A patch released since the original publication of this review has addressed some of the issues mentioned. The updated game might provide a better experience than what is described below.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has a long history, but its latest iteration on Switch 2 warrants a closer look.
The 2022 Anniversary Edition update for Skyrim on Switch received a respectable 7/10. It was noted that while the game’s longevity was a running joke, the inclusion of new quests, Creation Club mods, and fishing provided enough enhancements to satisfy fans and offer newcomers a stable, stutter-free experience of the epic RPG.
For a game with such a long history, which many continue to purchase and play, a “Good” score seemed like a fitting conclusion for its Switch presence. However, a new version has emerged.
The current low score for this version stems from Bethesda’s decision to alter a game that previously ran smoothly and competently on Switch. While other ports might have been more graphically advanced, the original Switch version, despite being 30fps, offered a pleasant experience.
The Switch 2 upgrade introduces volumetric effects, graphical enhancements, and an increased resolution, reportedly utilizing DLSS. Despite these visual improvements, the game remains locked at 30fps, raising questions about the lack of a higher frame rate. This release appears to be a rushed, subpar version of a frequently re-released title, possibly timed for the holiday season.
Second Opinion
Skyrim on Switch 2 feels significantly clunkier due to severe input lag, and the inconsistent frame rate degrades the visual experience during camera movements. This release falls short of expectations, and Bethesda’s strategy for this port is unclear.
The only plausible explanation for releasing the game in this condition seems to be a rush to meet holiday sales targets. Upon launching the Switch 2 port, after a brief moment of appreciating slightly faster loading times and improved draw distance, players are confronted with a gameplay experience that is notably inferior. Reverting to the older version is also cumbersome, requiring a complete deletion and re-download of the previous iteration.
The game maintains a 30fps frame rate, but now suffers from severe input lag, comparable to poor online performance on a Switch Lite. This decision for release is puzzling, especially considering the substantial 53GB download size. Over 40GB of that data appears to contribute to minor visual enhancements at the cost of a degraded gameplay experience.
It is likely that future patches will address these issues, potentially even introducing a 60fps option, which would significantly improve the experience, especially with the functional mouse controls. However, this is Skyrim, a game originally released in 2011, not a demanding modern title like Cyberpunk 2077, making the current state of its port particularly disappointing.
- Skyrim is always a good time at its core
- Graphical enhancements, volumetric effects, and DoF are all fine
- Loading times have improved by a few seconds
- Mouse mode works as expected
- It’s still 30fps, but feels less smooth now thanks to…
- Terrible input lag!
- Huge download size and awkward upgrade implementation
- Nothing new content-wise
