The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim received a free update today for Nintendo Switch 2 owners with access to the Anniversary Edition, delivering a clear boost in visual quality while also introducing fresh concerns around performance. The update places a strong emphasis on graphics, with sharper detail, higher quality textures, improved shadows, and more advanced lighting applied throughout the game world. As a result, Skyrim on Switch 2 looks noticeably different from its original release on the Switch.
In practical terms, the update shifts the game from what would be considered low settings on the original Switch to high settings on Switch 2. Draw distance, environmental detail, and overall scene density have all been pushed much further than before. Some graphical values, including draw distance, are reportedly set higher on Switch 2 than on the PlayStation 5 version, an unexpected point of comparison that highlights just how ambitious the visual upgrades are on Nintendo’s newer hardware.
Those gains come with clear compromises. Because of the heavier visual load, Skyrim on Switch 2 is locked to 30 FPS. This cap runs counter to expectations that the newer hardware could more easily support higher frame rates. In addition, the Switch 2 version is said to show noticeable input lag compared to other platforms, which could affect how responsive combat and movement feel during play.
There is still hope that Bethesda may add a dedicated performance mode in the future, one that lowers certain visual elements in exchange for a smoother 60 FPS experience. Given what the Switch 2 has already demonstrated, many believe such a mode would be technically feasible, even if it comes at the cost of reduced visual detail.
Skyrim originally launched on November 11, 2011, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, and went on to become one of the most recognizable open-world action role-playing games of its generation. Set in the northern province of Tamriel, the game casts players as the Dragonborn, tasked with stopping the return of the dragon Alduin. Its open ended design, flexible progression system, and extensive quest content have kept it relevant for well over a decade.
Bethesda surprise launched the enhanced Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 9, 2025. This version includes faster load times, improved optimization, higher resolution output, and full Creation Club content.
