Digital Foundry's Analysis of Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2: A Technical Overview

Digital Foundry has provided an in-depth technical analysis of Resident Evil Requiem on the Nintendo Switch 2, commending Capcom's commendable work in bringing this major third-party title to the platform. While acknowledging certain visual adjustments and an occasionally fluctuating frame rate, the report underscores the pivotal role of DLSS technology in elevating the game's presentation, especially when operating at lower native resolutions in both TV and portable configurations. The analysis applauds Capcom's success in retaining the game's fundamental aesthetic despite the Switch 2's inherent hardware constraints.

Optimizing Visuals: The Role of DLSS on Switch 2

Digital Foundry's examination reveals how Capcom has skillfully adapted Resident Evil Requiem for the Switch 2, focusing on maintaining the game's aesthetic integrity while working within the console's specifications. A key aspect of this achievement is the integration of DLSS, which intelligently upscales the image from lower native resolutions. In docked mode, the game renders at 540p, yet DLSS transforms this into a visual output that, according to the analysis, surpasses the Xbox Series S version. Similarly, for handheld play, the native resolution drops to 360p, but DLSS once again proves instrumental, producing a surprisingly crisp image for the portable screen. This innovative use of upscaling technology allows the game to deliver a compelling visual experience on the Switch 2, showcasing Capcom's commitment to optimizing the title for the hybrid platform.

The technical report elaborates on how the implementation of DLSS technology is a game-changer for Resident Evil Requiem on the Switch 2. Despite the base resolutions of 540p when docked and an even lower 360p in handheld mode, DLSS significantly enhances the final image quality, making it appear far more detailed and polished than its native resolution would suggest. Digital Foundry notes that this intelligent upscaling, likely utilizing a comprehensive CNN-based variant similar to PC implementations, enables the Switch 2 version to compete favorably with other platforms in terms of visual fidelity. This technological feat allows the core visual identity of the game to be preserved, defying the hardware's inherent limitations and delivering a convincing mobile iteration that leverages the console's unique capabilities effectively.

Performance and Compromises: Balancing Act for the Hybrid Console

While the visual enhancements through DLSS are notable, Digital Foundry's analysis also addresses the performance characteristics of Resident Evil Requiem on the Switch 2. The game operates with an unlocked frame rate across both docked and handheld modes, aiming for 60 frames per second. However, the report indicates that this target is not consistently met, with frame rates typically hovering in the 40s and 50s when docked, occasionally dipping to 30fps. In handheld mode, similar drops in performance are observed. Alongside these frame rate fluctuations, some minor graphical adjustments were made, including reduced geometric detail, lower-quality textures, and a different approach to character hair rendering. Despite these compromises, the game benefits from very rapid loading times, contributing positively to the overall player experience.

The performance review highlights the trade-offs made to bring Resident Evil Requiem to the Switch 2. The decision to run with an unlocked frame rate, while aiming for 60fps, results in a variable experience. In both docked and handheld configurations, players can expect the frame rate to frequently settle in the 40-50fps range, with occasional drops to 30fps during more intense sequences. To achieve this level of performance on the Switch 2, Capcom implemented several visual optimizations. These include a reduction in geometric complexity, the use of lower-resolution textures, and a modified rendering technique for character hair. While these adjustments are minor and don't significantly detract from the gameplay, they represent necessary compromises for the hybrid console. Crucially, the analysis praises the game's impressively fast loading and save-reloading times, which enhance the fluidity of the gaming experience despite the occasional performance dips.