Key Takeaways
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released on Nintendo Switch in 2016, and a new native edition for the Switch 2 was launched recently, priced at around $449.
2. The Switch 2 version features significant graphical enhancements but is limited to a frame rate of 30 fps.
3. Digital Foundry’s analysis revealed that the Switch 2 edition has higher input latency (220-240 ms) compared to the original version (150-170 ms).
4. Many well-optimized games maintain input latency below 100 ms, highlighting the performance issues with the new edition.
5. Graphical improvements include higher resolution (up to 1440p in dock mode), better lighting, and enhanced textures, but some visual flaws persist, such as water flow issues and color inaccuracies in distant plants.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim first launched in November 2011 and later made its way to the Nintendo Switch in October 2016. This Switch version came with some noticeable drops in graphics and was limited to 30 fps. Last week, Bethesda finally rolled out a native edition for the Switch 2, which is priced at around $449 on Amazon. This new version promises significant graphical enhancements, although it still runs at a capped frame rate of 30 fps.
Performance Issues Identified
An in-depth analysis by Digital Foundry showed that the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition actually performs worse than its predecessor in various ways, especially when it comes to high input latency. Using a high-speed camera, they found that it takes around 220 to 240 ms—almost a quarter of a second—for inputs to show up on the screen. This latency is quite similar to what Microsoft’s Kinect motion-sensing controllers delivered on the Xbox 360.
Latency Comparisons
In contrast, the original version of Skyrim on the Switch displayed latency around 150 to 170 ms on the Switch 2. Additionally, many well-optimized games manage to keep their input latency below 100 ms, even while running at 30 fps. Bethesda has informed Digital Foundry that they are looking into this problem. On a brighter note, the graphical improvements did receive positive feedback from the media outlet.
Visual Enhancements and Issues
When played in dock mode, the game’s resolution bumps up from 900p to 1440p and is then upscaled to 4K using DLSS technology. The new edition also adds better lighting, textures, view distance, and wildlife, which enhances the visual experience, especially during nighttime. However, the enhanced graphics are not without flaws: water can sometimes flow the wrong way while moving the camera, and distant plants might appear blue instead of green.
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