The experts at the tech-savvy outlet Digital Foundry have shared their thoughts on Nintendo’s latest software updates for the Switch lineup, specifically for the new Nintendo Switch 2. After taking several beloved titles for a spin, including classics like The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 3, they left the experience enthusiastic about the noticeable upgrades, which include enhanced frame rates and resolution boosts.
Zelda: Link's Awakening and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom:
Notably, both Zelda titles now lock in at a flawless 60 frames per second, a significant improvement over previous limitations. In docked mode, resolution jumps dramatically from around 720p to an impressive 1620p. Handheld mode also benefits, where the internal resolution skyrockets from approximately 570p to a crisp 1080p. This transition feels like receiving a free remaster; however, one small drawback is that the depth of field effects don’t appear as rich compared to the original console.
Super Mario Odyssey:
If you haven’t experienced Super Mario Odyssey, now is the perfect time. This enchanting game, a standout from the Switch’s early days, has received a substantial overhaul, increasing the docked dynamic resolution from 900p to dynamic 1800p. This makes it an excellent fit for 4K displays. Although some HUD elements still maintain 1080p, the overall image quality is sharper and more impressive on modern screens—especially with previously noted frame drops in New Donk City now a thing of the past.
Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury:
Similar enhancements are seen in Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury. In docked mode, the resolution enhances from dynamic 1080p to a compelling 1800p while keeping a steady 60fps. Handheld mode also experiences a jump from 720p to 1080p without compromising fluidity. Bowser's Fury receives an even more dramatic upgrade, increasing from 720p in docked mode to dynamic 1800p, all while resolving performance issues. The handheld experience now allows for a smooth 60fps instead of being capped at 30fps previously, with loading times improved by nearly 50%!
Splatoon 3:
In the case of Splatoon 3, the free upgrade surprised fans when it was revealed alongside the upcoming Splatoon Raiders game. This upgrade sees resolution go from dynamic 1080p to dynamic 4K, filling the screen with vibrant visuals. The game not only maintains a 60fps lock but also enhances the city hub sections, which previously ran at a capped 30fps. Handheld mode retains improvements but shifts from 720p60 to 1080p60, aligning it with the increased panel resolution.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker:
Other Nintendo titles also saw benefits on the Switch 2, though not all were as striking. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, for example, boasts a boost from 1080p to 1440p in docked mode and smoothens the visuals somewhat, thanks in part to upgraded anti-aliasing. The handheld mode also pushes resolution from 720p to 1080p, maintaining that steady 60fps.
New Super Mario Bros U:
However, not every upgrade leaves players awestruck, as seen with New Super Mario Bros U. While the transitions from 1080p to 4K at a consistent 60fps sound appealing on paper, the simplistic art style doesn’t benefit much from the increase in pixels. Some argue that games already performing well at 60fps on the original Switch could have explored optional support for 120fps. Similarly, the HDR enhancements come off as merely SDR content dressed up in HDR, lacking the true dynamic range one would expect. Where’s the value in that?