Resident Evil 4 Remake On Switch 2 Is Capcom’s First Disappointment This Year
Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 remake runs unevenly on Switch 2 in handheld mode, making it the company’s first disappointing port of the year. Frequent stuttering and a fuzzy image detract from an otherwise tense, action-heavy game, although the reviewer says the problems do not prevent play.
The reviewer found the game much smoother and more attractive when played docked, with HDR adding to its visual appeal. Handheld mode suffers from camera hitches, blurry foliage and textures that sharpen as players approach; stuttering is especially noticeable when groups of enemies converge. The article compares the result unfavourably with Capcom’s smoother Resident Evil Requiem port, while noting that Resident Evil 4 remake also looks rough on some handheld PCs.
- Handheld performance is jittery and the image looks blurry.
- Docked play is smoother and looks better.
- The game remains playable despite the technical issues.
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Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror game in which players guide agent Leon Kennedy through a dangerous rural area to rescue the US president’s daughter. Capcom released a remake in 2023, updating the graphics and gameplay of its 2005 game while keeping its action and horror at the centre.
The remake is available on Nintendo Switch 2, a console that can be played in handheld mode or connected to a television. How smoothly a game runs and how clear it looks can differ between those modes, and comparisons with other versions help show what players might expect.
Capcom is a Japanese games company that has also brought other Resident Evil titles to Switch 2, including Resident Evil Requiem. Reviews of these versions can highlight the trade-offs of playing demanding games on a portable console.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The handheld port’s frequent stuttering, camera hitches and blurry textures can undermine a game whose tension depends on clear, responsive action. Players paying for a remake on a portable console can reasonably expect a more consistent experience, especially when Capcom has delivered smoother ports elsewhere.
The case against
The problems are concentrated in handheld mode and, according to the reviewer, do not prevent play; docked, the game looks and runs much better, with HDR enhancing its presentation. Given that the remake also looks rough on some handheld PCs, the port may still offer a worthwhile way to play for those who value portability and accept visual compromises.