Playtonic Games’ remaster, Yooka-Replaylee, makes a bold impression on the Nintendo Switch 2, marking one of the most substantial technical and design improvements seen in a modern platformer. The game, which reimagines the 2017 original Yooka-Laylee, arrives with a long list of enhancements that extend beyond simple graphical updates.
On the visual front, Yooka-Replaylee on the Nintendo Switch 2 exhibits major leaps in fidelity. The developers have refined textures, lighting, and environmental modeling, while also introducing subtle visual touches such as enhanced hair effects, improved water reflections, and a higher overall level of environmental detail. The original Switch version ran at 900p resolution and 30 frames per second (dropping to 600p in handheld mode), while the Switch 2 version now targets 2160p upscaled from 1440p in docked mode and 1080p upscaled from 900 or 800p in handheld mode, maintaining a steady 30fps performance.
The improvements do not stop at graphics. Playtonic has adjusted animations, enemy behavior, and physics to deliver smoother and more responsive gameplay. These refinements include modified hitboxes that make combat and movement feel more natural and satisfying. Additionally, the developers took the opportunity to revisit the game’s level design from the ground up, addressing some of the original game’s most common criticisms.
The remaster introduces reworked levels with streamlined objectives, removing repetitive collection tasks and trimming excessive dialogue sequences. New areas and improved cutscenes enrich the adventure, while added abilities and refined controls bring a sense of modern polish to the classic 3D platforming formula. The result is an experience that feels both familiar and refreshed, elevating Yooka-Replaylee to a level comparable with some of Rare’s most beloved titles from the genre’s golden era.
Yooka-Replaylee was released digitally on October 9, 2025, and is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
