Does Skyrim run well on the Nintendo Switch? A Deep Dive
The short answer is yes, Skyrim runs surprisingly well on the Nintendo Switch, making it a great way to experience the acclaimed open world RPG on the go. But how does it compare to other platforms? As a passionate gamer and content creator, I decided to take an in-depth look at Skyrim‘s performance on Switch.
Framerate – Smooth Enough for Portable Skyrim
Framerate, or FPS (frames per second), has a huge impact on gameplay feel. The higher the FPS, the smoother the animations.
According to Digital Foundry‘s analysis, Skyrim on Switch runs at a fairly stable 30 FPS when docked. This is lower than the 60 FPS on PS4 and Xbox One, but still feels smooth thanks to Skyrim‘s slower pace compared to fast-paced action games.
In handheld mode, the framerate remains capped at 30 FPS but can occasionally dip during graphically intense scenes with lots of effects. But Digital Foundry reported these drops are rare, happening only in specific locations. For most of the gameplay, framerate holds steady.
Having played over 100 hours of Skyrim on my Switch, I can confirm the framerate feels consistent enough for an enjoyable experience both docked and handheld. While 60 FPS would be nicer, the 30 FPS target is a worthwhile trade-off for portable Skyrim.
Docked vs Handheld Performance
| Mode | Resolution | Framerate |
|---|---|---|
| Docked | 1600 x 900 | 30 FPS (stable) |
| Handheld | 720p | 30 FPS (mostly stable with minor dips) |
Visual Downgrades – The Price for Portability
Being able to play a vast open world RPG like Skyrim on a handheld is impressive, but some graphical downgrades were required.
When docked, Skyrim on Switch runs at 1600×900 resolution. That‘s lower than the native 1080p on PS4 and Xbox One. The visuals appear a bit soft on large TVs as a result.
In handheld mode, resolution drops further to 720p, but looks crisp on the Switch‘s 6.2-inch display. Pixel counting aside, Skyrim‘s stylized art direction still shines.
Other areas like textures, draw distance, foliage density and shadow quality are also reduced compared to PS4 and Xbox One. Lower resolution textures are noticeable in some areas. Pop-in occurs more frequently as you move through the world.
But these compromises allow the Switch‘s mobile hardware to maintain smoother performance. And portability opens up new ways to play, like leisurely exploring Skyrim‘s wilderness during a long flight.
Loading Times – As Fast as Home Consoles
Slow loading was a common complaint with the originally released PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Skyrim. Thankfully on Switch, loading times are hugely improved compared to those early console releases.
Digital Foundry clocked loading times on par with the PS4 and Xbox One versions, which is impressive considering the Switch‘s mobile hardware limitations.
Fast traveling between locations now only takes 15-26 seconds on average, according to The Nerd Stash. Indoor areas load in 10-15 seconds. These snappy loading times help with the game‘s momentum.
As a longtime Skyrim player, I‘m thrilled to no longer be stuck waiting through long load screens. The Switch delivers a much smoother loading experience.
Mod Support – Sadly Missing
One major advantage of Skyrim on Xbox One, PC and now PS4 is the ability to customize your experience with mods. Unfortunately mods are not officially supported on the Switch version. This is disappointing for players like myself who enjoy expanding Skyrim with new quests, items and gameplay tweaks.
Nintendo‘s strict content policies and the Switch‘s locked-down software likely make implementing mod support technically challenging. For now, mods remain a Xbox, PlayStation and PC exclusive feature.
However, I hold out hope that Nintendo will open the door for mods on the Switch at some point, as Microsoft did with the Xbox. The vibrant Skyrim modding community could significantly expand the Switch version‘s longevity and appeal.
Performance Summary – Smooth and Playable
To summarize Skyrim‘s performance on Switch:
Framerate – Capped at 30 FPS but feels relatively smooth during gameplay thanks to the slower pace. Minor dips in handheld mode.
Resolution – Lower than PS4/Xbox One resulting in visual downgrades, but the art style still shines, especially handheld.
Loading – Vastly improved over early console releases. On par with modern platforms for snappy loading.
Mods – Sadly not supported, limiting customization options.
Despite the compromises, Skyrim plays surprisingly well on Switch, both docked and handheld. The framerate is stable enough that I rarely notice slowdowns during gameplay. The visuals and immersive world still look great on the go.
Skyrim on Switch – The Definitive Portable Version
For anyone who hasn‘t experienced Skyrim yet or wants to return to Tamriel, the Switch release makes it easy to play virtually anywhere. Being able to pick up and play Skyrim on bus rides or long trips is a game changer. No longer confined to the couch and TV for my adventures.
I would argue the Switch version is the definitive portable Skyrim experience currently available. And it includes all the great content additions from Skyrim Special Edition.
Yes, the graphical compromises are unfortunate. I still hope to eventually see mods on Switch. But as a huge Elder Scrolls fan, the ability to play Skyrim untethered easily outweighs those drawbacks for me.
And the smoother framerate and loading times compared to original console releases make exploration even more enjoyable. For casual and hardcore fans alike, Skyrim on Switch is absolutely worth picking up.
So in summary – does Skyrim run well on Switch? My verdict as a passionate gamer is a resounding yes! It runs smoothly enough for hours of epic portable dragon slaying. Minor graphical hiccups are a fair trade-off in my eyes. If you‘re still debating which version to get, go for the Switch. Your adventures in Tamriel will be more immersive and memorable than ever thanks to the freedom of on-the-go play.
