Bandai Namco has finally brought Digimon Story Time Stranger to both Switch and Switch 2 following its earlier launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. While the original console release lacked a Performance Mode, the Switch 2 version includes one, with Bandai Namco planning to add it to the other console versions in a launch-day patch. As the name suggests, Performance Mode targets 60 FPS while lowering the resolution to around 1080p. But does this make Digimon Story Time Stranger the best version on Switch 2, or even the best portable version?
I really enjoyed my time with Digimon Story Time Stranger when it first launched, so after hearing about the port, I was excited to see how well it performed on Switch 2. I can’t comment on the Switch version, but the Switch 2 release runs great right out of the box. Unlike PC handhelds such as the Steam Deck, which struggled to maintain a stable 60 FPS, the Switch 2 version comes close to that target in both handheld and docked modes, even if it doesn’t quite achieve a locked 60 FPS throughout.
After booting up the game for the first time, you’re given the choice between Performance Mode and Quality Mode. I quickly settled on Performance Mode after spending a few minutes with the latter. While Quality Mode offers HDR and a higher 4K resolution, those additions don’t mean much when the performance is affected by noticeable frame pacing issues. The game certainly looks sharper, but the HDR implementation also felt buggy. The text would suddenly turn dark, and I confirmed it was a bug because switching back to Performance Mode restored the text to its normal white colour, making it much easier to read. I also didn’t notice enough of a visual improvement with HDR enabled to justify using Quality Mode, especially when Performance Mode simply runs much better.
The story of Digimon Story Time Stranger revolves around ADAMAS, an organisation that deals with anomalies between the digital and human worlds. The main character, who can be either male or female depending on the player’s choice, is an ADAMAS agent sent to investigate the Shinjuku Inferno incident, a catastrophe that destroys the world. The game is essentially a time travel story, with the player being sent back into the past to uncover the cause of the disaster and prevent it from happening. The narrative spans multiple timelines and locations, making it more complex than previous Digimon games. While it isn’t always easy to follow, I really enjoyed the depth of the story and found it more engaging than the series’ earlier entries.
The game is essentially a turn-based JRPG with a strong focus on Digimon. Each party consists of three active Digimon, while another three are kept in reserve. The core combat system revolves around the Vaccine, Virus, and Data triangle, where each type has an advantage over another. On top of that, elemental strengths and weaknesses, along with attack affinities, also play an important role. The game encourages strategic play by taking advantage of multiple weaknesses to build powerful attack chains. As battles progress, you can also fill a meter to unleash Cross Arts, high-damage special abilities that can quickly turn the tide of a fight.
While Digimon aren’t captured in the traditional sense, battling them gradually increases your scan percentage. Reaching 100% allows you to create and use that Digimon, while reaching 200% results in a stronger version. The game also features a Digivolution system, allowing your Digimon to evolve into more powerful forms. Although combat is turn-based, exploration is more active. Enemies are visible in the field, and striking them before they engage you gives your party an advantage when the battle begins.
Digimon Story Time Stranger is an excellent port on Switch 2 by almost every measure. The 60 FPS Performance Mode is easily the preferred way to play, especially given the poor frame pacing in Quality Mode at 30 FPS. Performance Mode runs at a dynamic 1080p and still looks good, although the lack of anti-aliasing makes image quality a little rough around the edges. The resolution does scale depending on the rendering load, but overall the game holds up well. While it doesn’t quite match the visual quality of the PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S versions, it remains a very capable handheld version of Digimon Story Time Stranger.
Overall, I’d consider this a great Switch 2 port. The drawbacks have little to do with how the game performs or looks, as it delivers an excellent experience on the system. The slightly lower launch price is an added bonus. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Pokémon series, this is a great time to jump into the world of Digimon.
Digimon Story Time Stranger Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Developer: Media.Vision
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
