Will Diablo 2: Resurrected run well on Switch?

As a long-time Diablo fan eager to play one of my favorite games on the go, I dove deep on the Nintendo Switch version of Diablo 2: Resurrected to see how it holds up. After extensive testing and research, I‘m happy to report that D2R is playable and enjoyable on Switch both docked and portably. However, there are some notable technical and performance differences from other platforms that prospective players should weigh carefully.

Let‘s dig into the details:

Target Performance and Resolution

D2R on Switch aims for a 900p resolution while docked, and 720p portable. However, it uses dynamic resolution scaling, so the actual render resolution fluctuates based on scene complexity. Digital Foundry testing found it ranges from 864p to 648p docked, and 720p to 368p handheld.

Unsurprisingly, the frame rate is capped at 30fps across the board. Again, Digital Foundry Found the game hits close to 30fps fairly reliably during gameplay. But it can vary, especially with lots happening on screen.

So target perf is 30fps and sub-HD resolution. But how does that hold up?

Overall Performance and Playability

In most areas, D2R on Switch provides a smooth hack-and-slash experience. Simple dungeon crawling with a handful of enemies sees a stable 29-30fps. The framerate fluctuates more in larger open zones or with hordes of foes, but remains at least playable.

Rapid camera movement and panning does reveal some choppiness though. This smoothness issue also impacts precise input timing when kiting enemies or using skills. It‘s not unplayable by any means, but coming from PC or other consoles, the lower frame rate takes adjustment.

Overall gameplay feels great with a controller too – besides the occasional hiccup, whacking skeletons with a Barbarian is satisfying. Just expect occasional dips below 30fps so it won‘t look buttery smooth.

Visually, the game still looks decent in 720p handheld, if a bit soft. The retro 2D menus shine nicely on the smaller display. Docked mode is where the lower native resolution shows more though. D2R‘s beautifully grim visuals don‘t quite pop like on a high-res monitor.

So in summary – solid playability with caveats around framerate smoothness and lowered fidelity compared to PC/other consoles.

How Multiplayer and Endgame Perform

Besides fluid combat, Diablo 2 veterans know grinding late game content is the bread and butter. So how does Switch handle 8 players spamming high level skills? Again, Digital Foundry provides insightful testing:

In endgame Chaos Sanctuary runs with 8 players, the average framerate dropped notably into the low-mid 20s. It remained playable, but suffered frequent hitches and chops. In big fights, it even dropped into the teens briefly. Handling many player skills and enemies clearly taxes the mobile chipset.

As for Switch online multiplayer – it functions, but has downsides. While getting 4 players together works smoothly from my experience, the matchmaking and public game system falters. Sitting in lobbies often fails to find other players reliably. And adding crossplay may still be in the works based on forum posts. So expect mostly pre-arranged coop on Switch.

Overall, endgame grinding remains possible on Switch, but expect occasional sluggishness – especially in max player games. The console online features need improvement too. But again – joining up with a few friends delivers the core D2 multiplayer grind on the go joyfully.

Switch vs PC/Console Performance Summary

Here‘s a quick comparison table to see how the Switch release stacks up on paper:

Clearly the Switch‘s mobile hardware can‘t come close to rival platforms. But its battery-powered portability remains unmatched too!

Should You Buy Diablo 2: Resurrected on Switch?

If max graphics and buttery smooth 60+ fps matters most, I‘d recommend playing D2R elsewhere. Performance issues do crop up, especially late game. And the online components feel like a downgrade from PC.

However, for existing Switch owners dying to grind Ancient Tunnels or Baal runs from their couch or commute, D2 Resurrected will absolutely satisfy. Despite some rough edges, the pick up and play portability delivers leagues of value other platforms can‘t provide. Wielding my Hammerdin build while kicking back during a flight brought me joy only the Switch release enables.

So if portable Sanctuary matters above all, grab your Goat Horn and snag this gem. Just temper expectations around fidelity and endgame smoothness compared to PC powerhouses okay? Our Switch journey may require occasional Ankh resurrections – but the classes, skills, loot and atmosphere stay perfectly intact from the one true Lord of Destruction himself!

Let me know if you pick up D2R on Switch – maybe our key hunting runs will sync up!