🔗 Share this article

It's surprising, but we're approaching the new Switch 2 console's six-month anniversary. By the time Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Dec. 4, we'll be able to give the system a fairly thorough evaluation based on its solid selection of Nintendo-developed initial releases. Major titles like Donkey Kong Bananza will headline that check-in, yet it's Nintendo's two most recent games, Pokémon Legends: Z-A and now Age of Imprisonment, that have allowed the successor overcome a crucial test in its initial half-year: the hardware evaluation.

Tackling Hardware Worries

Ahead of Nintendo publicly unveiled the Switch 2, the biggest concern from users about the hypothetical device was concerning hardware. In terms of technology, Nintendo has lagged behind PlayStation and Xbox in recent cycles. This situation became apparent in the end of the Switch era. The hope was that a Switch 2 would introduce consistent frame rates, improved visuals, and industry-standard features like ultra-high definition. That's exactly what we got when the device was released in June. That's what its technical details suggested, anyway. To accurately assess if the upgraded system is an enhancement, it was necessary to observe major titles operating on the system. We now have that evidence over the last two weeks, and the outlook is positive.

Legends: Z-A as the First Test

The system's initial big challenge was last month's Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Pokémon games had notable performance issues on the first Switch, with releases including Scarlet and Violet debuting in very poor shape. The system wasn't exactly to blame for those problems; the game engine running the developer's games was aged and getting stretched much further than it could go in the transition to larger environments. This installment would be more challenging for its developer than anything else, but we could still learn to observe from the game's visual clarity and how it runs on the new system.

Although the title's basic graphics has opened debates about the developer's skills, it's undeniable that this Pokémon game is nowhere near the technical failure of its earlier title, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It performs at a consistent 60 fps on the new console, whereas the older hardware maxes out at 30 frames per second. Pop-in is still present, and you may notice many low-resolution elements if you zoom in, but you won't hit anything like the moment in Arceus where you begin airborne travel and watch the whole terrain beneath turn into a rough, low-poly terrain. That qualifies to give the system a decent grade, but with caveats since the developer has independent issues that worsen basic technology.

Age of Imprisonment as a More Demanding Performance Examination

Currently available is a more compelling tech test, however, because of the new Hyrule Warriors, launched earlier this month. This Zelda derivative challenges the upgraded system because of its hack-and-slash gameplay, which has gamers battling a massive horde of creatures constantly. The earlier title, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, had issues on the initial console as the hardware struggled 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 being too aggressive.

Thankfully is that it too succeeds the performance examination. After playing the release thoroughly in recent weeks, playing every single mission included. During that period, I've found that it achieves a consistent frame rate relative to its predecessor, reaching its 60 fps mark with greater stability. It sometimes drops in the fiercest fights, but I've yet to hit any time when I'm suddenly watching a stuttering mess as the performance struggles. Some of this could be because of the fact that its bite-sized missions are structured to prevent excessive numbers of foes on the battlefield concurrently.

Notable Compromises and Overall Assessment

Remaining are expected limitations. Most notably, shared-screen play has a substantial reduction closer to the 30 fps range. It's also the initial Nintendo-developed title where there's a clear a major difference between previous OLED screens and the updated LCD screen, with cutscenes especially having a washed out quality.

But for the most part, this release is a dramatic improvement versus its previous installment, just as Pokémon Legends: Z-A is to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For those seeking confirmation that the Switch 2 is meeting its hardware potential, despite some limitations remaining, both games provide a clear example of the way the new console is significantly improving series that struggled on older technology.