🔗 Share this article

It's hard to believe, but we're approaching the Nintendo Switch 2's six-month milestone. Once Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Dec. 4, we'll be able to give the console a detailed evaluation based on its solid selection of Nintendo-developed initial releases. Heavy hitters like the new Donkey Kong game will lead that review, yet it's two newest Nintendo titles, Pokémon Legends: Z-A and currently Age of Imprisonment, that have helped the Switch 2 conquer a key challenge in its first six months: the hardware evaluation.

Tackling Performance Worries

Before Nintendo publicly unveiled the new console, the primary worry from players around the rumored system was about power. When it comes to hardware, Nintendo trailed PlayStation and Xbox in recent cycles. That reality was evident in the Switch's final years. The expectation was that a successor would deliver consistent frame rates, better graphics, and standard options like ultra-high definition. Those are the features included when the system was debuted this summer. Or that's what its technical details suggested, at least. To really determine if the Switch 2 is an enhancement, we'd need to see major titles operating on the system. We've finally gotten that over the last two weeks, and the assessment is favorable.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A serving as Early Challenge

The system's initial big challenge arrived with last month's Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The franchise had some infamous tech struggles on the original Switch, with releases including Scarlet and Violet launching in highly problematic conditions. The console itself didn't bear all the responsibility for those problems; the game engine running Game Freak's RPGs was outdated and strained much further than it could go in the franchise's move to open-world. This installment would be more of a test for its developer than anything else, but there was still a lot to analyze from the visual presentation and how it runs on the new system.

Although the title's limited detail has sparked discussions about the developer's skills, it's clear that this Pokémon game is nowhere near the performance mess of its earlier title, the previous Legends game. It operates at a smooth 60 frames on the new console, but the older hardware maxes out at thirty frames. Objects still appear suddenly, and there are plenty of blurry assets if you examine carefully, but you won't encounter anything resembling the moment in Arceus where you initially fly and observe the complete landscape turn into a rough, low-poly terrain. That qualifies to grant the new console a satisfactory rating, but with caveats given that the studio has independent issues that amplify limited hardware.

The New Zelda Game as the More Demanding Performance Examination

Currently available is a more compelling tech test, though, because of Age of Imprisonment, out Nov. 6. The latest Musou title pushes the Switch 2 because of its Musou formula, which has gamers battling a massive horde of creatures at all times. The series' previous game, Age of Calamity, performed poorly on the original Switch as the console couldn't keep up with its quick combat and density of things happening. It often fell under the intended 30 frames and created the sensation that you were overwhelming the system when fighting intensely.

The good news is that it too succeeds the performance examination. I've been putting the title extensively during the past month, completing all missions included. During that period, I've found that it manages to provide a consistent frame rate relative to its earlier title, maintaining its sixty frames goal with better regularity. Performance can dip in the most heated of battles, but I've yet to hit any situation where I'm suddenly watching a slideshow as the framerate chugs. A portion of this may result from the fact that its short levels are structured to prevent too many enemies on the display simultaneously.

Notable Trade-offs and General Verdict

Present are expected limitations. Primarily, cooperative multiplayer sees performance taking a substantial reduction around 30 frames. Additionally the premier exclusive release where I've really noticed a major difference between my old OLED display and the updated LCD screen, with particularly during cinematics looking faded.

However generally, the new game is a night and day difference over its predecessor, similar to Pokémon Legends: Z-A is to the earlier Pokémon title. If you need any sign that the Switch 2 is fulfilling its hardware potential, although with certain reservations present, these titles show clearly of how the Switch 2 is significantly improving titles that performed poorly on old hardware.