Shinen Multimedia raced onto the Switch 2 with the incredible Fast Fusion on launch, showing off their development skills and giving players a glimpse of what Nintendo’s newest console could achieve, to rave reviews. Their follow-up is now here with The Touryst Deluxe, a Switch 2 version of the critically well-received game that originally debuted on the Switch 1 back in 2019. Thanks to Shinen, I have my hands on a copy a little early to showcase some of the changes, see how it performs, and take a closer look at the graphics. Let’s dive right in.
The Touryst originally launched on Nintendo Switch back in 2019, and surprisingly, this is my first time taking a holiday with the game, since What’s It Like? didn’t exist back then. Critics generally gave it favourable reviews, praising its striking voxel art, smooth performance, and charming exploration. Knowing how it was received helps set the stage for the Switch 2 version, which not only preserves the game’s original strengths but also addresses one of the few common criticisms, the controls, which already feel improved in this version. Now, The Touryst is back on Switch 2 as The Touryst Deluxe, bringing a host of new features and improvements. Highlights include native 4K resolution at 60fps, HDR rendering, dynamic ambient occlusion, improved controls, and new locations, items, and quests.
While the original Switch version ran near enough to 60fps, the Switch 2 version doesn’t waver. It now runs at a native 4K resolution compared to the Switch 1’s dynamic 1080p, giving everything a much sharper and more detailed look. There are also a few subtle but noticeable differences. The lighting and shadows feel smoother, thanks to global illumination and dynamic ambient occlusion, which we will look at further. The depth of field effect has been improved as well, adding extra depth and making the world feel more alive without taking away from the signature voxel charm. Together, these enhancements make the game feel more polished and visually striking from the very first moment you step off the boat. HDR support adds a whole new layer to the visuals, making colours pop and giving the lighting more depth. Bright areas feel more luminous, shadows gain additional depth, and the overall image feels richer. This really comes across when you see a side-by-side comparison with the Switch 1 version.
Another subtle but noticeable upgrade is the voxel waves effect along the shores. The waves now have depth and volume, moving away from the flatter look of the original. While it may seem minor, touches like this accumulate to make the world feel more alive and immersive.
As mentioned, a major visual upgrade comes from the way light interacts with the world. Global illumination and dynamic ambient occlusion give the game a much more realistic and grounded feel. Global illumination allows light to bounce naturally between surfaces, so rooms and outdoor areas feel fuller and more lifelike. Ambient occlusion adds soft shadows in corners, around objects, and where surfaces meet, creating a sense of depth that was missing on the original Switch. Sometimes the difference is subtle, but it really makes the lighting impressive. Scenes feel warmer or more dynamic depending on the time of day, and the voxel world pops in a way that draws your eye to details you might have missed before. Together with the other enhancements, these lighting improvements help turn a charming game into a visual treat that feels fresh and polished. Other subtle upgrades round out the visual polish. The rain effect has been improved, though I don’t have footage to show it here, it’s part of the overall refinement that makes the world feel more alive. The depth of field has seen a significant improvement as well. Backgrounds and focus transitions are much smoother, with far less pixelation, which makes exploration feel more cinematic. Anti-aliasing also helps everything look clean and crisp. Edges that might have appeared jagged on the original Switch now blend seamlessly, preserving the voxel charm while eliminating distracting pixelation. Together, these enhancements make The Touryst Deluxe a consistently sharp and visually appealing experience from every angle.
The Touryst Deluxe also brings some fresh content for players to enjoy. There’s a new area to explore, offering something new for returning travellers without giving too much away. One of the highlights is the new arcade cabinet featuring FAST ZERO, a cheeky nod to Shin’en’s flagship anti-gravity racers, Fast RMX and Fast Fusion. It’s funny to see and a welcome easter egg for longtime fans. The original arcade games are also present, giving a mix of nostalgia and novelty. For those looking to resume their previous holiday, save data from the original Switch version can be imported. Returning players also benefit from a discounted upgrade path, similar to how Hogwarts Legacy handled it, offering around a 75% discount depending on the region. This makes it easy to jump back in without having to start from scratch.
I’m almost done with my holiday in The Touryst, so you can expect a full review very soon! Let me know if you’re planning on grabbing The Touryst Deluxe, and if you’re returning to your holiday, what do you want to explore first?
