Switch 2’s “Unfeasible Ports” Signal a new Era for Nintendo Gaming
Teh Nintendo Switch 2 is rapidly establishing itself as a haven for enterprising game ports, defying expectations and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a handheld console. Early adopters and industry observers are closely watching which titles will successfully make the jump from more powerful hardware.
Prior to the Switch 2’s launch in 2025, Nintendo maintained its characteristic secrecy regarding the system’s technical specifications. However, key details emerged: the new device boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p screen capable of displaying gameplay at up to 120fps and supports HDR. Nvidia’s announcement of DLSS compatibility – a technology for upscaling game resolution – further signaled a notable performance leap over the original Switch.
For many,the arrival of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on day one served as a crucial litmus test. A game that notoriously struggled on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Cyberpunk 2077‘s accomplished port to the Switch 2 immediatly raised the question: if this game can run, what else is possible? According to one analyst, the stability and playability of Cyberpunk 2077 became “a referendum on the future of Switch 2 ports.”
The game proved to be an excellent port, exceeding the visual fidelity of The Witcher 3 – already a remarkable achievement on the original Switch. Throughout 2025, a wave of impressive ports followed, including Street Fighter 6, various Yakuza games, Cronos: The New Dawn, and Apex Legends. However, not all ports were created equal.Titles like EA FC and NBA 2K offered a 30fps experience, while Persona 3 Reload suffered from noticeable frame-pacing issues and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition appeared considerably downgraded compared to its nearly 12-year-old PlayStation 4 version.
These releases aren’t simply individual products; thay offer crucial insights into the Switch 2’s capabilities. even less demanding titles, such as SpongeBob Squarepants: Titans of the Tide and Two Point Museum, demonstrate a considerable increase in visual fidelity compared to the aging Switch. Several games have surprised players with their improvements, including a significant boost to Ball X Pit and a pronounced difference between the Switch and Switch 2 versions of Fantasy Life i.
However, the standout port of the first year is arguably Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Ubisoft’s RedLynx team. Originally released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2024, the Switch 2 version arrived in remarkably good shape and has been further refined through patches. It not onyl runs well but also rivals the performance seen on the Steam Deck. As one player noted, the arrival of Star Wars Outlaws in such a polished state was “very exciting,” suggesting a promising future for demanding ports on the platform.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has also shown potential, though it currently experiences occasional crashes and a blurry presentation in handheld mode. Like Star Wars and Cyberpunk 2077, the game supports cross-progression, allowing players to seamlessly continue their progress from other consoles – a feature that should encourage developers to prioritize switch 2 alongside other platforms.
Looking ahead to 2026, a growing list of major ports promises to further illuminate the Switch 2’s potential. A playable build of Elden Ring showcased at PAX Australia reportedly ran well, despite earlier concerns, though the game has since been delayed. Upcoming releases such as 007 First Light, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake are expected to provide further clarity.
For now, speculation abounds regarding the system’s future “impossible” ports. The Switch 2’s early success suggests a shining future for ambitious game development and a new era of portable gaming experiences.
