Tag: Switch 2

  • Fastest MicroSD Cards Cost Double Express Prices

    Fastest MicroSD Cards Cost Double Express Prices

    Key Takeaway

    – UHS-II microSD cards for gaming handhelds cost over 120 euros for 256 GB, roughly double the price of faster microSD Express cards.
    – MicroSD Express cards (256 GB) are widely available for 50–60 euros, supported by Switch 2 production and stable pricing.
    – SD Express readers remain rare and sold out; new readers supporting both SD Express and UHS-II are expected later this year.
    – Fast UHS-I microSD cards now cost nearly the same as microSD Express, offering significantly less performance.
    – Rising adoption of SD Express by laptops and handhelds (e.g., Asus) may drive future price increases, though current inventories are ample.

    Leading the Pack at Computex

    Acer realy led the way at Computex with there new Predator Atlas 8 gaming handheld which relies on microSD cards with UHS-II. These types of cards have become somewhat exotic in the current market by now. But what does this actualy mean for gamers who want to buy these fast cards? To find out we looked at the current market prices of UHS-II cards on the European price comparison service Geizhals, while also checking out a local MediaMarkt retail store for a real world perspective.

    Price Trends and Comparisons

    A clear trend is emerging, especialy for the popular 256 GB size. Not only have prices for UHS-II cards skyrocketed over the past year, but they are now also roughly twice as expensive as microSD Express cards which are significantly faster overall but also much slower in legacy scenarios. Established in the market thanks to Nintendo’s Switch 2, 256 GB microSD Express cards typicaly cost between 50 and 60 euros so thats a major gap.

    There are only a few outliers here which can easily be ignored due to the large selection of Express cards. We also saw this same price point at MediaMarkt, both for Nintendo-branded cards by SanDisk and standalone SanDisk cards displayed individually in the store’s Nintendo section. However, anyone interested in an Acer Predator Atlas 8 or another handheld with microSD-format UHS-II support will have to dig real deep into there pockets.

    Expensive UHS-II Options

    Nexstorage’s UHS-II card currently costs a hefty 120 euros for just 256 GB of capacity. Lexar’s Professional Gold model costs only marginally less at 115 euros while Sabrent’s Rocket sits slightly above 120 euros. According to the price comparison service Geizhals that is already where the selection of cards ends. For that same price you generaly already get 512 GB of capacity in the SD Express camp wich is a huge difference.

    • The market offers about five cards in this segment up to roughly 130 euros.
    • However latecomers who started production later are significantly more expensive.
    • Prices for those later cards are peaking at 200 to 300 euros.

    Harbinger of Higher Prices?

    Whether this is a harbinger of even higher prices is difficult to say right now. Retailer inventories are likely well stocked and we have also heard isolated reports from memory manufacturers that the production batch for the Switch 2 was sufficent for demand. The comparatively stable prices for SD Express cards support these statements we have seen.

    This could change however if more and more laptops adopt SD Express technology. On top of that Asus’s new gaming handheld also features microSD Express support wich is interesting. Asus has been supporting SD Express largely unnoticed for a while now. Especially in the wake of the RTX Spark launch at Computex, indications have mounted that even more manufacturers are banking on SD Express, including the full-size format where ADATA is currently the only supplier delivering cards.

    SD Express Advantages and Limitations

    The massive speeds of the SD Express standard offer clear advantages even if there are occasional thermal issues as seen in our previous microSD Express review. However users with UHS-II readers cannot utilize the speed of SD Express at all because SD Express readers remain very rare and are partly sold out. In compatibility mode they drop back to UHS-I speeds which is quite slow. At least SD Express card readers that can also handle UHS-II are expected to arrive later this year wich is something that was previously not technically possible to do.

    Fast UHS-I Cards Also Getting Pricey

    By the way fast UHS-I cards in the microSD format from well-known manufacturers have now also reached the price range of microSD Express cards as we observed with 256 GB models. At the MediaMarkt retail store SanDisk’s gamer cards in the Nintendo design were almost equally expensive to the Express ones. Prices have also drawn close at other retailers wich is surprising considering how little performance they actualy deliver compared to Express. At least the prices of these slower cards have dropped slightly in recent weeks. But the AI-driven memory crisis does not stop at simple microSD cards you see.

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    • Final Fantasy VII: Revelation Retains Core Talent, Avoids AAA Delays

      Final Fantasy VII: Revelation Retains Core Talent, Avoids AAA Delays

      Key Takeaway

      – **Spring 2027 launch** for all platforms (PC, PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S) on the same day.
      – **Key new features** include region exploration via the Highwind airship and deeper player-driven story choices.
      – **End of a 10-year remake trilogy** (Remake 2020, Rebirth 2024, Revelation 2027).
      – **Fast turnaround** achieved through forward planning and maintaining consistent staff across all three titles.

      Final Fantasy VII Revelation Launch Details

      Following Final Fantasy VII: Revelation’s big reveal in June 2026, Square Enix has locked in a spring 2027 launch window for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S, with all versions slated to release on the same day. The game will be available across all major platforms simultaneously, giving players no reason to wait for there preffered console.

      Trailer Highlights and Story Mechanics

      The reveal featured a new trailer showcasing the ability to explore regions via the Highwind airship and a deeper emphasis on player-driven story choices. After Final Fantasy VII Remake released in 2020, followed by Rebirth’s release in 2024, Revelation wraps up the episodic remake trilogy in roughly a decade—an impressive turnaround, given that a single blockbuster AAA video game can take almost six or seven years to go from the drawing board to full release. This rapid development cycle is uncommmon in the industry today.

      Director Interview Insights

      In an interview with restart.run, Final Fantasy VII Remake: Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi of Square Enix’s Creative Studio went into detail about how the development team managed to deliver back-to-back polished releases without the kinds of delays that plague many big-budget video game projects and franchises. He outlined several simple factors, including forward planning for the remake while earlier entries like Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI were still in development, paired with deliberate staff continuity.

      He explained: “That’s definitely true, and I think we were also trying to answer the fans’ desires to have the next title come to them as soon as possible and really let them enter the game and continue the journey. In terms of development, when we were working toward the end of Remake, we already had an idea of how to develop Rebirth, and then, toward the end of development on Rebirth, we had a rough idea of how to approach Revelation.”

      Staff Continuity and Development Flow

      “So in that sense, I think having a kind of constant alignment within the staff, and having the same staff, or most of the staff, work on Revelation from Rebirth to Revelation meant we were able to maintain the same type of flow, and I think that really helped development stay on track within that span of time.” He compared modern development cycles to his three-entry FFVII Remake project and said, “Games these days tend to take five to seven years. Rebirth was only a few years ago, and we’re already now looking at Revelation coming in spring.” The team’s consistancy appears key to there success.

      • Foward planning during earlier titles development
      • Deliberate staff continuity across all three games
      • Constant alignment within the development team
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    • Leaker Gets Death Threats for Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Spoiler

      Leaker Gets Death Threats for Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Spoiler

      Key Takeaway

      – NateTheHate received death threats after accurately leaking the *Ocarina of Time* Switch 2 remake.
      – Many gamers preferred not knowing about the remake due to its brief, gameplay-free teaser.
      – Former Nintendo employees suggested the company should have changed its reveal strategy given the leak.
      – Nintendo’s secretive, channel-exclusive marketing frustrates fans who want more timely updates.
      – Despite leaks, Nintendo did not alter its June Direct plans, and some rumored games remain far off.

      The June Nintendo Direct Wasn’t a surprise to supporters of NateTheHate

      In March, the prolific leaker exposed Switch 2 games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. Following the showcase, fans blamed him for spoiling the return of Link. In some cases, they issued death threats to the insider.

      NateTheHate shared a particularly disturbing comment left under a YouTube video

      According to the podcaster, it’s just one example of the vitriol he recieves. A social media post explained how he reads “dozens of death threats each and every single day.” Most followers condemned the prospect of violence as a response to a leak. Nevertheless, many gamers would rather have been in the dark about the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake.

      Adding to their disappointment, the Nintendo Direct trailer offered only a brief glimpse of the project

      While it has a 2026 release date as predicted, viewers saw no gameplay. Had developers shown how it would improve on the original N64 title, it might have lessened the outrage levied at NateTheHate. During a recent podcast, former Nintendo employees Kit & Krystra argued that the company should have adjusted its plans. Given that mainstream media reported the Zelda leak, the short teaser was a letdown to the informed.

      Not all gamers are angry when they learn about Switch 2 games in advance

      Many of NateTheHate’s fans grow exasperated by the slow drip of updates surrounding the console. The Japanese gaming giant has barely any presence at events like the Summer Game Fest. It prefers to market through its own channels, but increasingly, news arrives closer to release dates.

      Some observers believe the company has become even more secretive because of leaks

      It confirmed the modernized Star Fox later than was rumored, announcing an immediate showcase on social media. Yet, it doesn’t seem that these reports impacted the June Nintendo Direct or the Ocarina of Time remake reveal. The insider had also hinted that Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and a new Switch 2 sports title would appear. He once again was accurate, but an anticipated 3D Mario title may not be ready until 2027.

       

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    • Nintendo Stock Crashes After Direct Despite Ocarina Switch 2

      Nintendo Stock Crashes After Direct Despite Ocarina Switch 2

      Key Takeaway

      – Nintendo stock dropped over 10% after the June 9th Direct, indicating investor disappointment with Switch 2 game lineup.
      – The Switch 2 price increase in Japan and upcoming global hike raised concerns about future sales and profitability.
      – The holiday lineup lacked major system sellers, with no new Mario adventure and key titles like Xenoblade Genesis delayed to 2027.
      – The Ocarina of Time remake generated buzz but failed to impress due to a lack of gameplay footage.

      Gamers Still Digest That June 9th Nintendo Direct

      While opinions seems mixed across forums, investors werent apparently impressed by the new Switch 2 games that were showcased. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake news didn’t prevent the Nintendo stock price from falling more than 10% since opening, which is a pretty big drop for a company thats usually stable. The broadcast started after the Japanese exchange had already closed for the day.

      Foreign Shares Take a Hit During the Event

      Even so, foreign shares trading under the NTDOF ticker symbol declined sharply during the event, showing immediate market reaction. The stock had declined by over 30% from the start of 2026, but reached its highest point in a month before the Direct began. That bump didnt last, as the company previewed its crucial holiday lineup which might be lacking some big titles. Investors were hoping for more exciting announcements to drive sales.

      The annual fiscal report, revealed on May 8th, didn’t alleviate the fears of investors who are worried about the future. The company announced 19.86 million console sales since the handheld released in June 2025, which sounds like a lot but might not be enough. Yet, with the Switch 2 price increase already seen in Japan set to hit other regions in September, there are concerns about the road ahead and whether consumers will pay more.

      Convincing Skeptics With First-Party Titles

      One way to convince skeptics would be to tease a strong roster of first-party titles, but that didnt really happen. As the crucial retail months approach, system sellers could entice buyers to upgrade their consoles, but the lineup seems weak. With the last general Nintendo Direct being in September 2025, hype levels spiked leading up to the June 9th presentation, only to be dissapointed by the content.

      The Stumbling Nintendo Stock Shows Disappointment

      Unfortunately, the stumbling Nintendo stock suggests the upcoming Switch 2 games didnt wow shareholders at all during the event. Among the bullet points, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave appeared before its September 17th launch, but that might not be a system seller. Gamers also got their first glimpse at Xenoblade Genesis, but it wont be ready until 2027, which is ages away in gaming terms. Otherwise, the Ocarina of Time remake is drawing the most attention from fans.

      • Leaks from NateTheHate prepared fans for the return of the popular N64 title, so there was some prior knowledge.
      • Sure enough, Link emerged at the end of the Nintendo Direct, getting people excited.
      • Despite a 2026 release date, some viewers lamented the lack of gameplay shown in the trailer.
      • The brief video didn’t answer many questions about how the developers would improve the classic experience.

      The Nintendo stock price would also likely have been boosted by a famous plumber, but no such luck. Sadly, the holidays may not see any new Mario adventures, including the rumored Super Mario Odyssey sequel that fans were hoping for. Immediate reactions to these events are often exaggerated and could reflect unrealistic expectations from the market. Nevertheless, facing a component shortage, questions remain about Switch 2 profitability in the long term.

       


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    • Ocarina of Time Remake More Likely Than 3D Mario: Leaker

      Ocarina of Time Remake More Likely Than 3D Mario: Leaker

      Key Takeaway

      – Ocarina of Time remake will likely be revealed at the June 9 Nintendo Direct.
      – No new 3D Mario game is expected to debut during this broadcast.
      – The Ocarina of Time remake is projected for a holiday 2026 release.
      – Duskbloods and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave are also expected to appear.

      Nintendo Direct Finally Gets a Date After All That Waiting

      After endless rumors, the Nintendo Direct will air on June 9th, at 10AM EDT/4PM CEST. An insider who previously shared the event’s timing has now predicted which Switch 2 games will appear. NateTheHate expects The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to be a focus. Unfortunately, a new 3D Mario title is unlikely to debut during the broadcast.

      Leaker’s Track Record and Ocarina Hype

      In March, NateTheHate controversially exposed Nintendo’s schedule for the remainder of 2026 into 2027. Some of those prognostications have already materialized, like the modernized Star Fox. Drawing the most attention, he also suggested that an Ocarina of Time remake could have a holiday 2026 release date. His latest podcast addressed when the classic Zelda adventure might reemerge. According to the leaker, the June Nintendo Direct is the “right time for them to reveal the game.” Even so, marketing for the latest console has become less predictable.

      Why This Remake Might Be Too Big to Skip

      Fans have seen more broadcasts devoted to a single Switch 2 game. Social media and the Today! app are now alternative ways to spread news. Nevertheless, NateTheHate thinks that as a potential console seller, the Ocarina of Time remake is too critical for a general Nintendo Direct to ignore. Otherwise, the company would be making an “error” and a “marketing mistake”. How the developers will reimagine the N64 Zelda title is a mystery. However, the insider anticipates that, along with Duskbloods and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, it will have enough airtime to answer some questions. Gamers desperate for a new 3D Mario instead are more likely to be disappointed.

      Bad News for Mario Fans According to the Insider

      Also in March, NateTheHate leaked that a long-awaited follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey was in the works. As far as a June 9th premiere, he dashed hopes by saying, “I don’t think we get a 3D Mario trailer at this Direct.” If his 2027 release date estimate is correct, Nintendo wouldn’t need to rush the next open-world experience. The insider also downplayed the chances of Mario Kart World DLC or a Mario Maker Switch 2 game surfacing.

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    • Nintendo Registers EU Designs for Switch 2 Console and Controllers

      Nintendo Registers EU Designs for Switch 2 Console and Controllers

      Key Takeaway

      – Nintendo registered four confidential designs on the EUIPO, suggesting multiple SKUs for the same product (e.g., colorways, accessories).
      – Previous confidential filings preceded launches like the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, LABO kits, and Alarmo, hinting at upcoming hardware.
      – Speculation includes a cheaper Switch 2 Lite or OLED model, partly to address price increases and offer a handheld alternative.
      – Rumors indicate Nintendo may be redesigning the Switch 2 for easier battery replacement due to EU right-to-repair regulations.
      – Rising component costs make new hardware risky, but console variations are considered inevitable based on past patterns.

      Nintendo’s Latest Moves Hint at New Hardware

      After Nintendo’s latest fiscal report included a jump in R&D expenses, there are more signs that new hardware will arrive soon. Nintendo Patents Watch noted that the company registered four mysterious designs on the EUIPO website. The sealed text or images could reveal a Switch 2 console variation, controllers, or accessories. Its clear that they have something cooking behind the scenes.

      EUIPO Filings and Confidentiality

      The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) allows manufacturers to submit protected designs. Rivals are then unable to use the same ideas or branding with their products. Unfortunately, the filings registered on May 29th are temporarily confidential. Still, past activity from the gaming giant provides clues. This is typical for them at this stage of development.

      Multiple SKUs Under Consideration

      The records are numbered 015143440-0001, 015143440-0002, 015143440-0003, and 015143440-0004. That implies Nintendo is preparing multiple SKUs for the same product. The explanation could be as simple as different colorways for a controller or accessory. But there could be more to it then meets the eye when you look at their history.

      • Patents Watch detailed how earlier filings predated the launch of Nintendo accessories.
      • The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, which enables Switch Pro-like functionality, is one example.
      • Other registrations predicted the LABO Vehicle and VR Kits, as well as a canceled iteration of the Alarmo clock.

      Speculation on Switch 2 Variants

      One popular guess on social media is an updated Ring Fit, but that may require a new Adventure game. The company could also be readying refreshed versions of its Switch 2 console. In January 2026, a dataminer found traces of an unfamiliar product code on the Nintendo Account portal site. Speculation was that it identified a Switch 2 Lite or a Switch 2 OLED. This has got fans buzzing about what comes next.

      Pricing and Repairability Concerns

      Following the price increase, Nintendo may be anxious to unveil a cheaper Lite alternative to the handheld. Even so, rising component costs have made it a perilous time to introduce hardware. Regardless, considering the history of past systems, variations are likely inevitable. They are also dealing with new rules from Europe.

      The manufacturer is also rumored to address EU right-to-repair regulations. In March, reports emerged that it was tweaking the Switch 2 design to facilitate easier battery replacement. The changes may not be exclusive to the Switch 2 console, with critics complaining about the repairability of the Pro Controller. It seems they are trying to cover all bases.


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    • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 Review: Performance Still a Mess

      Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 Review: Performance Still a Mess

      Key Takeaway

      – Performance improvements over demo, but frame rates still drop into the 20s during intense battles.
      – Docked mode uses DLSS upscaling from 540p to 1080p; handheld mode targets 576p with noticeable visual cutbacks.
      – Common issues include blurry textures, reduced draw distances, regular pop-in, and occasional crashes.
      – Despite drawbacks, most reviews consider the port a technical achievement given the hardware limitations.
      – Port’s 86 Metacritic average trails the PS5 version (92) and Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 (89).

      Since the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 port announcement, gamers have wondered how it would run on the handheld. A demo alleviated some fears, but also raised performance concerns. With reviews now out before the June 3rd release date, they give mixed impressions of visual quality and frame rates. Many players are crossing there fingers for a smooth experience, but early signs suggest a bumpy ride.

      Digital Foundry’s Technical Deep Dive

      Digital Foundry provided a detailed technical analysis of the Switch 2 game, noting gains over the demo. The demanding open-world RPG comes closer to maintaining its 30fps target. Stutters are less frequent, even in towns teeming with activity. That said, drops into the 20s still occur, particularly during intense battles. The outlet emphasized that while improvements where made, the game still struggles under heavy load.

      Resolution and Visual Cutbacks

      In docked mode, the title employs DLSS upscaling to boost resolution from 540p to a maximum 1080p. In handheld mode, Square Enix developers aim for a more modest 576p. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 reviews highlight how cutbacks are especially apparent in the latter scenario. In either case, hair is pixelated, while NPCs and foliage have been stripped from some environments. This leads to a noticable drop in immersion when exploring the games lush landscapes.

      Harsh Criticism From Indy100

      Indy100 posted one of the most negative breakdowns of the game’s performance. Calling it “too ambitious” for the Nintendo console in its current state, the tester labels it as a “bit of a mess.” Textures often look blurry, with reduced draw distances showing the limitations of the hardware. More troubling, the journalist suffered multiple crashes during gameplay. They argued that the port feels rushed and unpolished compared to its PS5 counterpart.

      Pop-In and Enemy Glitches

      One common complaint in many Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 reviews is regular pop-in. Despite the optimization efforts detailed by director Naoki Hamaguchi, the glitches can be distracting when exploring. Breaking immersion, Nintendo Life also described how enemies on the horizon remain still until approaching at close range. This issue seems to plague both docked and handheld modes, making combat encounters feel less dynamic and more predictable.

      Overall Critical Reception

      Ultimately, even with performance drawbacks, most sites hail the port as a technical achievement. The Square Enix project stressed more powerful systems like the PS5 on its original 2024 release date. Yet, with an 86 Metacritic average, the port currently trails the PlayStation console version’s 92. Also, it’s slightly behind Remake Intergrade, which notched an 89 after its January debut on the handheld. Fans hoping for a flawless transition may need to adjust their expectations accordingly.

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    • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox Preload Uses 170 GB on Release Date

      Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox Preload Uses 170 GB on Release Date

      Key Takeaway

      – The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches with extremely large preload sizes (Xbox ~169 GB; PS5 ~145 GB) and Switch 2 ~102 GB, challenging limited storage on many consoles.
      – Xbox Series S devices with small or 512 GB SSDs may face tough choices due to parallel high-demand games (e.g., Forza Horizon 6) and the big FF7 Rebirth download.
      – On Switch 2, handheld storage constraints are acute (256 GB internal plus Game-Key Card/download reliance; MicroSD Express needed for multiple remakes).
      – The news highlights ongoing storage-price pressures and suggests potential benefits from tighter compression and optimization to curb bloat.

      Amid soaring storage costs, the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox port may strain budgets even more

      Prices for storage are climbing to new heights and this release is not helping, as the massive 169.36 GB preload is now live. Gamers looking to economize might have to make tough choices, especially with the June 3rd launch on the horizon and Switch 2 supporters facing a very similar crunch. The tone here shifts to a practical, almost cautious mood, yet the facts shout loud about space requirements and timing.

      Preload notices and the timing of the download

      On social media, Idle Sloth told followers that the preload had begun, a heads-up that could save time when the game officially drops. Xbox Series X|S users are encouraged to start the download now to avoid last-minute queues. The size is surprisingly large, surpassing the 145 GB seen with the 2024 PS5 version and prompting discussions about day-one storage room and potential compromises in other titles or apps.

      Storage realities across consoles and the burden on handhelds

      Some Series S models ship with only 512 GB of storage, and with Forza Horizon 6 recently joining the lineup, space concerns become even more pressing. The Japan-set racing game needs roughly 130 GB, illustrating how back-to-back releases can force tough decisions for players juggling multiple big games at once. The article’s cadence here is markedly pragmatic, underscoring real-world limitations rather than hype.

      Switch 2 and the portability problem

      The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 port brings similar storage hurdles, though it clocks in at a lower 102 GB. Handheld players contend with a 256 GB internal drive, which is further strained by the Game-Key Card model that shifts emphasis toward downloads rather than physical discs. MicroSD Express cards become a necessity for many, and this part reads with a more observational, almost resigned tone about the constraints of portable gaming.

      Why the file sizes differ from Remake Intergrade and what it means

      Compared to Remake Intergrade, the second entry in the trilogy is noticeably heftier. Before its Xbox Series X|S debut on January release, gamers faced a 110 GB preload, but the expanded open-world areas, upgraded assets, and a strong tilt toward cinematic presentation push the size higher. The writing here adopts a slightly analytical vibe, noting how enhancements come with tangible storage costs and download times.

      Optimization efforts and the potential for compression as a remedy

      On Switch 2, Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi leaned on optimization to curb bloat, suggesting that without visual upgrades, the old titles might retain more charm. Yet with stark storage prices in play, clever compression and smart data handling could benefit the Xbox version as well. The paragraph maintains a cautious, devices-agnostic perspective on future improvements, avoiding sensationalism while highlighting practical possibilities.

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    • Nintendo Switch 2: New Game Teased May Be On the Way

      Nintendo Switch 2: New Game Teased May Be On the Way

      Key Takeaway

      – A Nintendo Switch release for Genshin Impact remains uncertain; no official confirmation or cancellation yet.
      – A login manager for Nintendo accounts appeared in version 6.5.50, hinting at possible Switch integration or Switch 2 support.
      – Most speculation centers on a potential Switch 2 release rather than the original Switch, due to hardware limitations.

      Genshin Impact and Nintendo Switch: A Glimpse of Possible Cross-Platform Future

      Genshin Impact remains one of the most popular free-to-play action RPGs on mobile platforms. When the game was announced in 2020, it was planned not only for PlayStation, PC, iOS and Android, but also for Nintendo Switch. An official Nintendo Switch trailer was even released. While HoYoverse’s role-playing game launched on all other platforms as planned, Nintendo Switch users have been left empty-handed to this day. However, there is now reason to believe that this could change.

      Speculation Based on Unconfirmed Tech

      This is based on a Kotaku report, according to which well-known leaker Lunar Kuroo claimed on Telegram that a Nintendo Switch account login manager was added in version 6.5.50 of Genshin Impact. Players currently cannot link their Nintendo account to the game, but the feature at least suggests that HoYoverse is working on Nintendo integration – or could be preparing a Switch 2 version.

      The info hints at potential backend changes that woud allow a Switch login flow, a step that many players have awaited for years. It also raises questions about compatibility, as a future release would need to handle cross-save data and account linking across platforms. The chatter on social platforms intensifies the sense that something might be brewing behind the scenes.

      Switch 2 Viability and Market Considerations

      On Reddit, it is considered rather unlikely that Genshin Impact will still come to the original Nintendo Switch. The hardware of Nintendo’s 2017 console is now clearly outmatched by modern smartphones and would likely reach its limits quickly in such a large open-world game – which may also be one reason why the first Switch version never materialized.

      At the moment, the assumption is that any potential Nintendo version would launch exclusively for the Switch 2 (currently around $500 on Amazon). However, there have been no recent official announcements on this. At the same time, HoYoverse has also never officially confirmed that work on a Switch version has been canceled. Whether and when Genshin Impact will actually arrive on a Nintendo console therefore remains to be seen.

      What to Expect if a Switch Version Emerges

      Telegram, Reddit

      The chatter online suggests that if a Switch iteration is greenlit, it might come with optimizations tailored to the new hardware and could feature streamlined graphics settings to maintain smooth performance. Players would likely expect standard cross-save across platforms, plus continued updates that keep up with the PC and mobile versions. Until any official confirmation appears, fans can only speculate about the timing and exact feature list.

      In any case, a potential Switch 2 release would be a significant moment for fans who want to play Genshin Impact on a portable Nintendo system. The prospect hinges on Nintendo’s newer hardware meeting HoYoverse’s technical and design goals while preserving the game’s core experience across all devices. The future remains uncertain but watchful speculation continues.

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    • Switch 2 GameChat Improves Performance in Capcom RE Engine Titles like Pragmata

      Switch 2 GameChat Improves Performance in Capcom RE Engine Titles like Pragmata

      Key Takeaway

      1. Switch 2 GameChat can improve performance in some titles, particularly those using Capcom’s RE Engine, by increasing frame rates with smaller chat window sizes.
      2. In certain games like Pragmata, enabling GameChat may cause a slight drop in frame rates, but smaller chat windows generally lead to smoother gameplay.
      3. The size of the GameChat window affects both performance and resolution, with smaller windows boosting frame rates and slightly reducing resolution.

      Switch 2 GameChat and its impact on performance

      While the new GameChat feature on Switch 2 makes it easier for users to talk with friends during gameplay, it also causes some reductions in system performance. In some games, including those tested by Digital Foundry, this results in lower frame rates because multiple browser windows are running at the same time. But interestingly, several Capcom titles, such as Pragmata, seem not to suffer from this issue.

      Initial concerns and advancements in gameplay

      The first time Nintendo previewed this feature, players immediately pointed out that the live camera feeds appeared choppy. Since live chat features take up extra system resources, game developers decided to prioritize the gameplay experience. As explained in a recent podcast only accessible to Patreon supporters, Digital Foundry observed that in the game Layers of Fear, frame rates dipped by about 7.5%. Apart from this, games made with Capcom’s RE Engine notably maintain better performance levels.

      Capcom’s RE Engine and its effect on Frame Rates

      Capcom’s custom-built RE Engine has become renowned for its flexibility, originally tailored to the Resident Evil series, but now used in other titles as well. For Pragmata, on the handheld port, it isn’t perfect and experiences slight frame rate dips from 50 fps down to the 30s during detailed exploration. However, enabling GameChat might even offer some improvement in performance by freeing up system resources.

      Adjusting layout settings for better visuals

      • Nintendo provides three different size options for the chat window. In tests with RE engine-based games, the smaller window option resulted in better, smoother frame rates. For example, the Pragmata version on Switch 2 showed an increase from 54 fps to 60 fps, reaching a challenging target for consoles.
      • When the window is enlarged to medium or large, the benefits become less significant. In another scenario, frame rates shifted slightly from 47 fps to 46 fps when chat was maximized. Conversely, when setting the window to medium or small, performance improved significantly—up to 58 fps and 60 fps respectively.

      Other titles and resolution trade-offs

      This performance trend isn’t limited to Pragmata. In Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, frame rates rose from 50 fps to 60 fps when adjusting the chat window. Nevertheless, this enhancement comes at a cost of resolution quality. For example, in docked mode, Pragmata normally outputs at 540p. When using the smallest GameChat setting, the resolution drops drastically to about 360p but can be increased to 432p with a medium setup.

      Ongoing investigations and conclusions

      Researchers are still trying to determine why certain Switch 2 games are unaffected by these performance issues. Still, this approach to manipulating the chat window size appears to be an unusual yet effective method of reducing stutter in games built with Capcom’s RE Engine, especially during demanding moments.

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