Key Takeaways
1. Third-party games on Switch 2, like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, show smooth gameplay at lower frame rates, while some titles struggle with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) issues.
2. The Switch 2 lacks VRR support while docked, causing frustration for handheld users.
3. Hitman World of Assassination faced performance issues, with frame rates inconsistent between 30 and 40fps, and a patch limiting it to 30fps was deemed unsatisfactory.
4. Ubisoft has developed an algorithm to maintain VRR at 30fps in some games, and they are working with Nintendo to enhance VRR support across the console.
5. Ubisoft believes DLSS technology has untapped potential and can improve performance, but many developers have been hesitant to adopt it.
Third-party Switch 2 games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows show smooth gameplay even when running at lower frame rates. On the other hand, some other titles do not take full advantage of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), leading to issues like stuttering. In a discussion with FRVR, Ubisoft developers shared how they tackled these limitations of the feature. The company is also providing its knowledge to Nintendo, potentially benefiting a wider range of games.
Concerns with VRR on Switch 2
Despite the modern features of Nintendo’s latest console, players have pointed out a few disadvantages. One major issue concerning the Switch 2’s specs is the lack of VRR support while docked, which tends to frustrate gamers during handheld use.
Performance Issues with Hitman
According to an analysis from Digital Foundry, Hitman World of Assassination was released with uneven visuals. Even though the frame rates were unlocked, they commonly hovered between 30 and 40fps. The testers suggested that an important feature meant to enhance performance was malfunctioning. A patch limited the frame rates to 30fps, but many players did not see this as a satisfactory fix.
Solutions for Frame Rate Problems
The choppiness present in some Switch 2 games seems to stem from the handheld’s VRR struggling below 40fps. In both Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft utilized an algorithm to keep VRR operational even at 30fps. As they explained to FRVR, “The same frame is effectively presented twice, once in the middle of the frame and again at the end, so the hardware outputs at a 60Hz interval while maintaining smooth visuals.”
Low Frame-rate Compensation (LFC) could assist other titles, yet its application has varied. Luckily, Ubisoft stated that they are “continuing to work with Nintendo to enhance VRR support in the future.” There is a chance that a solution could be made available across the entire console system.
Insights on DLSS Technology
Ubisoft also discussed how effective DLSS is. Although it outperforms its own Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA), the company feels it still has significant potential that has not yet been fully explored. Nvidia’s AI-driven upscaling comes to the forefront when the improved Switch 2 specs are not enough. However, many developers have been reluctant to try out this technology.
FRVR, Digital Foundry, Assassin’s Creed YouTube.
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