With the release of Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch today, the developers have confirmed some additional details on how the game will run within the limitations of the console.
Around Season 4 of Apex Legends, talks began to develop a character-driven version of Battle Royale for the Nintendo Switch. Panic Button was tapped to help port Apex Legends, a studio known for bringing id Software’s Doom Eternal to the Switch with considerable success. Earlier in the year, the file size for the Switch version was revealed to be roughly 30GB, which is comparable to the base download on other platforms, but gamers were curious for more details.
Andy Boggs, Technical Director of Panic Button, spoke with Famitsu about the specifications of the new version. It confirmed that Apex Legends will run in two different resolutions depending on whether a player is in docked or portable mode. The docked game will run at 720p, and while in handheld mode, it will run at 576p.
Boggs also confirmed that the game would run at locked 30 fps. While ultimately it is necessary to limit the frame rate so low in order for it to run smoothly on the Switch, m any gamers may be disappointed. Respawn targets 120fps in Apex Legends with PS5 and Xbox Series X, so being locked at 30fps on Nintendo Switch can end up being a huge disadvantage, especially in the ranked league.
When players download the game on Switch, they won’t find a cross-progression implemented for Apex Legends. However, cross-play will be enabled initially, but can always be disabled. Although Respawn has made a commitment to cross-progression going forward, not having it at launch may deter some players from trying the Nintendo Switch version for more than a few games. Players may not want to search for loot, skins, and new legends if they already have them unlocked on a different platform.
Boggs also confirmed some unique features for the game on Nintendo Switch. Players can use gyro sensors to aim while in handheld mode, which will be interesting to see if it can be used successfully. The user interface will also change when playing in laptop mode, to make it easier to see on the smaller screen. All in all, it will be interesting to see how many players gravitate towards Apex Legends on Switch.
Apex Legends is available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Source: Famitsu
