into the purchasing Nintendo account. Do not buy a second copy until the store and support pages confirm your eligibility.
PC requirements: check the machine, then decide
EA lists these minimum requirements for the Windows version:
| Component | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 |
| Processor | AMD FX 6100 or Intel Core i3-2100T |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | AMD R7 260X or NVIDIA GTX 660 |
| Graphics API | DirectX 11-compatible graphics |
| Internet connection | 256 Kbps |
| Storage | 50 GB available disk space |
The EA purchase page also lists recommended CPU and GPU information and 16 GB RAM. Consult the live EA purchase page for those current model recommendations before buying or upgrading a computer. Meeting minimum requirements is not a guarantee of a particular frame rate, resolution or quality preset.
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- You already meet the requirements and do not want to purchase another console.
- Your pair prefers keyboard, mouse or existing PC controllers.
- You can tolerate checking drivers, storage and platform-account setup yourself.
- Your friends are on Switch 2, PS5 or Xbox and you have confirmed the edition-specific invitation route.
When a console is simpler
A console avoids component-by-component compatibility checks and gives both players a known living-room setup. Switch 2 additionally supplies a handheld mode. That convenience may matter more than unverified differences in visual settings.
Local co-op, online co-op and controller planning
Couch co-op
Two people can play locally on the same setup, and EA says Nintendo Switch couch co-op requires two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers. Couch co-op can be played offline. Plan the control layout before launch: sharing one controller or assuming a single Joy-Con is enough can leave a second player unable to join comfortably.
Online co-op
Each player uses their own supported platform and connection. Both online participants need the platform subscription required for online multiplayer. Friend’s Pass can provide the second player’s software access, but it does not remove that subscription requirement.
Mixed-platform households
For a Switch 2 owner playing with a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC friend, use the Switch 2 edition and verify that both players’ accounts are linked and able to receive invitations. For any original-Switch participant, stop and check EA’s edition-specific instructions first; the original edition’s no-cross-play limitation is the common source of failed assumptions.
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Buy Switch 2 when portability or cross-play solves a real problem
Switch 2 is the standout choice for a pair that wants to move between handheld and television play, or for a Nintendo owner whose friends are split across PC and current-generation consoles. Its announced 60 FPS docked, native 1080p target and visual upgrades make it a credible current edition. The free upgrade is especially compelling if you already own the original Switch version, subject to the Japan qualification.
Rank #3
- Experience the classic run and gun action with a pal in 2-player local co-op
- Includes the “Delicious Last Course” expansion filled with new bosses and brand-new character Ms. Chalice
- Includes exclusive “Cuphead Funnies” comic collector cards & vintage-inspired “Cuphead Club Membership”, and a hand-drawn reversible coversheet
Buy PS5 when PlayStation is already your shared home base
PS5 is practical when both players already use PlayStation and do not need Nintendo portability. EA confirms PS5 as a Switch 2 cross-play partner, so a PS5 owner can still join a Switch 2 friend. Do not choose it on the basis of a supposed resolution or frame-rate advantage that EA’s cited pages do not establish.
Buy Xbox Series X|S when your accounts and controllers are already there
Xbox Series X|S follows the same logic: existing hardware, accounts and living-room controllers reduce friction, and EA lists Xbox as a Switch 2 cross-play partner. The available evidence does not support declaring Xbox faster or sharper than Switch 2.
Buy PC when your existing machine passes the check
PC is attractive when you already have a compatible Windows system and prefer its input and display flexibility. Verify the minimum processor, graphics card, memory, DirectX 11 support, internet connection and 50 GB storage before purchasing. Treat recommended specifications as guidance for a smoother configuration, not as a comparative benchmark.
Keep the original Switch edition only for an original-Switch-only group
If everyone in your pair owns the original Switch edition and will remain on that platform, it can still meet that narrow use case. It is the wrong choice if your plan depends on cross-play with PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC, because EA’s original-Switch page says that edition has no cross-play.
A decision process that prevents the usual purchase errors
- List the players and systems. Record the exact platform and edition for each person, including whether a Nintendo owner means original Switch or Switch 2.
- Choose the play location. Select Switch 2 if handheld play is important; otherwise prioritize the console or PC already connected to your shared setup.
- Confirm cross-play. Switch 2-to-PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC is advertised. Any original-Switch pairing needs a separate compatibility check.
- Decide whether one full purchase is enough. Use Friend’s Pass for the second player when the edition pairing is supported. Remember that the owner hosts.
- Check subscriptions and controllers. Online pairs need the required subscription for both players; local Nintendo play needs two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers.
- Check ownership and upgrade eligibility. An original Nintendo Switch owner should claim the Switch 2 upgrade rather than repurchase, while owners of other platforms should not expect a free Nintendo entitlement.
- Verify the live storefront. Recheck the local price, tax, launch availability and edition label before checkout.
Common pitfalls and fixes
Pitfall: copying the original-Switch “no cross-play” line onto Switch 2
Fix: Separate the editions. The Switch 2 edition is the one EA advertises with PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC cross-play.
Pitfall: treating 60 FPS as a handheld guarantee
Fix: Quote EA’s qualification accurately: 60 FPS docked at native 1080p. No equivalent handheld target is supplied.
Pitfall: assuming Friend’s Pass makes every platform combination work
Fix: Match the Friend’s Pass download to the player’s exact platform and check EA’s current pairing instructions before buying.
Pitfall: expecting a free upgrade from another console or PC
Fix: EA Help limits the upgrade path to the Nintendo Switch edition, with a Japan-specific qualification in the launch announcement.
Pitfall: using minimum PC requirements as a performance promise
Fix: Treat them as the floor for compatibility. They do not establish a console-comparable frame rate or quality setting.
Pitfall: forgetting the second local controller
Fix: Prepare two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers for Nintendo couch co-op.
Before you buy: final checklist
- Is your target launch date October 15, 2026, or October 16 in Japan, Australia, New Zealand or South Korea?
- Are you buying the Switch 2 edition rather than the original Switch edition?
- If you own the original Switch version, have you checked the free-upgrade entitlement and the Japan exception?
- Will your friend use PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2 or original Switch?
- Have both online players confirmed their required platform subscriptions?
- Will a local Nintendo session have two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers?
- For PC, does the machine meet the processor, graphics, memory, DirectX, internet and 50 GB storage requirements?
- Have you checked the current local price and storefront availability rather than relying on the announced $39.99 figure?
For most mixed-platform pairs, Switch 2 is the safest recommendation because it combines a published 60 FPS docked target, Nintendo portability, cross-play with the three major alternative platforms and a free upgrade path for eligible Switch owners. If your pair already owns PS5, Xbox Series X|S or a compliant PC and has no need for handheld play, buying on that existing platform is equally rational. The evidence supports those practical distinctions; it does not support calling one platform the universal graphics winner.
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