Key Takeaways
1. The Switch 2 version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition lacks full utilization of the console’s capabilities, especially in lighting and visual effects compared to the 2014 PS4 version.
2. The game does not incorporate advanced features like AMD’s TressFX hair technology, which was showcased in the original PS4 launch.
3. Despite offering higher resolution and stable 60 fps, the Switch 2 port retains too many outdated features from previous versions.
4. Fans feel that the developers could have invested more effort into improving the remaster, especially given its price point.
5. This release follows a trend of shortcuts in remastered Tomb Raider games, as seen with criticism towards Aspyr Media’s handling of voice acting in the upcoming Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered.
The surprise launch of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Switch handhelds caught many fans off guard. While it’s a great way to relive Lara Croft’s adventures, the Switch 2 version feels like a lost chance. A technical review by ElAnalistaDeBits shows that there are issues with lighting and other visual elements when compared to the 2014 PS4 version.
Differences in File Sizes
Nintendo’s eShop features different listings for both the Switch and its newer console, each with varying file sizes. However, as illustrated in the analysis video, Crystal Dynamics didn’t fully utilize the capabilities of the Switch 2. The handheld is capable of ray tracing in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, yet the lighting effects in the Tomb Raider remaster feel pretty basic. Moreover, the shadows lack the richness that players would expect from a remastered version.
Lack of Advanced Features
When playing in third-person mode, it’s clear that Lara Croft does not take advantage of AMD’s TressFX hair technology. During the PS4 launch, developers proudly showcased how the hair strands reacted in a lifelike manner.
On a brighter note, the Switch 2 version does offer a higher resolution compared to the Switch or the PS4 versions. Additionally, the PlayStation console often had trouble maintaining 60 fps, but that’s not a concern with this release. Players can also try out mouse control, although it might feel strange without some adjustments.
Room for Improvement
Even with a price tag of $20 or less, some fans feel that the developers could’ve invested more into this project. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition originally launched in 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows. Despite having a more advanced GPU than the PS4, the Switch 2 port retains too many features from the older versions.
This recent letdown isn’t the first instance where a re-release of a Tomb Raider game has taken shortcuts. The same parent company oversees both Aspyr Media and Crystal Dynamics. In the 2025 Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered, Aspyr faced criticism for using an AI voice generator to mimic a French actress’s voice. Following backlash, the publisher decided to remove Lara Croft’s dialogue from the game.
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