Switch 2 Struggled in its First Major Test with Unreal Engine 5

The Switch 2 has managed to run many big-budget games better than expected, but the same may not be true for heavy titles using Unreal Engine 5. Initial performance tests of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on the console show significant fluctuations, especially in open-world sections. Furthermore, it’s stated that the release day patch was installed on the tested version.

Switch 2 Struggles with Oblivion Remastered

Tests conducted on an early access copy show that Oblivion Remastered generally performs better indoors. In indoor environments, the game often maintains its 30 FPS target. However, frame rate irregularities haven’t completely disappeared, and the fluidity of the image can be disrupted in some sections.

The real problem begins when you enter the open world. According to the visuals, the frame rate sometimes drops to 20 FPS, accompanied by noticeable stuttering. Moreover, the performance drop can occur even when there aren’t many enemies or intense effects on screen, indicating that the console is struggling under the load of Unreal Engine 5.

The situation is even harsher in portable mode. The test video shows a freeze lasting over two seconds during gameplay. This is thought to be related to the loading of open-world data. Such long freezes can directly affect the experience, especially while moving.

However, it wouldn’t be accurate to consider Oblivion Remastered as the sole measure of Unreal Engine 5’s overall performance on the Switch 2. The game also suffered from optimization issues in its PC, PlayStation, and Xbox versions. Nevertheless, this version is one of the first serious examples of the limitations Nintendo’s new console might face with large open-world UE5 games. If the Switch 2 wants to expand third-party support, developers may need to implement much more aggressive optimization in similar titles.

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