When Resident Evil 2 first came to Nintendo hardware, it was released as a cloud version. Since the game relied on cloud streaming, the experience was not particularly good. Now, Capcom has finally released a native version of the game on Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 is much more powerful hardware, so naturally, the game runs on it without the same limitations.
We have already seen several modern Resident Evil games running on Switch 2, including the latest entry, Resident Evil Requiem. Capcom also recently released Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village on the platform, and both ports were quite good.
Resident Evil 2 Remake is launching on Switch 2 in a Deluxe Edition. Compared to the standard edition, it includes extra costumes for Leon and Claire, around three or four in total, along with three additional weapons. You can also play the soundtrack from the original Resident Evil 2 in the game.
Resident Evil 2 is a legendary game, particularly because it helped establish a new era for Capcom. It was not just a successful release; it changed the company’s entire future, which makes it especially important. I still remember how Capcom first introduced the project and how its developers announced that they were starting work on the Resident Evil 2 Remake. When the game finally launched, it not only met our expectations but exceeded them.
Speaking about the technical side of the Switch 2 version, I am happy to say that all three Resident Evil games Capcom has released on the platform run at almost a perfect 60 FPS. The performance was good in both handheld and docked modes, and I did not notice any significant frame rate drops.
Of course, Resident Evil 2 Remake is an older game that was also released on PS4, so it was not particularly demanding to begin with. It is also a linear game, meaning its visual requirements are not especially demanding by modern standards. Even so, Capcom has done a great job porting it to Switch 2. The game looks good, and its performance is equally impressive.
As for the game itself, Resident Evil 2 Remake lets you play through either Leon’s or Claire’s story. Capcom made some changes to the original game for the remake, so the two campaigns do not play out exactly as they did in the original Resident Evil 2. Some areas have been cut, while others have been expanded or changed. However, these changes are not significant enough to be a problem.
You choose either Leon or Claire for your first run, and then you need to play through a second run with the other character to reach the complete ending. The remake also established the over-the-shoulder third-person camera that became a defining feature of Capcom’s approach to remaking Resident Evil games, including Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil Veronica. The original Resident Evil games used fixed camera angles, but this remake moved the series towards a third-person perspective. In many ways, it laid the foundation for Capcom’s approach to future remakes.
I really like the level design, and the game has several memorable locations. Inventory management can be an issue because of the limited space available, but the item boxes provide a solution. Whenever you find one, you can use it to move items around, store things you do not need and save your game.
The game also offers plenty of action, although ammunition can sometimes be limited. Even so, you generally have enough bullets to take down at least some of the enemies you encounter.
One of the most memorable aspects of the game is its main villain, Mr. X. His presence throughout the game makes him a unique and memorable enemy, and this became one of the remake’s most famous features.
Resident Evil 2 Remake remains a classic that will continue to be remembered for years to come. It completely changed Capcom’s approach to the franchise, and the game still holds up remarkably well. Its story, gameplay and level design remain excellent, and the Switch 2 port has no major flaws. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has not played it yet.
Game Information
- Game Title: Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Capcom
- Developer: Capcom
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Review Code: Provided by the publisher
