Comparison images and videos showcase the upgrade in graphics quality on the Nintendo Switch 2
After the detailed specs of the Nintendo Switch 2 were recently confirmed, numerous graphics comparisons are now available that reveal just how much the significantly more powerful hardware influences game graphics. First up are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, two games that received harsh criticism for their dated graphics and poor performance on the first-generation Nintendo Switch.
As the comparison screenshots shared on Reddit reveal, the resolution of the character models has increased considerably with the free Switch 2 update, and background objects as well as ground elements such as grass and shadows look much better. The screenshot also shows much more Pokémon than before that can be displayed on screen at the same time. However, the update does not address many of the design issues, such as the monotone texture of rock walls.
In the comparison video below, Yakuza 0 faces off against the PS4 version of the game, which was recorded on a PlayStation 5 for this comparison. The game looks marginally better on the Nintendo Switch 2, suggesting that the Nintendo Switch 2 can at least keep pace with Sony's previous-generation home console.
CD Projekt Red has also released some gameplay footage of Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2. Even though the game only runs at 30 frames per second, at least there are no major stutters. The graphics are acceptable, which is likely due in no small part to upscaling via Nvidia DLSS.
As for Elden Ring, the Nintendo Switch 2 faces a direct comparison with the PS5 version. The resolution of the Switch 2 version drops noticeably in action sequences in particular, and slight DLSS artifacts can also be seen in the clip. On the other hand, the DLSS upscaling actually results in a sharper images in less demanding sequences than on the PlayStation 5. Since minor stuttering is already evident in the currently available gameplay video, it remains to be seen how well the game performs on the Switch 2.
Nintendo is charging $10 for the upgrade to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but customers receive a fairly extensive graphics upgrade in return as the comparison video embedded below shows. In addition to higher resolution, Nintendo appears to have also revamped the lighting and shadows to improve image quality.
Metroid Prime 4 will be released simultaneously for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the game already looks quite nice on the older console, but the differences in resolution and lighting effects between the versions for the two consoles are significant. The frame rate also benefits from the more powerful hardware, as Metroid Prime 4 runs at "up to" 120 frames per second on the Nintendo Switch 2, according to Nintendo.
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