Exploring the Visual Downgrades in Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition for Switch

Upon the release of Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition on the Nintendo Switch, it is evident that there have been some notable downgrades in terms of texture details when compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions. Characters, objects, and environments lack the same level of detail as their console counterparts, making for a visually inferior experience on the Switch. This difference is particularly noticeable when examining the textures up close, revealing a significant gap in quality between the platforms.

One of the significant visual downgrades in the Switch version of the game is the reduction in reflection quality. When traversing over water in the world of Hillys, players will notice that reflections on the Switch version run at a lower resolution compared to the PS5. This decrease in reflection quality can detract from the immersive experience of the game, as it fails to capture the same level of realism and detail present in the console versions.

While the game runs at a stable 30fps on the Switch, it is not without its occasional performance hiccups. There have been reports of framerate drops to as low as 20fps and even 12fps in specific scenarios, as pointed out by Digital Foundry. These dips in performance can be jarring and disrupt the gameplay experience, especially for players who are sensitive to changes in framerate. Despite these issues, some may argue that the overall gameplay experience is not significantly impacted by these occasional drops.

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition for the Nintendo Switch presents a visually downgraded experience compared to its counterparts on other platforms. From texture detail discrepancies to reflection quality reductions and framerate stability concerns, the Switch version of the game falls short in delivering the same level of visual fidelity. While these issues may not ruin the overall experience for everyone, they are worth considering for players who prioritize visual quality in their gaming experience. Ultimately, whether or not these visual downgrades affect your enjoyment of the game will depend on your individual preferences and expectations.