Okay, so here we go. Imagine, right, you’re sitting there with your Switch, and you’re all excited about playing Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But then—oh boy—it runs like a potato. Seriously, not just any potato, but like, the soggiest one you left at the back of the pantry. It’s weird ’cause this game’s design is kind of brilliant, you know? It’s a mix of quirky charm and expansive adventure that feels like a lost masterpiece.
Back in 2022, I remember scribbling down my thoughts, saying how it’s like, a ‘super-effective new vision.’ Sounds fancy, yeah? But man, those graphics—ugh. Remember those stop-motion windmills? Or the distant hills that looked like someone smudged crayons all over a canvas? Kind of charming in a way, but, you know… not really.
So here we are, three years later (I know, time flies, right?), and guess what? Switch 2 is coming to save the day. Yup, they patched up Scarlet & Violet, bringing it back with a fancy new update. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Literally. I mean, I’m not usually one for hype, but this… this is different.
Got lucky, I did. Got a sneak peek, thanks to The Pokémon Company. Now, I was whingeing about the old version, so them letting me in early? That’s gutsy, or maybe, just optimistic. Either way, popping that update in was like turning on a light in a murky room. Suddenly, you see everything so clearly—framerate, textures, the works. It’s like jumping from a flip phone straight to a smartphone. Top-notch stuff.
Now, here’s something for the skeptics out there saying, “Frame rate? Meh, who cares?” But hey, play it on Switch 2 and then bounce back to the original. I double dare ya. It feels almost as if someone’s finally pulled the plug on slow motion. My buddy Joe (shoutout, mate!) even said it’s, like, undoable. Watch the Serebii preview and try not to gasp.
The visuals? Crisp as a cold autumn morning, with a sweetness of a hot chocolate in cozy socks. The infamous windmills? Fixed! Soaring through open fields doesn’t feel like you’re navigating through mashed potatoes anymore. Nope. Instead, it’s free, breezy, wild—like a horse that just noticed the barn door’s open.
Funny thing, too, how performance can change a game’s character. Like, you think you’re playing the same game, but suddenly it’s all brand new. More wild creatures spotted around, everything’s quicker—no weird delays when you’re tripped up by a rogue Pikachu. Plus, the menus? Fast as a flash. Even the box sprites don’t keep you waiting. Small stuff, right? But it adds up in a way that makes you pause and nod with a satisfied sigh.
Anyway, not all’s perfect. Still got some pop-in issues when you zip around Paldea. Flowers popping in are kinda like sudden surprises at a surprise party—fun, but a bit startling. And okay, maybe the game’s gotten to a point where the art style feels like it needs a bit more TLC. HDR’s a nice touch, though—adds a punch of vibrancy that makes the world pop, almost like it’s high on its own hype.
Overall, what a comeback! Scarlet & Violet finally got its groove. Probably the most polished main-line Pokémon adventure since we went 3D. Remember Metroid at 120fps? Well, playing Pokémon at 60fps feels just as exhilarating. Almost like sneaking candy before dinner. And if this is the future of Pokémon games, well, I’m thrilled to see what Pokémon Legends Z-A is bringing to the table. It’s going to be a ride, for sure.
