Hazelight Studios’ bold and imaginative co-op action-adventure game, Split Fiction, has made its way to the Nintendo Switch 2 as a launch title, and we’re here to answer the question on everyone’s mind: how does it compare with the existing versions?
For those who have yet to experience Split Fiction, the game builds on Hazelight Studios’ reputation for innovative, emotionally driven multiplayer experiences. Staying true to the studio’s DNA, it combines heartfelt storytelling with genre-bending gameplay that constantly evolves. The central plot revolves around two aspiring writers, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped in a malfunctioning simulation that fuses their respective Science-Fiction and Fantasy worlds. Zoe’s optimistic storytelling contrasts with Mio’s more introspective and financially burdened outlook. These personal struggles feel authentic and are central to what makes the characters relatable.
This dual-reality structure makes way for rich, contrasting level design and character abilities, with the game requiring players to work in synergy to navigate its challenges. Split Fiction excels by refusing to stay still, with each level introducing new mechanics and environments, ranging from cyberpunk cities to enchanted forests, ensuring players are always discovering something fresh. The duo’s abilities shift constantly, making cooperation not just encouraged but essential, as every challenge requires synchronized teamwork. The game thrives on creative momentum, with standout sequences like vehicle chases, gravity-defying jumps, and even animal transformations that never feel repetitive.
Despite the need for tight coordination, Split Fiction remains accessible thanks to smart design choices like frequent checkpoints and customizable accessibility options. Additional highlights include twelve quirky side stories that add bursts of surreal humor without distracting from the main narrative.
Without sugarcoating things, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Split Fiction takes a noticeable yet understandable hit to resolution compared to other console versions. However, the game’s visual fidelity remains largely intact. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it shines through its stylized graphics and artistic flair. The drop in frame rate to 30 fps compared to 60 fps on other consoles is once again noticeable, but not a deal breaker. While an additional 40 fps mode would have been nice, none of the game’s coordinated activities that require precise timing are difficult to perform on Nintendo’s new platform.
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a variety of ways for two players to experience Split Fiction together in co-op, without requiring a second copy. Traditional couch co-op is fully supported, allowing two players to share one console and play side by side, both in docked and portable tabletop mode. Online co-op supports the Friend Pass system as well as cross-play with PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S, letting those across other platforms play join you in the adventure for free.
Furthermore, the console’s new GameShare feature allows one player to stream the game from one Switch 2 to another, or even the Switch 1, without requiring the second device to download the game. This streaming system over local wireless is surprisingly smooth and responsive, with minimal input lag and visuals clear enough to comfortably play, even if they’re a step down from native resolution.
The Switch 2’s larger display is well-suited to Split Fiction’s mostly split-screen view. My favorite way to play the game was in tabletop mode with a friend at a nearby café. The availability of features like Friend Pass and GameShare ensures you’ll have no shortage of people to play with. This is especially welcome in a co-op-only game that doesn’t support online matchmaking.
Split Fiction’s exhilarating celebration of co-op gameplay effortlessly translates over to the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s taken a step further thanks to the console’s flexibility. While certain technical compromises have been made, they don’t get in the way of coordination and enjoyment.
Split Fiction Review Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: EA
- Developer: Hazelight
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
