Bethesda's Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition launched on February 24 for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering three graphical modes including a 60FPS option. The port includes all DLC and Creation Club content, marking the first mainline Fallout game on a Nintendo platform. Early impressions highlight stable performance and improvements over the initial Skyrim port on the same console.
The release of Fallout 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 has surprised observers with its quality, following the troubled launch of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on the platform last December. Unlike Skyrim's initial 30FPS lock, which required patches for enhancements, Fallout 4 arrives with three frame rate modes from the start: a 30FPS quality mode, a 40FPS balanced mode, and a 60FPS performance mode.
In docked mode, the game targets 1440p at 30FPS, 1080p at 40FPS with comparable graphics, and dynamic 1080p at 60FPS with reduced settings. Portable play aims for 1080p across modes, though the 60FPS option can appear blurry in busy outdoor areas due to lower resolution. The 30FPS mode provides the sharpest textures and effects but feels less responsive. The 40FPS mode, leveraging the Switch 2's 120Hz screen and VRR, offers a smooth experience with crisp visuals, even on compatible 120Hz TVs in docked play. Testers report no screen tearing and consistent adherence to targets in both handheld and docked configurations.
Stability stands out, with no crashes noted during testing and load times matching recent console versions. The port includes all DLC and extensive Creation Club content, but lacks gyro controls and mouse support—features added to Skyrim post-launch. Installation requires 61GB, larger than Skyrim's 53GB. Overall, the port is seen as a significant step forward for Bethesda on Switch 2, building on lessons from prior releases.
