Seeing Gran Turismo 7 running on a Nintendo console is almost science fiction. And yet, a persistent rumor claims that an internal version of the famous car simulator would already work on the Nintendo Switch 2. The information comes from Jeff Grubb, a well-known figure in the sector, and immediately fuels another question: is Sony preparing a new portable console?
According to these revelations, PlayStation would have an internal build of Gran Turismo 7 capable of running on the hardware of the Switch 2, a console that has not yet been officially announced. But it would not be a commercial project.
Gran Turismo 7 on Switch 2, a simple technical test?
Gran Turismo 7 remains one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises. Developed by Polyphony Digital, the game has symbolized Sony’s technical mastery in the field of automotive simulation for decades.
Imagining this title on a Nintendo console seems unusual, as Sony has historically protected its major exclusives. Aside from LEGO Horizon Adventures, the company retains its most demanding licenses for its own ecosystem.
The test mentioned would therefore not be aimed at a release on the eShop, but rather a technical experiment. Testing Gran Turismo 7 on less powerful portable hardware would allow us to assess optimization limits, graphics management and stability on more compact components.
A practice already observed at Polyphony Digital
This wouldn’t be the first time the studio has developed non-commercial in-house releases. Previous rumors have already pointed to Gran Turismo builds running on Windows and Linux. A full virtual reality test version of Gran Turismo 6 also reportedly existed internally, without ever being released.
These projects generally serve as technological test beds. They make it possible to anticipate hardware developments and adapt graphics engines to next generations of consoles.
A portable PlayStation in the works?
The timing of this rumor is particularly intriguing. Testing a game as demanding as Gran Turismo 7 on portable hardware could indicate that Sony is actively preparing its return to the portable console market.
Speculation points to the development of a complete portable console, separate from PlayStation Portal. This machine would potentially launch alongside the PS6 between 2027 and 2029.
Using the Switch 2’s rumored specs as a benchmark, PlayStation engineers could precisely measure the minimum performance needed for a smooth portable experience.
Future PlayStation hardware looks more mobile than ever
The success of PlayStation Portal has shown that there is strong demand for mobile PlayStation gaming. A simulator like Gran Turismo 7 represents an excellent indicator for testing the technical feasibility of an ambitious portable console. Even though Mario and Kratos probably won’t share the same console, this internal test suggests that Sony is taking mobile optimization very seriously.
For the moment, no official announcement confirms these speculations. But if this internal version actually exists, it could well represent the first hurray of a new generation of PlayStation hardware.