The Nintendo Switch Port of Mortal Kombat 1 Isn’t Worth $70

Mortal Kombat 1 Shouldn’t Be On the Switch

Mortal Kombat 1’s release this year is a significant event, but forcing the game onto the Nintendo Switch, a console with aging hardware, seems like a misguided decision. The Switch’s specifications are significantly lower than the Xbox One or PlayStation 4, and the game wasn’t even released for those previous-generation consoles. Aimed at a wider audience, this port likely resulted in significant compromises. Expecting the same quality and performance as higher-end platforms while paying the same price point is a significant burden on Switch owners. Moreover, the game’s full content, particularly the Invasions mode, will take several weeks to be fully accessible on the Nintendo Switch.

The Graphics Are An Abomination

The Nintendo Switch, despite its capabilities, shows its age in Mortal Kombat 1. A direct comparison between the Switch and PlayStation 5 versions exposes a stark difference in visuals. The Switch version suffers from notably lower resolution, visible texture issues, and a general “low-poly” aesthetic. Screenshots and videos posted online showcase the visual degradation, with characters appearing expressionless and environments exhibiting poor details. These problems aren’t isolated to one Switch; multiple users have reported similar issues, suggesting a widespread problem with the port’s visual fidelity.

At Least It Runs Great…Right?

A common argument for the Switch version is its relatively consistent 60 FPS. However, this seemingly positive aspect has a downside. The frame rate takes a significant hit during combat, particularly with numerous characters on-screen. This results in visible frame rate dips and freezes, severely impacting gameplay, especially when interacting with tag-in assists. Loading times are also noticeably longer than on other platforms, often exceeding 30 seconds. These issues, coupled with graphical glitches and flickering backgrounds, diminish the overall experience.

Throw It In the Fire

Since Mortal Kombat 1’s launch, user complaints about the Switch port have been consistently negative. The limited in-game recording functionality on the Switch makes it hard for users to capture their experiences. Despite capture cards being a workaround, the sheer volume of negative feedback suggests widespread issues. Updates released by the developers might address some of the identified problems; however, the sustained reports of significant technical challenges likely discourage purchases for the Switch version. It’s a questionable investment compared to the performance available on other platforms.