Like many other Nintendo games, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is getting an upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2. Several comparison videos show how the versions differ. Some fans are shocked at how Scarlet & Violet looked back then.
What has been improved? As the team behind Pokémon states on their own page, the upgrade increases the image quality and frame rate. Specifically, this means: a resolution of 1080p and a rate of 60 frames per second.
Both on the display of the Nintendo Switch 2 and on the television, the difference is supposed to be noticeable. The increased frame rate ensures smoother movements. The upgrade is available for free, whereas other games for Switch 2 require a price for it.
How does the Switch 2 version compare? On the Switch 2, Pokémon runs significantly better than on the Switch. This is particularly evident in the number of Pokémon that suddenly appear in the wild. Additionally, windmills no longer run in still images, but rather smoothly. The same goes for the children in the classroom.
The textures have only been minimally revised. The upgrade focused more on performance than on the art style. You can see the comparison yourself in several videos, including on the X account of PokéNext.
“No longer a PS2 game, but a PS3 game”
What are the fans saying? Under several comparison videos, players draw a rather sobering conclusion. YouTuber Lennyficate for example states that through the upgrade he hopes that these technical specifications will finally be the standard for future Pokémon generations.
In the comments, things get a bit more aggressive:
- Letskickitup says: “Now it doesn’t look like a PS2 game anymore, but like a PS3 game”
- Artorias3966 agrees: “I generally understand the approach of preferring to invest money and get a decent product instead of half-baked upgrades that are given for free later. But seriously, what is being provided here should have been a given, considering the original state of the games.”
- Sephiroth1992 compares: “I find it sad that ‘New Pokemon Snap’ just looked so much better than the current games. Maybe Bandai Namco should develop the games next …”
Another YouTuber named LEOsMIND congratulates Pokémon Scarlet & Violet for finally arriving in the 21st century. In his comments, ZeraTroniX summarizes: “I don’t want to say that I didn’t notice the 30fps, but in comparison, it’s unbelievable what we have subjected ourselves to.”
Scarlet & Violet have received expansions after the release. In a DLC, you can even transform into a Pokémon that explores the region. How that works, we tell you here: In the new DLC for Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, you can explore the world as a pocket monster
