Capcom Showcases Enhanced Multiplatform Support for Nintendo Switch 2
Capcom has demonstrated the performance of its upcoming titles, including Resident Evil and Pragmata, on the Nintendo Switch 2. This signals enhanced multiplatform game capabilities for the new console. Demonstrations highlighted efforts to achieve stable frame rates and incorporate advanced visual features through optimization and technologies like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), while noting visual adjustments compared to other platforms.
Capcom's Prominent Third-Party Presence
Capcom has been identified as a significant third-party publisher for the Nintendo Switch 2. The company plans major releases such as "Resident Evil," "Pragmata," and "Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection." Dedicated amiibo figures are also planned for these three games.
Capcom was the sole third-party developer featured at a recent Nintendo Switch 2 preview showcase, which also included Nintendo's first-party demonstrations.
Resident Evil Performance on Switch 2
A new Resident Evil title, referred to as "Resident Evil Requiem" by one source and "Resident Evil 9 (RE9)" by another, was demonstrated on the Nintendo Switch 2. While exhibiting reduced graphical fidelity compared to other platforms, the game was described as offering a viable experience. Demonstrations, which included the character Grace Ashcroft navigating dark environments, showed detailed character models and animations in introductory cutscenes.
The game targeted 60 frames per second (fps) during the demo. Observations indicated stable visuals and no significant frame drops during less action-intensive sequences. Lighting effects, such as those from an in-game lighter, were noted as effective despite being less complex than on other platforms. A sequence involving a monster stalking the protagonist was described as intense.
The game was experienced in both docked mode (from a first-person perspective) and handheld mode (from a third-person perspective). In handheld mode, a resolution difference was apparent compared to a 4K television display, though performance remained stable. Specific graphical adjustments for the Switch 2 version included reduced detail on monster close-ups and protagonist hair, while ray tracing functionality was incorporated. The Switch 2 version was estimated to surpass the graphical fidelity of a PlayStation 4 iteration of the game.
"Resident Evil Requiem" is scheduled for release on Switch 2 and other platforms on February 27. On the same day, Capcom also plans to release "Resident Evil 7" and "Resident Evil Village" on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Pragmata Performance on Switch 2
"Pragmata," a new Capcom intellectual property, was also previewed on the Nintendo Switch 2. This sci-fi third-person shooter features a soldier named Hugh and an android named Diana exploring a lunar research facility and confronting hostile robots. Performance on the Switch 2 was largely positive, though some visual details were described as less sharp compared to the Resident Evil title, potentially due to Pragmata's brighter and more expansive game environments.
Gameplay requires cooperation between Hugh and Diana, with Diana hacking enemies via a grid minigame to inflict damage, reduce speed, or expose vulnerabilities. This hacking mechanism operates concurrently with Hugh's actions, which include aiming, shooting, and dodging. The game's responsiveness, critical for its quick-time events, was maintained on the Switch 2. HD rumble functionality was noted for enhancing the tactile sensation of Hugh's armor footsteps. Similar to Resident Evil, "Pragmata" experienced a visual reduction in handheld mode but remained playable. Performance was noted as slightly less stable than the Resident Evil title, attributed to more active combat sequences and numerous sci-fi particle effects, though overall performance was observed to be sufficient.
Technological Integrations and Industry Impact
Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), an AI-powered upscaling technology, is reportedly crucial in achieving these performance levels on the Nintendo Switch 2. DLSS functions by rendering games at a lower resolution to enhance performance and enable advanced features such as ray tracing, subsequently upscaling the image to the desired output resolution. This technology is also utilized across the gaming industry, with PlayStation employing its equivalent, PSSR, and PC graphics cards also integrating DLSS.
Capcom's RE Engine is noted for its compatibility with the Switch 2, enabling the delivery of titles like Resident Evil and Pragmata as full-featured versions, rather than significantly scaled-down adaptations.
This development suggests that robust third-party support, as exemplified by Capcom, could contribute to enhancing the Nintendo Switch 2's competitiveness as a platform for multiplatform game releases, addressing a historical context where Nintendo consoles sometimes received technically compromised versions of multiplatform titles.