Overwatch 2 Switch 2 Update Fixes Performance Issues (Now 60FPS)
Well, what a difference 48 hours can make. The Switch 2 version of Overwatch dropped and, unfortunately, it was rather bland. Locked to 30fps, minor visual updates, and disconnections and crashes galore, many fans were left feeling disappointed. But much like a match that spills into overtime with both teams locked on the control point, things can turn around rather quickly. And much to Blizzard’s credit, they moved fast. Tanks were mitigating damage on the forums, DPS were reporting issues, and supports were firmly on damage control with this new update. So, let’s start with the biggest change of all, the frame rate, and see how Overwatch runs on Switch 2 now.
Let’s get the biggest bugbear out of the way. The frame rate is now fixed with a target of 60fps, and it mostly holds there. If you saw my previous video, we did side-by-side comparisons in Rio de Janeiro. This time, though, we are just going to show the same section of gameplay on Switch 2 alone. Don’t worry, the side-by-side comparisons will come later, along with a deeper look at the visual upgrades. It should also be noted that the resolution appears to be significantly higher than the Switch 1 version, likely an upscaled 1440p, which is what my capture device picked up. Full disclosure, I am still learning a lot about resolutions, so this could be slightly off. Either way, it does look incredibly sharp in motion and benefits from noticeably clearer textures. We do get some frame rate fluctuations on the Rio de Janeiro map when the action gets heavy, with the frame rate hovering between roughly 45 and 60fps. When it dips, it is not really noticeable, which is great, and the frame time does not seem to cause the input lag issues players were complaining about pre-patch.
Jumping into a match, and the first thing that hasn’t changed is my skill level, which is probably worse than the initial Switch 2 release. Gameplay holds up tight even when there is a lot going on. The frame rate doesn’t drop too much, and it’s not noticeable to my eyes, even when I was actively looking for it. That said, the counter does seem to show a few small dips here and there. Now, as someone who only played the Switch version of Overwatch, the 60fps update really feels like the playing field has been levelled. Gone is the input lag, and as the action stays smooth, it is much easier to keep up with cross-platform players, skill issues aside. But performance is only half the picture. To really see what has changed, it is worth stepping away from the firefights and taking a closer look at the world itself, starting with the Samoa map.
Starting in the dropship on the Switch 2 version, more assets have been added to the scene. On the table, there are extra plates and a few additional items on the shelf in the background. Even though it is a really small change, it was noticeable right away. On the other side, there are additional med kits in the storage areas on Switch 2, along with much better shadow detail from the basketball net. Another small detail is the improved shader work when you shoot the fire extinguishers. You can now see foam escaping the cylinder on Switch 2, a detail that was missing in the Switch 1 version.
Heading out into the map, we can see the improved lighting and shadows in action. This also changes how the pistol looks under light, bringing out extra detail across the world. It does show a more aggressive level of detail loading on Switch 2, as it now renders shadows that are not present in the Switch 1 version, but overall it looks great. There are also flames coming from the dropship thrusters, along with additional steam effects and lighting improvements across the environment. It is a collection of small changes, but together they add up to a much larger improvement across the board. But what is a world without its heroes? Let’s take a look at how the characters have improved.
Starting with Tracer, we can see the Switch 2 version has sharper textures and better lighting on her hair. It might not look immediately obvious until you slide across from the Switch 1 version to Switch 2, but the patch detail in particular shows off the improved texture work. There also appears to be more definition around the edges, and while I am not fully sure if it is down to lighting or improved shaders, the characters simply look better overall.
Reinhardt again does not fully come across until you compare side by side, but as we move from Switch 1 to Switch 2, we can see much cleaner edges and surfaces on the model. The textures around the flair on his armour and the leather straps look significantly improved. And notice the shading on the skull and fur. It helps the details stand out more clearly.
Bastion benefits mostly from the improved lighting and shadows, which help the grassy elements on his shell stand out. However, overall, he is one of the more subtle improvements in this comparison.
D.Va shows much better hair highlights on Switch 2, along with sharper textures on her mech. The lighting, as we shift from Switch 1 to Switch 2, really helps the mech stand out, alongside more defined edges across the model.
Zenyatta shows off the lighting and shader improvements the best, particularly during his orb animation. I have slowed it down to show that there is a light source effect present that does not exist on the Switch 1 version. Once again, moving from Switch 1 to Switch 2, we see improved hair detail and darker tones that help accentuate the model, along with slightly sharper textures overall.
Finally, Mercy. The lighting as she opens her wings makes the armour details stand out far more clearly. There are reflections on her breastplate that were not present in the Switch 1 version. Moving from Switch 1 to Switch 2, we can also see a noticeable improvement in texture quality on her wing feathers, which were more blurred previously. The gilding on her wings is also significantly sharper.
As I mentioned in my previous video, I think Blizzard have handled this debacle rather well. They communicated that a fix was on the way, and less than 48 hours later, we have it. Sure, one could argue that it should not have happened in the first place, but it did, and they fixed it quickly. There is a huge improvement here across the board, although there is probably still a noticeable disparity between other console versions in the visual department. Once I get a spare minute, I will try to do a side-by-side with the Series X version of the game. But to be fair, I am actually really happy with how Overwatch 2 on Switch 2 both looks and plays now. What I am not happy about is how they have nerfed Mercy, who continues to be the worst support character in the game. Come on Blizzard, help us Mercy mains out. Overwatch on Switch 2 was a rough launch, a quick fix, and now a version that finally feels like it belongs on the system.
Stay tuned for a full review coming soon.
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