Man, where do I even start with this? It’s like, you know when you really want to love something, like that oddball uncle at family dinners who’s just… off? That’s how I felt about Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on the Switch. Brilliant games, but ran like my old laptop during a hailstorm. You’ve probably seen those memes, right? All those windmills looking like they belong in a 90s game? Yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
So, back in 2022, I banged on about all this in my review. Said it was a "super-effective" revamp for Pokémon but, man, the way it performed was a disaster. But fast forward – no, wait – rewind a bit. What? Ah, forget it. We’re now three years on, and here comes this Switch 2 update. I’m gonna just say it: a complete game-changer.
Listen, I got this sneak peek thanks to The Pokémon Company. Even got invited to see this new Switch 2 version early. Shocker, right? Especially since I kinda trashed the first version’s performance. Anyway, bam! Total 180. Your eyes won’t believe what they’re seeing. It’s like night turning to day, I’m telling you. And those folks who claim frame rates don’t matter? Yeah right. Try the new version and then tell me that. Seriously, it’s like my buddy Joe said over at Serebii—no going back.
So there I was, jaw on the floor, thinking how smooth it looked. It’s like watching TV at 60fps; crisp and vibrant. You’re not getting those janky slideshows with distant objects anymore. Nope, even the legendary windmills spin like they’re supposed to.
Oh, but it’s not just about bragging rights, ya know? It totally changes how the game feels—it’s alive again. Scarlet & Violet were meant to be these huge, expansive adventures, mismashing vibes from Skyrim to Breath of the Wild, right? But before, it was like trudging through mud. Swoosh the camera and everything would just… ugh, tank. Now? Solid. Like a rock.
Plus, gameplay? Ho-boy, that’s smoother too. Wild Pokémon just chilling, popping up everywhere. Like no more waiting for things to catch up. Menus are quick, not dragging like your feet on a Monday morning. And those Pokémon icons? They’re jumping out at you instantly now.
Oh, here’s a kicker though—not perfect. Details pop in late, ya know? Like flowers? They surprise you. Not bad, but still. And even though it looks good, it exposes the art style. Needs a tweak or two, I think. HDR really makes it pop though, can’t argue with that.
All said and done, it’s a wow moment. Finally feels like the game Scarlet & Violet should’ve been. Honestly, it might be the best looking Pokémon game ever? Yeah, possibly. And the thought of playing 3D Pokémon smoothly, like it shouldn’t be real, it’s that good. This Switch 2 edition—it’s the way to go. Seriously, it’s got me hyped for the new Pokémon Legends Z-A. Can’t wait.
