Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition brings the upgraded version previously released on current-generation consoles and PC to Nintendo’s platform. The one major drawback is that, unlike the other versions, this is not offered as a free upgrade and instead costs $29.99, essentially the price of a new game. On the other hand, it is a beautiful port that brings the enhanced visuals to Nintendo’s hybrid console and showcases them impressively.
The main caveat with this port is the unclear status of ray-tracing support. I could not find any mention of ray tracing in the official promotional materials, despite it being included in the PC and console versions. Even though it was mainly used for shadows and reflections, it contributed significantly to the game’s atmosphere. While this release is visually far superior to the original Switch version, which suffered from blurry image quality and lacked 60 FPS support, ray tracing does not appear to be included. This was also the case with the first Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition.
Getting straight to the point, the game now runs at 60 FPS on the Switch 2, which is already a major improvement over the original 30 FPS experience. The visual upgrades also translate well to both handheld and docked play, with the game looking sharp and clean instead of the noticeably blurry presentation seen in the original Switch version of Little Nightmares II. Unfortunately, due to the way the upgrade system has been implemented and because the Switch and Switch 2 releases are treated as separate products, there is no path to a free upgrade, which is disappointing.
One of the things I have always liked about the Little Nightmares series is how it uses its environments and atmosphere to tell the story, and this sequel continues that approach. Developed by Tarsier Studios, with the Enhanced Edition handled by Supermassive Games, the game follows a new protagonist, Mono, who teams up with Six, the lead character from the first game, as they venture through a world filled with literal nightmares. It is a deeply unsettling story, but one that is told in a poetic and understated way, relying on subtle visual storytelling, environmental details, and background clues rather than spoken dialogue.
Little Nightmares II feels like more of the same in terms of gameplay, although its world is significantly larger than that of the first game. Tarsier Studios excels at art direction, and the puzzles strike a good balance between being challenging and intuitive. Most revolve around interacting with the environment, such as operating switches and levers, while also maintaining tension through the grotesque creatures that relentlessly pursue the player throughout the adventure. Stealth also plays a meaningful role, especially since the protagonists are small children navigating a world filled with hostile threats. Much of the gameplay is built around a trial-and-error approach as players learn enemy patterns and environmental hazards.
The main question, then, is whether this Enhanced Edition is worth buying on Switch 2 if you already own the original version. The visual and performance upgrades are certainly welcome, but they are not substantial enough to make it an essential purchase for returning players. If you have already completed the game, you are unlikely to get much additional value from this release. However, if you own a Switch 2 and are planning to experience the series for the first time, these Enhanced Editions of Little Nightmares and Little Nightmares II are the best way to play. Ultimately, these versions are better suited to new players. A free upgrade would have been the ideal solution, but unfortunately that was not the approach taken here.
Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition Game Information
- Price: $29.99
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Developer: Supermassive Games
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
