Originally released for the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet have been updated to run with enhanced visuals and frame rates on the Switch 2. Several gaming outlets have had a chance to try the games on Nintendo’s new console now and we’re sharing some of their findings below.
Serebii
In his preview of the upgraded experience, Serebii noted that the games now run at an almost consistent 60 FPS and that Pokémon, battles and some parts of the environment are a noticeable improvement on the Switch 2. Other parts of the environment, such as the repeating textures used for mountains, are now more visible because of the increased clarity and are not flattering.
Pokémon density has been increased from about 15 to 30 and those in the distance now render in full even at a distance. Unfortunately, pop-in for both textures and NPCs are still an issue.
Overall, from the time I spent with this patch, I am incredibly impressed. I personally didn’t have many issues with the game on the base Switch version but now, going back, I am struggling. The 60fps framerate and the UHD visuals have really propelled the game up. It’s such a smooth and pleasant experience that almost feels too good to be true. I just wanted to keep going from place to place throughout Paldea, Kitakami and the Blueberry Academy.
Although I’ve had only an hour and a half with the update, it really makes me think that this is how the game should have been the whole time. It has elevated the game and, while it’s still not perfect, it is such a joy to play and go through now and I am really looking forward to jumping back in when the Nintendo Switch 2 releases. I can’t overstate how much the game feels better with this.
He also shared that the games will support HDR.
IGN
In their preview, IGN noted that loading time were significantly improved over playing the game on a Switch when booting up the game or traveling from area to area. The menus also had improved snappiness.
I’m tempted to say the free Switch 2 updates are closer to a light remaster than just an optimization – even though it really should’ve just run better to begin with. I’m that impressed, but to be fair, I did go in with somewhat low expectations–how much better could a simple update make a game that ran with so many issues in 1080p on the original Switch?
VGC
VGC noted in their preview that the game that the Switch 2 update made Paldea feel more alive and that the increased number of Pokémon in areas led to being able to see more Pokémon interactions.
It’s not a total Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon game, and we imagine that Pokémon Legends Z-A will be a far better display of the system’s power, but considering it’s a patch to the original and not a “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition,” it’s a big improvement.
Looks like the impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 update have been pretty positive overall! Let us know what you think in the comments, on our forums or in our Discord server!