Hogwarts Legacy is now available on Nintendo Switch, but it seems that this version does not live up to expectations. A detailed analysis reveals the extent of the disappointment.
The recent introduction of Hogwarts Legacy on Nintendo Switch has attracted attention, particularly regarding the game’s performance. Digital Foundry, specialists in technical analysis, have shared their assessment of the game comparing it to other versions. The observation is clear: the result is far from satisfactory.
Hogwarts Legacy, Harry Potter but without glasses
Unfortunately, according to Digital Foundry, this version of Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t perform well enough to be recommended. Although they mention that “less demanding” players might still find enjoyment in it. You can watch their full analysis to see for yourself how the game presents itself.
- Lighting has been simplified, with the complete removal of ambient occlusion and other real-time lighting effects.
- Many objects in the environment have been simplified, replaced, or removed entirely.
- Textures look okay from a distance, but are less pleasing up close.
- Outdoor environments feature reduced tree foliage, shadow quality, draw distance, and non-player character (NPC) animations.
- Loading screens, lasting 15 seconds in some areas or up to around 40 seconds in others, now separate certain sections of the open world.
- The resolution is 720p in docked mode and 576p in portable mode, with no other notable cuts for portable mode.
- The frame rate maxes out at 30 frames per second. But frequently drops to around 20 frames per second, depending on on-screen activity.
- Antialiasing absent.
As expected, the Nintendo Switch isn’t very powerful. But for a game of this type, was it really wise to port it given the concessions?
A crazy success
Hogwarts Legacy has enjoyed significant commercial success since its launch. Warner Bros. Games confirmed that the game sold more than 12 million units in the first two weeks following its release, generating more than $850 million in sales revenue during that time. This remarkable performance made Hogwarts Legacy the most successful launch of any Harry Potter video game in the UK, breaking a 22-year-old sales record set by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Even more impressive, Hogwarts Legacy surpassed the billion-dollar sales mark, with over 15 million copies sold. This success made the game one of the biggest video game launches in Europe. The Switch version should increase the numbers a little further.