Tag: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

  • Nintendo Switch 2: 8 Games Receive Free Updates Before Launch

    Nintendo Switch 2: 8 Games Receive Free Updates Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo has released patches for eight additional games ahead of the Switch 2’s launch, along with updates for twelve other titles.
    2. The updates are minor compared to the significant improvement made for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which now runs at 60 frames per second.
    3. Gameplay improvements have been made, but specific details of the changes have not been disclosed by Nintendo.
    4. A total of 20 titles will receive updates for the Switch 2 at launch, including free and paid upgrades.
    5. Paid upgrades for various games will range from $10 to $20, offering enhancements in graphics, performance, and additional content.


    Just ahead of the Switch 2’s release to customers, Nintendo has rolled out patches for eight additional games, alongside the previously mentioned updates for twelve other titles. The exact reasons for these patches haven’t been shared by the company, but the changes are considered quite minor when compared to the update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which increased the frame rate to 60 frames per second and addressed a variety of technical problems.

    Gameplay Improvements

    Nintendo’s release notes indicate that several adjustments have been made to enhance gameplay on the Switch 2, although no specific details on the changes have been disclosed. For example, the updates for two Zelda titles primarily prepare them for their full Switch 2 version, which will come at a price of $10. In Pikmin 3 Deluxe, a glitch causing the screen to flicker occasionally has been somewhat fixed, meaning that the issue won’t be completely resolved until a future update arrives.

    Total Updates at Launch

    With these eight games included, a grand total of 20 titles will receive updates for the Switch 2 when it launches. Alongside these free updates, Nintendo is also providing paid upgrades for various games, which range from $10 to $20. These upgrades feature enhancements in graphics and performance, plus new content, like an expanded campaign in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

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  • Nintendo Details Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Switch 2 Benefits

    Nintendo Details Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Switch 2 Benefits

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pokémon Legends: Z is launching on October 16th, generating excitement for upcoming Switch 2 games.
    2. The original Switch games will receive performance enhancements through backward compatibility.
    3. A free update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be released on June 5th, improving visuals and frame rates.
    4. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet faced significant technical issues at launch, including low frame rates and visual problems.
    5. Nintendo has not confirmed if the new specifications will achieve desired frame rates, raising concerns among players.


    Much of the focus is currently on the upcoming Switch 2 games, particularly with the Pokémon Legends: Z-A set to launch on October 16th. However, the original Switch games will also benefit from performance enhancements due to backward compatibility. Critics had a lot of negative feedback regarding Pokémon Scarlet and Violet because of its technical problems when it was released in 2022. Nintendo has shared on its Japanese site how the Switch 2 specifications will enhance the open-world RPG experience. Sadly, some important questions about frame rate options are still without answers.

    Free Updates Coming Soon

    On the release date of June 5th for the Switch 2, Nintendo plans to roll out a free update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. As per the company, players “will be able to see Pokémon from a greater distance, making them appear even more vibrant. With better frame rates and other enhancements, movement becomes smoother, allowing for a more enjoyable adventure.” There are two screenshots available for fans to look at, but it’s still unclear what the resolution and frame rate options will be.

    Performance Issues Persist

    When Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was launched in 2022, many players quickly observed visual problems. Frame rates frequently dropped below 30 fps, and issues like pop-in and clipping were widespread. Nintendo has made slight performance improvements through patches. Nevertheless, the console still has trouble displaying environments filled with activity. Some gamers point fingers at the developer, Game Freak, for the poorly optimized code in its Pokémon titles. Additionally, limitations in the Switch’s CPU and memory likely worsened these problems.

    While Nintendo assures better frame rates, it hasn’t confirmed whether the desired 60 fps will be achieved. If 1080p is an option, it remains to be seen how smooth the gameplay will actually be. The Switch 2 specifications, which include an Nvidia Tegra T239 processor and upgraded memory capacity, might help eliminate the choppiness. However, unlike other Switch 2 games that come with paid upgrades, expectations are lower for the free Pokémon Scarlet and Violet update.

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