Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Encore Edition struggles to maintain its target frame rates on Nintendo Switch 2, despite making several graphical compromises compared to the PS5 version. A new comparison shows that both graphics modes fall below their intended performance targets, with noticeable reductions in reflections, image quality and environmental detail.
The Switch 2 version offers two graphics modes. Performance mode targets 1080p at 40fps, while Quality mode aims for 1440p at 30fps. By comparison, the PS5 version targets 1080p at 60fps in its Performance mode.
Reflections are among the biggest differences between the two versions. On Switch 2, they appear noticeably blurrier and lower in quality, even when using Quality mode. The comparison show the gap between Nintendo’s console and PS5 as substantial, with the latter producing much clearer reflections.
Image quality is closer in Switch 2’s Quality mode, although the PS5 version still looks sharper overall. Performance mode fares worse, with unstable resolution and some textures appearing heavily degraded. Certain surfaces lose enough detail that their textures become difficult to distinguish.
Shadows are relatively similar across the PS5 Performance mode and both Switch 2 modes, with each producing a soft appearance. However, Switch 2 Performance mode uses lower levels of detail, while shadow quality and ambient occlusion are also reduced compared to PS5.
These graphical cuts don’t appear to be enough to maintain stable performance. According to the comparison, Switch 2 Quality mode drops below its 30fps target, while Performance mode also struggles to sustain 40fps. The results are particularly disappointing given the reductions in visual quality.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Encore Edition is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. Unlike the original Nintendo Switch release, which relied on cloud streaming, the new edition runs natively on the hardware. It also introduces full controller integration and exclusive 1980s-inspired glam rock outfits for the Guardians.
The original Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix. It launched on October 26, 2021, and received praise for its writing, humour and soundtrack.
