Resident Evil Remakes Conquer Nintendo Switch 2

Capcom has significantly bolstered its offerings on the Nintendo Switch 2 this year, with the recent launch of three highly praised Resident Evil remakes. The modern adaptations of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 are now playable on the platform, joining previously released titles.

These remakes, renowned for their quality, have undergone technical adjustments for the Switch 2. While performance targets a stable 60 frames per second, even in handheld mode, and HDR is recommended, some visual compromises are present. Texture quality, particularly noticeable in character hair and distant environmental details, is reduced compared to more powerful consoles like the PS5. However, close-up details remain sharp, and texture pop-in was not observed.

Resident Evil 2, which set the standard for these remakes with its over-the-shoulder perspective, performs admirably. It includes the Deluxe Edition's cosmetic content as standard. Resident Evil 3, offering similar technical performance and utilizing the Switch 2's HD rumble for immersive feedback, features larger urban environments. Despite these visual enhancements, the core game's brevity and reduced content from its original version are noted.

Resident Evil 4 Remake, considered by many to be the best of the bunch, experiences the most notable visual downgrades on the Switch 2. Environment textures and foliage appear blurrier, and occasional framerate drops have been encountered, particularly during intense action sequences. Nevertheless, it is described as a perfectly playable port, offering the Gold Edition with its additional DLC and modes.

When recommending which to purchase, Resident Evil 2 is singled out as the standout due to its overall quality and excellent transition to the Switch 2. Resident Evil 4 is a close second, with Resident Evil 3 following, owing to its shorter playtime and less replayability. The continued strong support for the platform by Capcom, with all modern Resident Evil games now available, positions the Switch 2 as a significant destination for fans of the series.