Respawn Entertainment has officially launched a native version of Apex Legends for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing a substantial performance upgrade to the portable hybrid platform. The update rolled out today and allows players to experience the free-to-play battle royale shooter with improved frame rates and higher resolution compared to the original Switch release.
According to the official details, Apex Legends now supports up to 60 frames per second on Nintendo Switch 2, depending on the connected monitor and the hardware’s compatibility. In docked mode, the game targets a resolution of 1920×1080, while handheld play supports 1792×1008. This represents a major step up from the original Nintendo Switch version, which was capped at 30 FPS and rendered at significantly lower resolutions in both docked and handheld configurations.
Players who log in to Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 before September 16, 2025, will automatically receive the exclusive “P.A.T.H.” Pathfinder skin as part of a limited-time promotional reward. To access the new version, players must log in to the game and will then be redirected to the Nintendo eShop to download the updated software specifically built for the Switch 2. After the transition, users are encouraged to delete the original “Apex Legends for Nintendo Switch” from their storage.
This performance upgrade arrives alongside a major patch for Apex Legends, which was detailed here. The latest update introduces several new gameplay mechanics and systems that reshape the core battle royale experience. Key additions include:
Major Features in the Latest Apex Legends Update:
- Amps: A new loot category offering five gameplay-enhancing effects at purple rarity.
- Elite Weapons: Exclusive new mechanics for specific weapons, such as the RE-45: Burst.
- Locked Hop-Ups: Require damage to unlock their effects, adding strategic weapon progression.
- EVO Harvesters Overhaul: Increased EVO rewards and reduced spawn rates to encourage control-based play.
- Care Package Updates: Peacekeeper returns to floor loot; Akimbo P2020 introduced.
- Ranked Mode Overhaul: Includes randomized drop zones, a scoring system revamp, and the removal of Heat Shields.
- Legend Balance Adjustments: Major buffs to Bangalore and Caustic among other tweaks.
- Loot & Quality of Life Improvements: New bin mechanics, changes to controller class perks, and general polish across all platforms.
Originally released in 2019, Apex Legends has since become a pillar of the battle royale genre. It has expanded across multiple platforms, including its initial launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, followed by ports to Nintendo Switch in 2021 and current-generation consoles in 2022. With the addition of a native Nintendo Switch 2 version, the game now reaches new technical heights on portable hardware.
The upgraded version is now available for all players on Nintendo Switch 2, continuing Respawn Entertainment’s ongoing support and optimization efforts for Apex Legends across different platforms.
