Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Gets Major Switch 2 Upgrade

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is just around the corner, bringing free performance upgrades for over a dozen existing Switch titles. Among them are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, games that faced criticism for their subpar performance on the original Switch. After spending 30 minutes with the enhanced version on Switch 2, the improvements are immediately apparent.

The official Nintendo site outlines the free upgrades for Scarlet and Violet:

"Enhanced visuals: Optimized for Switch 2 displays and high-resolution TVs."
"Smoother frame rates: Improved gameplay fluidity on Switch 2."

While the description seemed vague initially, I can confirm the games now run at 4K/60FPS (or at least appear to - I lacked measurement tools). The difference is night and day, especially on a large 4K TV where jagged edges and pixelation are completely eliminated.

The upgrades also boost on-screen Pokémon density and draw distances. Flying over Casseroya Lake revealed aquatic Pokémon from much farther away with zero stuttering, even during rainfall. Weather effects now render smoothly without performance hits.

Framerate improvements shine when viewing distant objects like West Province windmills or roaming Pokémon. Raid battles and Terastalization occur flawlessly too - though online play remains untested.

Loading time comparisons between Switch V2 (1080p) and Switch 2 (4K) speak volumes:

Title screen load:
Switch: 19s
Switch 2: 5s

Fast travel (North Province to Casseroya Lake):
Switch: 9s
Switch 2: 4s

Fast travel (Blueberry Academy to Paldea):
Switch: 17s
Switch 2: 5s

Menu navigation feels instantaneous now, eliminating the original's frustrating delays when browsing clothing or accessories.

While I enjoyed Scarlet/Violet despite technical issues originally, returning to the original Switch version now feels jarring. The Switch 2 enhancements transform the experience so profoundly that it almost qualifies as a light remaster.

As IGN's review bluntly stated: "Let's address the Donphan in the room - these games ran terribly." That's no longer true on Switch 2.

The improvements make me wonder if this Pokémon generation was always intended for Switch 2 hardware. That these substantial upgrades are free seems almost suspicious.

If performance issues originally deterred you, the Switch 2 version deserves reconsideration. These updates breathe new life into the Indigo Disk DLC and bode well for Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Switch 2 debut.

Which Nintendo Switch 2 Game Are You Most Excited For?

The DuskbloodsDonkey Kong: BananzaMario Kart WorldHollow Knight: Silksong

AnswerSee Results

These are initial impressions from brief hands-on time - deeper testing may reveal issues. But compared to capturing original Switch footage, I encountered dramatically fewer problems. The free updates launch June 5 alongside Switch 2 - simply update your system to access them.

Stay tuned for our updated Scarlet/Violet review after extended playtime. New arrivals to Paldea should check our comprehensive Pokémon Scarlet/Violet guide, complete with walkthrough and Pokédex.