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Missing performance patches for first party switch games

Major First-Party Games Lack Performance Updates | Fans Left Disappointed

By

Kota Yamamoto

Jun 8, 2025, 03:43 AM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

3 minutes of duration

Nintendo Switch 2 with popular first-party game titles like Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem shown on the screen, highlighting the absence of performance patches
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A wave of frustration is sweeping through the gaming community as prominent first-party titles for Switch 2, including Fire Emblem, Luigiโ€™s Mansion 3, and Smash Ultimate, miss vital performance patches. With their popularity and polished gameplay, questions arise about Nintendoโ€™s commitment to optimizing these beloved games.

Why No Updates?

Many in the gaming circles find it baffling that so many major titles have yet to receive performance boosts. A push for these updates was expected, especially with the Switch 2 launch. Players wonder why enhancements like higher resolutions or frame rates arenโ€™t being prioritized.

Sources close to the situation speculate there's more complexity involved than simply tweaking settings. One comment from a gamer highlights that โ€œcoding a performance patch isnโ€™t like flipping a switch.โ€ Many game elements like physics and animations are tightly bound to current frame rates. Changing these could lead to significant rework for many titles.

The Silence from Nintendo

Curiously, Nintendo has not made a clear statement about future performance updates for their flagship games. Unlike upcoming paid updates for titles like Forgotten Land and Pokemon ZA, the lack of communication regarding free patches raises eyebrows.

"Itโ€™s a pretty odd message to send," noted one concerned gamer, illuminating the distress among fans who feel neglected.

Evolving Expectations

As some gamers previously voiced, it appears unrealistic to expect a multitude of games to receive significant updates at launch. Instead, the industry might see a pattern similar to the transition from PS4 to PS5, where only a select few games receive major upgrades. Meanwhile, anticipation for Mario Wonder remains high, with expectations for a thorough upgrade rather than minor fixes.

Sentiment Patterns

While many fans remain hopeful that updates are coming, the overwhelming sentiment reflects disappointment and frustration at Nintendoโ€™s lack of clarity. Players are eager for confirmation about which titles will benefit from performance patches and when.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ A majority of major first-party titles are missing performance patches.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Lack of updates contrasts with confirmed paid upgrades for select games.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Some believe technical limitations may hinder simple upgrades.

As we push further into 2025, Nintendo's ability to address these concerns could play a pivotal role in retaining player loyalty. The gaming community watches closely, eager for any updates that could enhance their favorite titles.

What Might Be Next for Nintendo's Ports?

With the gaming community's eyes locked on Nintendo, thereโ€™s a strong chance the company could pivot sooner rather than later. As they sift through the feedback, we might see some performance patches rolled out by mid-2025. Industry insiders estimate a 60% probability that key titles like Fire Emblem will get updates, especially with the anticipated upcoming releases that could bolster sales. Thereโ€™s also the possibility of selective upgrades when it comes to the most popular franchises, which will likely be a method to keep engagement high. If Nintendo recognizes the miss in communication and manages to publish detailed plans for updates, they could not only regain trust but also sustain interest in their game library long-term.

A Historical Echo in Gaming Evolution

In 2013, we saw a striking instance with Grand Theft Auto V on the Xbox 360 and its later release on the Xbox One. Initially missing optimization efforts post-launch, gamers voiced their disappointment as newer hardware debuted. In the following months, Rockstar came through with a heavier upgrade, illustrating their commitment amidst player concerns. This throws light on how gaming companies can turn an original oversight into an opportunity to enhance their product and reconnect with their audience. Just as with GTA V, Nintendo may find that the initial silence can turn into an opportunity for regaining favor if they promptly respond with substantial updates.