Diablo 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 offers a 40 FPS performance mode alongside a 30 FPS option with enhanced visuals, according to a new analysis from Digital Foundry. The port generally performs well, although testing identified several unusual aspects involving resolution, visual settings, and frame pacing.
The Switch 2 version provides two visual options in both docked and handheld modes. Enhanced Visuals Off targets 40 FPS, while Enhanced Visuals On targets 30 FPS. On 120Hz displays, players can select either mode, while 60Hz displays require Enhanced Visuals On.
Digital Foundry found that both modes appear to render at 1080p when docked, despite Blizzard stating that Enhanced Visuals Off targets 1080p and Enhanced Visuals On targets 1440p. The two modes also have similar image structures and aliasing characteristics. Enhanced Visuals On is somewhat sharper, although the difference appears to come primarily from post-process sharpening rather than a major resolution increase.
The Enhanced Visuals setting is also described as adding ray tracing and improvements to features such as fur. However, Digital Foundry could not find clear evidence of ray-traced shadows or confirm the presence of ray-traced reflections.
Performance generally remains close to the targeted frame rates, although occasional drops and traversal hitches were observed. The 40 FPS mode can also experience frame pacing issues during some pre-rendered cutscenes that run at 30 FPS. Handheld performance was considered generally solid, although the analysis did not provide specific performance figures for the portable mode.
Compared with the PlayStation 5 version, Diablo 4 on Switch 2 has lower texture detail, less complex models, fewer foliage shadows and lower overall image quality. Spell effects also appear less dense. However, Digital Foundry noted that more demanding endgame encounters could potentially produce different results, as testing was conducted using characters around level 33 or 34.
Despite these limitations, Digital Foundry considers the Switch 2 version a good port. The 40 FPS mode in particular provides a more responsive experience, while the game retains much of its visual presentation despite the hardware differences compared with current-generation consoles.
