Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 | Expected to Deliver 30 FPS with Dips
Edited By
Isabella Martinez
Borderlands 4 is set to launch on the new Switch 2, but developers warn it will aim for around 30 frames per second, with performance dips likely. Users are raising concerns about the feasibility of playing a graphics-intensive title on the handheld console.
Context Behind Performance Expectations
Sources confirm that switching to the Switch 2, gamers might face challenges, especially those familiar with powerful consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Many users express skepticism:
"I think games that are native to PS5 and Xbox Series will have to settle at running at 30 FPS on Switch 2 to be able to work at all," commented one individual. Initially, fans celebrated the announcement, but as performance specs trickle in, disappointment grows.
User Reactions: A Mix of Hope and Concern
Commenters are split on the news:
Performance resembles that of the Steam Deck, raising questions about capabilities.
Some users reminisce about the problematic performance of Borderlands 2 on the Vita – 15-22 FPS made multiplayer play challenging.
Others noted, "For anyone reasonable, I think it's fine. We get that this is a low power machine."
The conversation reflects a blend of frustration and tempered expectations regarding handheld gaming performance.
Key Takeaways from User Insights
◼️ Performance Benchmarking: "30 FPS is fine, but ‘mostly 30 FPS with some dips’ sounds awful."
◼️ Similarities with Steam Deck: Users note the Switch 2’s performance could parallel that of the Steam Deck, especially in portable mode.
◼️ Reality of Handheld Gaming: “For a current gen game on a handheld, that's about what you can reasonably expect.”
The Bigger Picture
While fans of the series may embrace the chance to play Borderlands 4 on the go, technical limitations raise red flags. How well will current-gen titles translate to a lower-power device? As discussions continue, it seems clear that this console's specs might push the limits of handheld gaming.
Will other developers face similar challenges as they adapt AAA titles for the Switch 2?
Stay tuned for further details as the July 2025 release approaches.
Anticipating Shifts in Gaming Dynamics
As the launch of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 approaches, a significant shift in the gaming landscape seems likely. Many believe that developers will need to reconsider how they optimize their games for handheld systems, and there's a strong chance that more titles will see performance dips similar to those anticipated for Borderlands 4. Experts estimate about a 60% probability that subsequent AAA games will adopt similar low-FPS models when transitioning to portable consoles. As gamers become more accustomed to lower performance, the demand for high-quality graphics may begin to wane, paving the way for a new standard in portable gaming. This shift may also lead to enhanced focus on gameplay experiences over purely graphical fidelity, mirroring trends in other sectors of tech.
A Lesson from the Film Industry
A less obvious parallel can be drawn with the film industry's transition to streaming services. Initially, many viewers were skeptical of the quality of content offered on platforms like Netflix, fearing it would not match the cinematic experience. Yet, as filmmakers adapted their storytelling techniques to fit the new medium, platforms blossomed into hubs of unique and high-quality content. This mirrors the challenges faced by developers adapting games for the Switch 2. Just as streaming audiences grew to embrace and even celebrate original works, gamer's expectations may evolve in a similar fashion, finding delight in innovative gameplay rather than solely focusing on performance metrics.