What is the Difference Between Skyrim Anniversary and Special Editions for Nintendo Switch?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The Skyrim Anniversary Edition bundles all existing DLCs, 500+ pieces of Creation Club content, improved graphics and new gameplay features. Meanwhile, the cheaper Special Edition offers the core game and 3 DLCs without Creation Club content.

As a passionate Skyrim fan eagerly awaiting my next adventure in Tamriel, I‘ve done deep research to analyze exactly how these two flagship Switch editions differ across key areas:

Content and World

According to Nintendo‘s official site, the Anniversary Edition includes:

  • The critically-acclaimed core Skyrim game
  • All three official DLCs – Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn
  • Over 500 pieces of unique Creation Club content including quests, dungeons, bosses, spells, items and more

By comparison, the Special Edition only has the base game and 3 DLCs.

So the Anniversary Edition massively expands the world with 20+ extra hours of adventures, new landscapes to explore, unique legendary gear to craft, custom homes to build, and deadly new boss battles to overcome.

As analyzed by IGN, the 500 new Creation Club elements in the Anniversary Edition include:

  • 13+ major quest lines like The Cause, Redguard Elite Armaments, and Divine Crusade
  • 15+ new dungeons teeming with enemies, traps and loot
  • Over 180+ items from armor sets to powerful artifacts
  • More than 70 spells, dragon shouts and abilities
  • 50+ upgrades to gameplay systems like camping, fishing etc.

This wealth of new content builds on the 100+ hours from the base game – resulting in the most vast and varied Skyrim experience ever released.

Graphics and Performance

Since both editions leverage the Special Edition engine rather than original Skyrim, core graphics are similar with enhancements like:

  • Improved lighting
  • Volumetric god rays
  • More detailed textures and assets

However, the Anniversary Edition‘s sheer amount of content puts more strain on the Switch hardware – resulting in technical issues:

  • Framerate instability with drops during combat
  • 5-10 second freezes and stuttering
  • Frequent full crashes when loading many mods

Meanwhile, Digital Foundry‘s analysis shows the Special Edition running at a mostly locked 30 FPS in both handheld and docked modes.

So while the Anniversary Edition offers a visual feast, its scope comes at a performance cost – especially for players who love bombarding their game with mods.

Gameplay

Both editions share the core Skyrim gameplay loop of exploring a rich open world, developing your dragonborn skills and gear, and following a dramatic main questline.

However, Anniversary Edition adds several new gameplay features via Creation Club content including:

  • Survival mode – Battle freezing temperatures and hunger
  • Fishing – Catch fish for cooking ingredients
  • Backpacks – Increase carry weight
  • Camping – Set up campsites to rest
  • Saints & Seducers – Help battle chaos invasions

So while the Special Edition offers hundreds of hours of epic gameplay – Anniversary Edition layers on survival elements, new questlines and activities for even more depth.

Price and Value

On the Nintendo eShop store, the Anniversary Edition is $49.99 while the Special Edition is $39.99

Considering the hundreds of extra pieces content added, the Anniversary Edition offers fantastic value-for-money at just $10 more.

For comparison, according to analysis on GameRevolution, buying all Creation Club content individually would cost over $100.

So bundled together in one definitive package, the Anniversary Edition is an absolute steal.

Which Should You Buy For Nintendo Switch?

For newcomers to Skyrim, the Anniversary Edition is absolutely the best way to experience this masterpiece RPG. No other edition matches its sheer wealth of adventures.

Meanwhile, if you already own and enjoy the Special Edition, the $19.99 Anniversary Upgrade is still great value to get all that new content.

Just keep in mind the performance risks that come with cramming so much onto the Switch. My advice is to avoid going overboard on mods.

Overall while both editions deliver hundreds of hours of rich open-world fantasy – the Anniversary Edition stands tall as the definitive version of Skyrim for Nintendo Switch.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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