Resident Evil 4 on Switch 2 is a good but imperfect port, TechRadar review says
TechRadar calls the Switch 2 version of Resident Evil 4 good but imperfect, citing texture pop-in and frame drops.
The game is available on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC and iOS, according to TechRadar. The reviewer said the core remake remains a survival horror masterpiece, citing Leon as a charming protagonist, excellent gunplay, a strong weapon set, a top-class narrative, high-octane action, puzzles and big scares. The remake launched in 2023 to universal acclaim and received a Game of the Year nomination, the review noted.
On Switch 2, TechRadar said Resident Evil 4 has more performance issues than the recent Switch 2 ports of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. The review reported texture pop-in in docked and handheld modes, with elements such as trees and cliffs appearing at lower resolution from a distance and becoming more detailed as the player approached. The issue did not affect combat, the reviewer said, but it occurred regularly and could make the experience less immersive.
TechRadar also encountered occasional frame drops, including in a cave with a purple flickering flame, where the game ran less smoothly for a second or two at a time. Distant enemies sometimes appeared shaky, similar to the Switch 2 ports of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. Combat was generally very smooth, however, and the reviewer rarely found the frame drops to create a disadvantage in skirmishes.
Motion controls are supported, which TechRadar called a welcome inclusion for fans of gyro aiming, but the implementation is uneven: vertical aiming felt precise and responsive while horizontal movement was sluggish. Traditional controls worked well, and the Options menu offers several schemes. In docked mode, the game showed solid graphical fidelity; handheld mode had less refined textures, though the dark environments still translated nicely, according to the review.
TechRadar said the port does not perform badly, and that for the most part Resident Evil 4 plays nicely on Switch 2. The reviewer also described rescuing a friendly dog or wolf in the village and later seeing the animal distract a towering giant during a fight, calling it good karma.