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It's hard to believe, but we're approaching the new Switch 2 console's half-year mark. Once Metroid Prime 4: Beyond releases on December 4, we'll be able to give the console a detailed evaluation based on its solid selection of exclusive initial releases. Blockbuster games like Donkey Kong Bananza will headline that review, but it's two newest Nintendo titles, Pokémon Legends: Z-A and currently the Hyrule Warriors sequel, that have enabled the Switch 2 conquer a crucial test in its first six months: the performance test.

Addressing Performance Concerns

Before Nintendo formally revealed the Switch 2, the primary worry from gamers around the hypothetical device was about power. When it comes to hardware, Nintendo trailed PlayStation and Xbox over the last few console generations. This situation became apparent in the end of the Switch era. The desire was that a successor would introduce smoother performance, improved visuals, and standard options like ultra-high definition. That's precisely what arrived when the console was launched in June. Or that's what its technical details suggested, at least. To truly know if the upgraded system is an improvement, we required examples of some key games running on it. We've finally gotten that in recent days, and the assessment is favorable.

Legends: Z-A as an Initial Test

The console's first major test was last month's Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The franchise had notable performance issues on the initial console, with titles such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet debuting in very poor shape. Nintendo's hardware wasn't exactly to blame for that; the actual engine running the developer's games was old and getting stretched beyond its capabilities in the series' gradual open-world pivot. The new game would be a bigger examination for its studio than anything else, but there remained much to analyze from the visual presentation and how it runs on the new system.

Despite the release's limited detail has opened debates about the developer's skills, it's clear that this Pokémon game is far from the performance mess of its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It operates at a consistent 60 fps on the new console, while the Switch version maxes out at thirty frames. Pop-in is still present, and you may notice plenty of blurry assets if you look closely, but you won't hit anything resembling the instance in the previous game where you begin airborne travel and observe the whole terrain beneath transform into a uneven, basic graphics. That qualifies to earn the Switch 2 a decent grade, though with reservations considering that Game Freak has its own problems that worsen basic technology.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment as the Tougher Tech Test

We now have a more demanding performance examination, yet, thanks to the new Hyrule Warriors, launched earlier this month. The new Zelda spin-off pushes the Switch 2 thanks to its hack-and-slash gameplay, which has players facing off against a massive horde of creatures continuously. The earlier title, the previous Hyrule Warriors, performed poorly on the original Switch as the hardware struggled with its quick combat and numerous on-screen elements. It regularly decreased below the desired frame rate and produced the feeling that you were pushing too hard when being too aggressive.

Thankfully is that it also passes the tech test. After playing the title extensively during the past month, experiencing every level included. During that period, the results show that it achieves a more stable framerate versus its previous game, reaching its sixty frames goal with better regularity. It sometimes drops in the fiercest fights, but I haven't experienced any situation where I'm suddenly watching a choppy presentation as the framerate chugs. Some of this could be because of the situation where its bite-sized missions are structured to prevent excessive numbers of foes on the display simultaneously.

Important Trade-offs and Final Evaluation

There are still expected limitations. Primarily, shared-screen play has a noticeable decrease closer to the 30 fps range. It's also the initial Nintendo-developed title where I've really noticed a major difference between my old OLED display and the updated LCD screen, with notably in story sequences looking faded.

But for the most part, Age of Imprisonment is a dramatic improvement over its previous installment, similar to the Pokémon game is to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For those seeking any sign that the Switch 2 is meeting its tech promises, although with certain reservations remaining, both games provide a clear example of how Nintendo's latest is markedly enhancing series that struggled on older technology.