Scarlet and Violet Feel Like New on Nintendo Switch 2
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have just received a major performance patch—and the change on Nintendo Switch 2 is nothing short of game-changing. Although these titles originally launched nearly three years ago, they now play like modern releases thanks to a smooth 60 frames per second update. The combination of boosted performance and engaging mechanics breathes new life into a once-divisive entry in the franchise.
Why These Games Struggled at Launch
Back when Scarlet and Violet launched on the original Nintendo Switch, fans were excited for the first fully open-world Pokemon experience. However, it didn’t take long before the excitement gave way to frustration. Players immediately noticed frame rate issues, poor textures, and barren environments.
Although previous titles like Sword and Shield faced their own criticisms, they at least ran consistently. Scarlet and Violet, by contrast, often dipped well below their target 30 FPS. Locations like Casseroya Lake were nearly unplayable, especially during rain or storms. Understandably, fans pushed back—hard.
How Nintendo Switch 2 Changes Everything
Now, fast forward to today. With the power of Nintendo Switch 2, Scarlet and Violet feel dramatically better. Frame rates lock in at a silky 60 FPS in nearly every situation—even during thunderstorms or intense battles. The higher performance also highlights the subtle details in each Pokemon model.
For example, you can now clearly see Seviper’s scaly skin, Magnemite’s metallic shine, and Scizor’s gleaming crimson armor. These textures always existed, but the old hardware couldn’t showcase them effectively. Thanks to this update, the visuals finally match the artistic effort behind each creature.
What Still Needs Work Visually
However, not everything got a glow-up. The patch focuses solely on performance—not on graphical fidelity. Unfortunately, the world design still looks flat and empty in many areas. Grassy fields lack detail, cliffs use repeating textures, and water features remain uninspired gradients.
This isn’t a limitation of the old hardware. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition proved the Switch could deliver visually rich worlds. Instead, the fault lies with Scarlet and Violet’s design. That said, if you can ignore the underwhelming scenery, the core gameplay remains solid.
Tera Raids and Competitive Play Feel Smoother
Another big win? Tera Raid Battles finally feel manageable. These once-glitchy encounters now run far more smoothly. While a few strange bugs persist, the overall experience feels more fluid and reliable. Competitive players will also notice that training and battling now involve less lag and frustration.
The addictive gameplay loop—catching, battling, and breeding—feels faster and more rewarding than ever before. And best of all, this patch didn’t cost a dime. The update was free for all existing players, making it the perfect reason to jump back in.
Looking Ahead: Pokemon’s Promising Future
It’s also worth noting that Pokemon Legends: Z-A is taking a slower, more thoughtful development cycle. After the rapid-fire releases of Brilliant Diamond, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet and Violet within one year, the franchise finally hit pause in 2024.
Now, it looks like Pokemon is prioritizing polish. Early reports suggest Legends: Z-A will also hit 60 FPS consistently on Switch 2—setting a new standard for the series moving forward. If Scarlet and Violet’s transformation is any sign, the future of Pokemon looks bright.
Have you tried Scarlet and Violet on the Switch 2 yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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