Bethesda has launched The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring enhancements like improved resolution and Joy-Con 2 support. However, the port has faced criticism for performance issues including input lag and a locked 30 FPS frame rate. A promotional trailer has also sparked fan theories about The Elder Scrolls VI's potential 2027 release.
Launch Details
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2 on December 9, 2025, marking another re-release for the 2011 RPG. This version includes the base game, expansions Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire, plus Creation Club content. Priced at $60, it offers upgrades for existing Switch owners: free for Anniversary Edition holders and $20 for the standard edition, with backward compatibility.
Bethesda's Matt Carofano, creative director for the port, described the frequent re-releases as 'a bit of a joke at this point.' He emphasized reaching new audiences, noting a 'whole new generation' of Switch 2 players. Development was relatively quick compared to new titles, focusing on hardware advantages like DLSS for better resolution and faster loading, plus Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, motion controls, and Amiibo support.
Performance Issues
Shortly after launch, players reported significant problems. Complaints include a one-second input lag between Joy-Con movements and character responses, a locked 30 FPS, and a 53GB file size—double the PC version's 25GB. Comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077, which runs at 40 FPS on the same hardware, highlighted optimization concerns. Bethesda acknowledged the issues on its support site, stating, 'We are investigating reports of performance issues on Nintendo Switch with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim after the Anniversary Edition update.' Players can submit feedback via a form, with updates promised.
Trailer and Fan Theories
A live-action comedy trailer featuring Santa and elves promoted the release. Numbers on an elf's character screen—speech skill at 27 and level nearing 20—fueled speculation that they hint at The Elder Scrolls VI releasing in 2027. One fan remarked, 'This honestly might be the best piece of evidence we have for a release date... Those are very specific numbers.' While some see it as deliberate, others dismiss it as coincidence. Todd Howard has called Elder Scrolls VI 'a long way off,' with early development starting in 2023 and playtesting underway since its 2018 announcement.
Skyrim has sold over 60 million copies, sustaining its popularity through mods and re-releases across platforms since 2011.
