Switch 1 vs. Switch 2: Metroid Prime 4 Pushes Nintendo Hardware to Its Limits

Metroid Prime 4 delivers impressive performance across Switch One and Switch 2 with differences in resolution, textures, and frame rate.

Hardware by Katmin on Dec 14, 2025

Fans have been waiting a long time for Metroid Prime 4 to come out, and now they can finally play Retro Studios' newest game in the series. The game was made with both Switch One and Switch 2 in mind, so each platform offers a unique experience that showcases its technical strengths.

Switch 2 has better resolution, textures, and frame rates. However, Switch One version remains impressive given the hardware limitations. We look at the differences, performance, and overall gameplay experience on both systems here.

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Technical Comparison and Resolution Differences

When you look at the final version of Metroid Prime 4, it's evident that the biggest difference between Switch One and Switch Two is the resolution. Switch One's docked mode operates at a natural 720p with a 900p visor, but the Switch 2 version makes the images clearer and more detailed. Interestingly, the first Metroid Prime 4 teaser appeared to run on Switch One at 900p, which is higher than the final version.

The biggest difference is in texture quality and accuracy, not resolution. Switch 2 has sharper assets and more complicated textures, which changes the way the game looks as a whole. When you play the game on Switch 2, the variations in graphics are clear right away, just like the differences between high-end and low-end versions of games that are available on many platforms.

However, even on Switch One, the game looks remarkable considering the console's limitations, maintaining a locked 60fps with only minor compromises in texture quality and resolution.

Frame Rate and Motion Clarity

The performance is roughly the same on both platforms. Switch 1 keeps a steady 60 fps, but Switch 2 has a 120Hz option that lets you play at higher frame rates. However, you have to drop the resolution to 1080p to do this. Better anti-aliasing and higher quality textures make the Switch 2 version's movements smoother and its images clearer.

On Switch One, anti-aliasing doesn't seem to work very well, causing edges to shimmer and pixels to appear at odd angles. Switch 2, on the other hand, uses SMAA post-processing, which smoothes jagged edges and improves overall picture quality. The higher resolution on Switch 2 also improves texture filtering, making surfaces look much sharper even from far away.

Switch 1, Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4, Pushes Nintendo Hardware,Limits, NoobFeed

HDR and Display Differences

Switch 2 also introduces HDR support, which stands out with impressive brightness range and contrast. The implementation of HDR enhances highlights and dark areas, giving the game a more dynamic and visually striking appearance.

Interestingly, playing on a Switch OLED highlights some trade-offs. The OLED screen produces better perceived contrast and response time, making certain dark areas appear almost HDR-like, despite being SDR.

However, the smaller portable resolution on Switch 2, combined with the lack of temporal resolution on the screen, reduces the effectiveness of 120Hz in handheld mode. In real life, 1080p60 on the Switch 2 portable is typically the best compromise for image quality.

Overall Visual Quality

Both platforms have amazing graphics in Metroid Prime 4, but you can see the differences when you put them next to each other. Switch 2 has four times the resolution of Switch One, which makes things much clearer and more detailed. Additionally, higher-grade textures enhance the up-close visual experience, making environments and character models appear more polished and immersive.

Even though it started out on Switch One, the porting to Switch 2 shows that it was carefully optimized. The game can operate at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates without making big changes to the original assets since it has more performance headroom. It has better baked lighting, better material quality, and better overall visual fidelity, making it one of the best-looking games on the Switch 2 platform.

Gameplay Experience and Controls

In terms of gameplay, Metroid Prime 4 is a unique first-person shooter that is different from other shooters. The Switch One version requires Joy-Cons, but the Switch 2 version supports the Pro Controller, which makes aiming and movement much easier.

The game is better when the environment is well thought out, especially in the smaller hub areas where the lighting and textures can be more realistic. There are apparent resolution cuts on Switch One, but the game's overall design makes it fun and beautiful to look at.

Switch 1, Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4, Pushes Nintendo Hardware,Limits, NoobFeed

Performance Observations

There aren't many performance problems on either platform. Switch One stays at a steady 60 fps, however Switch 2 sometimes has little frame drops in certain sections, such The Desert.

These decreases are practically impossible to see. These minor drops do not significantly affect gameplay, and overall performance remains smooth and responsive.

Final Thoughts

Metroid Prime 4 does a great job of connecting the two systems. It runs well on Switch One and makes full use of Switch 2's better technology. Switch 2's enhancements to resolution, texture quality, anti-aliasing, HDR, and frame rate make the graphics much better. This is a great example of how to optimize a system.

For people who have Switch 1, the game is still a great feat given the hardware. The game looks and plays better for users who have Switch 2. Retro Studios made sure that all of the variations were fun.

They showed how Nintendo was different from other companies in the first-person shooter genre by spending a lot of time and money on design and paying great attention to the little things.

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