Technical Upgrades Completely Transform Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on Nintendo Switch 2

I remember first playing Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on the Switch and thinking, “Wow, this game’s got so much potential… if only it ran better.” It’s like having a race car that stalls every couple of laps—kind of frustrating, honestly. Anyway, back in 2022, I called it a “super-effective new vision” but also jabbed at how it ran like an old flipbook sometimes. The windmills and cliffsides, man—felt like they’d stepped out of a Nintendo 64.

Now, fast forward three years. It’s like Scarlet & Violet went through a makeover. The Switch 2 update is about to drop, and I’m already calling it a full-on game changer. I got a sneak peek from The Pokémon Company. Bold move on their part considering I wasn’t exactly singing praises before.

Let me just say—it’s different now. Like swapping old headphones for surround sound. If you’re one of those “frame rate doesn’t matter” folks, play it on the Switch 2, then switch back. I dare you. Friend of the site Joe sums it up perfectly; it’s like going downhill after a high.

The graphics are sharper, and the game runs mostly at 60fps. Remember those stop-motion Pokémon in the distance? They’re smooth now. The difference isn’t just for tech bragging rights. The game feels… more alive? Scarlet & Violet were meant to be these vast, open Pokémon worlds pulling vibes from Skyrim and Breath of the Wild, but the frame rate used to slap you back to reality. Now, it’s seamless.

Beyond the “feel,” gameplay’s smoother too. Wild Pokémon appear more naturally, menus respond like they’ve had too much coffee, and those pesky slowdowns in battles? Almost gone. Pokémon Box sprites even pop alive faster. It’s the little things, you know?

But hey, not saying it’s flawless. Details still pop in outta nowhere sometimes, especially when you’re zipping around—a bit odd but hey, it’s not Game of the Year stuff. The art could use a sprinkle of finesse too. Though, the HDR does make Paldea look like a vibrant dream.

All in all, this feels like how Scarlet & Violet should’ve been from day one. Maybe even the best main Pokémon game—at least in 3D. Playing at 60fps feels almost… naughty? But this is it, the way it’s meant to be played. And now with stable games on our plates, I’m all hyped for this year’s Pokémon Legends Z-A. Can’t wait.