Nintendo’s next-gen handheld, Switch 2, is already turning heads with how it handles Star Wars Outlaws in docked play, delivering a surprisingly solid experience even as some compromises are evident to fit the game to the hardware. Early footage of the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S open-world shooter shows the title running at a steady 30 frames per second in docked mode, though no handheld clips have surfaced yet to confirm performance on the go.
The launch window for Switch 2 is set to be packed with third-party ports, and impressions so far suggest a broad spectrum of results based on optimization. Cyberpunk 2077’s port, for instance, demonstrates what can be achieved when developers push for high image quality and careful tuning on Nintendo’s new system. Other titles are expected to vary more, depending on the game’s engine and how well it translates to the ARM-based architecture of Switch 2.
One standout expectation is Final Fantasy VII Remake, which could emerge as one of the best Switch 2 ports, potentially delivering a level of quality that even surpasses the original PlayStation 4 version. Conversely, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition appears to be a tougher fit, with early signs pointing to performance challenges likely tied to CPU limitations and the fact that this engine is making its first ARM port.
Despite the mixed performance picture across different games, Switch 2 is clear in offering meaningful improvements over its predecessor. The system’s ability to extract more from demanding titles with proper optimization bodes well for future ports and the continued growth of a robust library at launch. For readers seeking deeper impressions, Chris’s review provides further context on what these gains mean in practice.
What this means for players is a cautious optimism: Switch 2 is showing it can handle big-name, modern titles in docked mode with respectable performance while promising further gains as developers refine their ports for the handheld-turned-consoles hybrid. While handheld performance remains to be fully tested across more titles, the current trajectory suggests a bright start for Nintendo’s latest system and a healthier, more diverse slate of third-party games on the horizon. Potential buyers should keep expectations balanced and look out for ongoing updates as more ports arrive and receive refinements.