Star Wars Outlaws Shows Nintendo Switch 2 Can Handle AAA Games

Nintendo Switch 2 players now have proof that big, technically impressive games are not only possible on the system, they're already happening. Digital Foundry just analyzed Star Wars Outlaws and found that it has a level of performance and optimization that makes third-party devs' excuses look silly. After years of doubt, it's now clear that Switch 2 can handle big, open-world AAA games with stability and polish if creators put in the time and money.

Our in-depth look at Digital Foundry's Star Wars Outlaws for Switch 2 shows that even though it lacks some lighting, ray tracing, and texture details, it still manages to surprise. Just 20 gigabytes make up the port, which is a small portion of other game versions. It runs at a steady 30 frames per second.

With DLSS and DSR support, it can reach 720p in handheld mode and 1440p when docked. DLSS can also output 1080p. With VRR support, you can play smoothly both when you're docked and when you're on the go. Unlike the 30 FPS versions on other systems, this port feels polished and stable, with no choppy frame rates.

Ubisoft is dedicated to more than just graphics. The game comes with all DLC and fully supports cloud saves, so players can easily move between PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch 2. This is helpful for gamers who want to keep progressing across multiple platforms, and it's something that many makers should now make a priority.

The Switch 2 version is also better than the Steam Deck version, which shows how much extra work Ubisoft put into making it run better. The Snowdrop engine relies on disc streaming for open-world speed, which the Switch 2 cards could not handle. This is why there is no physical cartridge release.

What the market did was very clear. Word of mouth and good gameplay have helped Star Wars Outlaws rise to number two on the eShop. This success sends a clear message to developers: it is possible to make good ports for Switch 2, and fans will thank them.

This is different from Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion. Although it's available on many devices, the Switch 2 version has clear technical issues and unstable 30 FPS performance. Nintendo players got a second-rate experience, while the PC, Xbox, and PlayStation versions got more attention.

The game adds new features like body suits that look like Iron Man and bigger open-world areas, but the Switch 2 version is still not optimized, making it feel like it was added as a mistake. Even the Steam Deck version does better, which shows how badly it was neglected even more.

The two are very different. Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion shows what happens when makers don't pay attention to the platform, while Star Wars Outlaws shows what can be done when they do. The message is clear for people who own a Switch 2: good AAA ports are possible, but only if developers work hard to make them better and treat the hardware with care.