The recent release of the Batman: Arkham Trilogy on Nintendo Switch has received mixed reactions from gamers, especially regarding the performance of its final installment, Batman: Arkham Knight. While the first two games, Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, have been deemed acceptable, Arkham Knight has faced significant scrutiny for its gameplay performance.
Gameplay videos circulating on the internet, including those from notable sources such as SwitchUp and Cycu1, indicate that Arkham Knight experiences severe frame rate drops, especially during Batmobile sequences. Reports suggest that the frame rate can drop below 20 FPS, significantly affecting the gameplay experience. This contrasts significantly with the game’s performance on other platforms, where it sticks closer to 30 FPS or its target frame rate.
The visual quality of Batman: Arkham Knight on the Nintendo Switch has also faced criticism. Comparisons with versions on more powerful consoles like the PlayStation 5 highlight a noticeable reduction in graphics. This decrease in visual fidelity, combined with the frame rate issues, has led some gamers and reviewers, including the YouTube channel GameRiotArmy, to label the game as “unplayable” in its current state on the Switch.
Warning I would stay away from the Batman Arkham Trilogy on Switch.
This is unplayable pic.twitter.com/j8V9RNs68T
— GameRiot (@GameRiotArmy) November 30, 2023
These issues for Batman: Arkham Trilogy might be patched in a future update so if you are interested in checking out the trilogy, it is best to wait until these are fixed. There is also the chance that they might not get resolved, so if you can compromise on the quality and performance just to get a portable experience, it is not a bad experience. While Arkham Knight is the game that suffers the most in terms of performance issues, the other two games in the trilogy, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, have received a more positive reception. Arkham Asylum, despite some frame rate drops in combat, and Arkham City, which has been commended for its satisfactory performance, are still seen as viable options for Switch players.
This trilogy, known for bringing Gotham City’s protector to life against a backdrop of notorious DC Super-Villains like The Joker, Scarecrow, and Poison Ivy, has been a staple in the gaming community for its rich storytelling and acclaimed gameplay. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch on December 1st and can be purchased for £41.99/$59.99.