Admittedly, my expectations for NieR: Automata on the Nintendo Switch had been fairly low. I really like Nintendo’s handheld greater than most, choosing it up close to sufficient on daily basis, however I’m additionally fairly accustomed to it’s restricted efficiency capabilities (as anybody that picked up Dark Souls on the platform will let you know).

So, after I had the chance to play NieR:Automata on Switch this previous week, I started the obtain with a quiver of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ at hand. Yet, whereas I’m solely about eight hours into Yoko Taro’s unsettling masterpiece, I can’t wait to see it by means of to the top (or 26 ends, on this case).

Just yesterday, we noticed the Anniversary Edition of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim come to Switch, and that is certainly one of many enormous titles that has been ported to the hand-held since its launch in 2017. There’s additionally Dark Souls, Wolfenstein, and The Witcher 3, to call however a couple of triple-A juggernauts on the hybrid residence console/handheld gadget. If you’ve picked any of those video games up, you’ll know that they definitely really feel compromised on the Switch in comparison with different platforms.

Now, I’ve not performed NieR:Automata earlier than, however I’ve seen sufficient streamers, movies, and random clips on Twitter to know that I used to be in for fairly the fantastical experience. I used to be ready particularly for the sport to return to Switch to strive it, in order that I may roam round and tackle fights as 2B and get to know the androids from the consolation of my sofa.

I wished to go in blind – see simply how properly NieR:Automata performed and carried out, crunched down to suit simply between my palms. And you understand what? I’m pleasantly blown away by it. I’m reluctant to name the port a miracle, although; we’ve seen the wizards at Virtuos by some means handle to get L.A. Noire working seamlessly on Switch (even when there isn’t really sufficient storage on an ordinary Switch to play the sport. Oops.)

Virtuous is similar crew that introduced video games akin to Dark Souls Remastered and Bioshock: The Collection to the hand-held, so I shouldn’t be shocked that NieR:Automata performs out as seamlessly because it does. And with none audio compression points, both – think about that! At 30fps, NieR:Automata manages 1080p whereas docked, and 720p when enjoying handheld. With NieR: Automata being as atmospheric as it’s, it solely feels proper to play this on a much bigger display the place attainable; that mentioned, enjoying handheld continues to be an unproblematic expertise (in case your eyesight is healthier than mine is, anyway).

Don’t get me flawed, my Switch gave the impression of a steam practice through the opening of the sport, however after dealing with the primary quarter-hour, the remainder of my journey up till leaving the Amusement Park was assuredly high-quality. Frames can drop amidst busy fight sequences, as is to be anticipated, however mess with a couple of visible settings and this turns into barely noticeable.

For a port that isn’t being bought at full value, it seems like a no brainer to select this up as a long-time NieR fan, or somebody desirous to strive the sport in consolation for the primary time (like myself). Virtuous is clearly masterful in relation to bringing huge titles to Switch, and reclaiming the world from machines as 2B, 9S, and A2 has by no means felt so good. You may even argue these occasional body drops aid you really feel like an android glitching out as you play, if you would like. You know, to slot in with the entire meta-commentary NieR excels at.

All in all, I’m glad I waited for NieR:Automata to reach on Nintendo Switch, and I’m very wanting to see simply how the hand-held holds up as I make my approach in the direction of these 26 endings that everybody retains telling me about.