Hogwarts Legacy, the open-world action RPG set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is gearing up for a refreshed experience on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Although Digital Foundry hasn’t had hands-on access to the Switch 2 version yet, early technical analysis suggests this isn’t just a simple port — it’s a reworked, optimized build specifically designed for Nintendo’s next-generation handheld-console hybrid.
This article dives deep into the expected changes, performance tweaks, visual upgrades, and what fans can anticipate from Hogwarts Legacy on Nintendo Switch 2.
Hogwarts Legacy for Switch 2 – Not Just Another Port
A Version Tailored for New Hardware
Digital Foundry’s early analysis points to a significant revelation — the Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy is not a straight port, but rather a version rebuilt and adapted to match the capabilities and limitations of the next-gen Nintendo device. This tailored approach indicates that the developers have prioritized performance, size reduction, and visual fidelity within the constraints of handheld gaming.
Comparison to Other Platforms
While improvements are evident, the visual quality still falls short of the Xbox Series S version. However, it reportedly aligns with or even surpasses the PlayStation 4 build, thanks to refined textures, models, and visual effects.
Graphics & Resolution: What Players Can Expect
Visual Enhancements with Some Compromises
Despite the system limitations, textures and lighting effects have been upgraded compared to the original Nintendo Switch version. Digital Foundry notes that the models and environmental elements appear sharper, albeit not as crisp as modern-gen platforms like PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
Resolution Upscaling and Its Effects
Here’s how resolution is handled on the Nintendo Switch 2:
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Native Rendering: 720p
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Upscaled Output:
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1080p in handheld mode
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1440p when docked and connected to a TV
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This upscale system introduces graphical artifacts, including minor blurring and pixelation — side effects of upscaling that are noticeable during fast movement or in heavily detailed scenes.
Game File Size and Optimization
Significantly Smaller Installation Size
One of the most eye-catching elements of this version is the dramatic reduction in file size:
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Switch 2 Version: ~24 GB
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PS4 Version: ~50-55 GB
This suggests a major focus on asset compression, efficient rendering techniques, and smarter memory allocation. By trimming unnecessary data, the developers have ensured that the game remains storage-friendly without cutting core content.
Impacts on Load Times and World Streaming
To facilitate faster loading and accommodate limited hardware, some open-world elements are replaced with transitional scenes or “closed” loading segments. This is similar to the PS4 version but in contrast to the fully open-world design on Xbox Series S, which benefits from superior hardware specs and SSD loading speeds.
Overall Gameplay Experience on Nintendo Switch 2
How Will the Game Feel on the Go?
The Switch 2 version offers a unique blend of portability and performance. While it might not match the polish of next-gen consoles, the freedom to explore Hogwarts and its magical world in handheld form — with better visuals than the original Switch version — will be a huge draw for players who value mobility.
Controls and Performance Expectations
Though details are scarce, early assumptions suggest enhanced frame rates, likely targeting 30 FPS stable gameplay with dynamic resolution scaling to maintain consistency. The Joy-Con or Pro Controller compatibility will ensure flexible control options, and we may even see custom Switch 2 UI elements for improved accessibility.
Key Takeaways from Digital Foundry’s Analysis
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Not a direct port: Rebuilt for Switch 2 with hardware-specific enhancements
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Resolution: Renders at 720p; upscales to 1080p handheld, 1440p docked
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Size: Smaller file (24 GB) thanks to better compression
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Performance: Visual quality close to PS4, but behind Xbox Series S
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Loading: Uses closed transitions similar to PS4 for faster load times
Hogwarts Legacy on Switch 2 Is Promising, But Cautiously Optimized
While the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy may not redefine technical benchmarks, it’s shaping up to be a solid, optimized rendition of one of the biggest RPGs in recent memory. With a more compact file size, improved graphics, and tailored performance, the game promises an immersive magical experience for Switch gamers — just with a few expected limitations.
The final verdict will, of course, rest on actual testing, but for now, the outlook is bright for fans eager to return to Hogwarts on the go.
