Nintendo Switch 2 Proves Its Mettle with Major Game Ports
Eight months post-launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has solidified its status as the world's fastest-selling console. Beyond its impressive lineup of first-party titles like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, the Japanese gaming giant has successfully encouraged ports of some of the most beloved games from the past two decades. Even graphically intensive titles are now running smoothly on this sleek handheld device. We recently played three newly ported games to evaluate their performance and compare the experience to their original releases.
Red Dead Redemption: A Flawless Adaptation for the Smaller Screen
We saved the best for last, as one of the greatest games ever released receives a worthy adaptation for the smaller screen. Having not played Red Dead Redemption for several years, expectations were uncertain, especially after recently replaying Red Dead Redemption 2. However, the game runs as smoothly as on the PS5, maintaining a steady 60fps and supporting 4K resolution when docked to a TV.
Despite its expansive map, we encountered no crashes or typical open-world Rockstar game-breaking glitches. With significantly improved textures, this feels like a genuinely new offering for fans. It's a gift, in fact, for those who already owned the game on the original Switch, as the Switch 2 upgrade is free. Given that pricing on the Nintendo store often exceeds other platforms, this gratis upgrade is a welcome change of pace.
- Free upgrade for the original Switch version priced at £39.99
Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition – A Bug-Free Bethesda Experience
The previous Bethesda re-release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Anniversary Edition, faced criticism from both players and critics. Among its issues was the lack of a 60fps mode at launch on the Switch 2 in December, frustrating fans with its £50-plus price tag for one of history's most-ported games. Bethesda has since released patches to address these problems and add features.
Fallout 4, however, has avoided such pitfalls. Fans seeking top-tier graphics can opt for 30fps, or boost the frame rate to 60fps with some visual compromises. Alternatively, a 40fps setting offers a happy medium between smooth gameplay and sleek graphics, which we strongly recommend. The experience is relatively bug-free, with only occasional crashes, particularly when exiting the build menu.
Customers receive all Fallout 4 DLC, including Automatron, which pushes the Switch 2 to its technological limits with its graphical intensity. Overall, this is an excellent re-release to enhance any Nintendo fan's Bethesda collection.
- Priced at £52.99 on the Nintendo store
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition: Impressive Port for On-the-Go Gaming
Initially reviewed on PS5 at its August 2024 release, this game impressed then, and it's even more remarkable that it runs so smoothly on the Switch 2. Ubisoft has implemented several quality-of-life improvements since launch, optimizing the game for Nintendo's new hardware. The focus on stealth has been reduced, allowing players to progress through the story with all guns blazing if they choose, rather than failing missions simply for being detected.
Concerns about the Switch 2 struggling with Outlaws' large open worlds were quickly alleviated. Capped at 30fps, it looks excellent on the handheld's small screen and stunning on a 65-inch QLED TV when docked. Occasional frame rate stutters interrupt an otherwise smooth experience, and some crashes are expected given the game's size on such a compact console. Thankfully, the regular autosave feature mitigates these issues.
For anyone who missed it at release or for die-hard Star Wars fans eager to experience it on-the-go, this Gold Edition port is a must-play.
- Available for £49.99 on the Nintendo store
