Shadow of the Tomb Raider on Nintendo Switch 2: Performance, Graphics & Features

As predicted earlier this year when Rise of the Tomb Raider debuted on Switch 2, Aspyr hasn’t taken too long to shadow-drop a port of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the final entry in the “survivor trilogy” that began with 2013’s reboot and originally ended in 2018.

In typical Aspyr fashion, the port is a straightforward but functional one, though Shadow was always going to be the most interesting one to analyse on Nintendo’s latest based on how it was the one made with only PS4 and Xbox One in mind back in the day. The two previous entries had PS3/360 DNA in them, so the graphical upgrade was a significant one. Moreover, Eidos Montréal’s (lead developer) approach to combat was slightly different from Crystal Dynamics’ take, which caused some heated debate among fans.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider launches on Switch 2 in its Definitive Edition form. Like the two previous games, it comes with all the content released on other platforms. In this case, it wasn’t as packed as Rise’s complete edition, but the additional “challenge tombs” are pretty fun, especially since they can be played in co-op. All that has been preserved in this port (which is only 21.7 GB), but let’s dig a bit deeper…

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Switch 2 Graphics & Performance

Like Rise before it, Shadow of the Tomb Raider targets 30 FPS on Nintendo Switch 2 and sticks to the cap perfectly fine based on my testing. The denser jungle maps and firefights with heavier use of particle effects don’t make a dent on the performance, but some brief drips appear during the underwater parts of the initial catastrophe in Mexico.

Resolution appears to target 1080p in docked mode (left) like Rise, with a noticeably (but frankly okay on the console’s screen) less sharp image in handheld (right). I haven’t been provided information on the targets, but I’d say handheld mode could be hitting 900p instead. It’s either that or the upscaling to 1080p output here is working with a lower internal resolution.

In any case, Shadow of the Tomb Raider continues to be a looker no matter how you choose to play it, and the Switch 2 port retains its pretty convincing lighting, geometry, and texture work across the board. There are some draw distance and level-of-detail cutbacks if you compare it to the “ultimate” PC version, of course, but this is a stunner on Nintendo’s hybrid, and it reaffirms Aspyr’s “quality over performance” approach to visuals in ports from the PS4 and Xbox One era (Shadow of Mordor & War also got a similar treatment).

Again, it would’ve been nice to have a 40 FPS mode (same goes for Rise) that made some sacrifices in exchange for smoother aiming during heated gunfights, but it’s safe to say Shadow of the Tomb Raider performs better on Switch 2 than it did back on its original console platforms. Similarly, HDR being absent from these ports continues to feel like a missed opportunity.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Switch 2 Content & Unique Features

As mentioned before, Shadow of the Tomb Raider was lighter on DLC content than Rise, but its Challenge Tombs were nice additions that expanded on the actual tomb raiding diehard fans wanted. Moreover, co-op was a nice touch, and the Switch 2 port preserves leaderboards too. There are seven DLC tombs, with an even longer list from the base game unlocked as you make progress.

Once again, Aspyr put more effort into the console’s unique control features, meaning HD Rumble 2 makes a return (but is strangely set to off by default) along with gyroscope, touch screen, and mouse controls. The first option is a no-brainer that adds to the immersion, but gyro aiming continues to feel a bit off in this port. Touch screen is a cute “extra” for certain menus, and the mouse option is perhaps the most transformative one, even if 30 FPS don’t allow it to truly shine.

At $39.99 (with a 10% launch discount through November 4), Shadow of the Tomb Raider on Switch 2 doesn’t feel like a high priority for casual or curious players until it goes on sale. Aspyr’s work once again isn’t particularly surprising, falling short of very reasonable expectations in certain aspects, but at the same time, there’s nothing that’s really “wrong” with these ports. They look dashing, run well enough, and bring notable action-adventure games to a platform that’s a perfect fit for them.

Anyone coming in fresh will get a lot with the $69.99 bundle that includes the entire Survivor Trilogy, though. Yes, it can be purchased much cheaper elsewhere, but I’ve learned Switch 2 diehards are okay with higher price tags if the ports are good enough and they love the games. Considering how many Aspyr-developed Tomb Raider ports we’ve had already, I believe the developer-publisher knows a thing or two about its key customers. If you ask me, however, this is another functional but “wait for sale” release.

A review code was provided by the publisher.