Bandai Namco’s upcoming horror platformer Little Nightmares 3 is set to launch this October, and early technical comparisons are already highlighting a clear performance gap between the original Nintendo Switch and its successor. Both versions retain the series’ signature eerie art direction, but the difference in resolution and visual fidelity is striking.
On the original Switch, the game runs at 972p with a capped frame rate of 30 frames per second when docked. However, this figure is tied to a dynamic resolution scaler that can dip as low as 540p or even 360p, depending on the intensity of the scene. In handheld mode, resolution is limited to a dynamic 540p, which is serviceable for the smaller display but less ideal on larger screens.
The Switch 2 delivers a far sharper experience. Docked play reaches a maximum resolution of 2016p, supported by a dynamic system that can scale down to 1189p during heavier sequences. In handheld mode, the game achieves a dynamic 1080p, nearly doubling the clarity compared to the original console. The frame rate remains steady at 30 FPS across both platforms, which is suitable for the game’s sidescrolling puzzle-platform design.
Beyond raw resolution, the Switch 2 version also benefits from more refined depth-of-field effects. Shadows and god rays appear richer, giving the atmosphere a stronger sense of depth and tension. While the original Switch still maintains playability, especially in handheld form, docked performance on the older hardware may feel significantly less sharp and somewhat murkier by comparison.
Developed by Supermassive Games and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Little Nightmares 3 introduces two new protagonists, Low and Alone, who must survive the mysterious realm known as The Nowhere. The title is scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
