One of the unexpected delights of the Switch 2 release, aside from the promoted enhancements to various Switch titles—both free and otherwise—has been the noticeable performance boost in some games that previously struggled with frame rate issues. Titles that featured unlocked frame rates on the original Switch have seen significant improvements, turning games like Batman: Arkham Knight, once deemed nearly unplayable, into a feasible choice on the Switch 2. Load times for several games have also drastically improved, leading to a better overall experience.
We’ve compiled a list of 13 games that have benefited from this upgrade. While some games were already impressive on the original Switch, many poorly-performing titles have been transformed into stable and playable experiences, and some standout games are now even more visually appealing. Let’s explore these titles in no particular order.
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories
This game was a chaotic experience on the original Switch, as noted in our review: “From a technical perspective, the Switch port is an absolute mess.” However, on the Switch 2, the improvements are apparent. The game now runs smoothly, potentially reaching close to 60fps, making it a must-try.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Upon loading Age of Calamity, the performance is much improved. Playing through missions, including two-player splitscreen, I didn’t encounter any dropped frames. These enhancements elevate the experience, although the original’s performance issues weren’t a deal-breaker for me back then.
Bayonetta 3
This ambitious game faced challenges on the Switch 1, particularly in handheld mode. Thankfully, on Switch 2, it maintains a steady frame rate of 60fps during intense scenes, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While the visuals in handheld mode still need improvement, the smoothness of the performance is a welcome upgrade.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Surprisingly, the much-maligned Arkham Knight benefits greatly from the Switch 2’s capabilities. The frame rate is now smooth even during high-octane moments, although some visual resolution issues remain. However, it’s good to see the game running adequately, making it a passable option for Switch 2 owners.
BAKERU
BAKERU is delightful, and its frame rate has notably improved on the Switch 2. The gameplay feels almost remastered, allowing the beautiful art and animations to really shine. This is a great time to dive into this charming 3D platformer.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
I found the original Witcher 3 on Switch disappointing due to muddy graphics and sluggish performance. However, on the Switch 2, the game boasts a much clearer presentation and drastically improved frame rates. It’s now a viable and enjoyable way to experience this classic game.
Other titles, such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, have also received considerable performance enhancements. If you’ve noticed any other games from your Switch library that improved significantly, we’d love to hear about them. Feel free to let us know!
