The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Fus-Ro-Dah Review also on Nintendo Switch 2

Sometimes donuts...

Skyrim on Nintendo Switch 2 presents itself as a re-release designed to leverage the power of the new console, while maintaining the Anniversary Edition framework already seen on other platforms. The package includes all additional content introduced over the years: the original expansions, official Creation Club mods, new quests, fishing, and survival mode, which adds a more realistic level of challenge. These features are complemented by exclusive functions for the Nintendo ecosystem, such as amiibo compatibility and motion controls, which remain present in this version, along with the ability to use Joy-Cons in mouse mode for more intuitive interface management.

From a technical standpoint, the leap from the first Switch is evident. The implementation of DLSS allows for a more defined resolution and significantly reduced loading times, while volumetric effects like fog and lighting benefit from the console's extra power, delivering more immersive and detailed scenarios. 

...come with a bug!

...come with a bug!

However, despite these improvements, the game remains locked at 30 frames per second, a choice that penalizes overall fluidity and becomes even more evident in the most frantic moments or densely populated areas, where frame rate drops (albeit sporadic) are recorded. The decision not to exploit the extra processing power for 60 fps is a sign of wanting to make a product tied to marketing, even more than something fans truly desire.

The effects also turn on and off on multiple occasions, a sign that the product is still unpolished… despite its many years. Even more problematic is the input lag: delays in commands that can reach up to a second compromise responsiveness and make the experience less enjoyable, especially in combat, not to mention wanting to use the pads as a mouse, in which case you reach the madness of slowdown. What is then intolerable is the use of the Pro Controller. If you want to pick locks, you will notice that a bug prevents the correct use of the dual stick, which does not happen with classic Joy-Cons. 

The installation size is not insignificant, as it stands at around 53 GB, a figure higher than the PC and console versions, and for textures and a general system of inferior quality to boot. Update management is not as intuitive: several users had to completely uninstall the previous version to access the upgrade, a cumbersome process that generated no small amount of frustration. Graphically, although upscaling improves the overall rendering, in portable mode artifacts and loss of detail are sometimes noticeable, a sign that optimization is not yet perfect. I confess, however, that for the sake of completeness, I installed the same version on PC - after many years - and there the quantity of bugs is even higher, especially on the texture front, so I believe it's something that cannot be escaped.

A unique and memorable work

What I photographed above is the current situation, will it perhaps be resolved in the future? It's unknown, considering that on PC it's even worse and a lot of time has passed since the release of the A.E. version, and it's obvious that nothing can be said but compliments for the original game that thrilled us all. All the quests are there, even more, as are the weapons, enemies, and all its rough edges, like the beauty of the original game. Curiously, among all that could have been corrected (and wasn't), they fixed the bug of the basket on NPCs' heads to allow for peaceful stealing, but that's another story.