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So I got pretty lucky on this one. Having ordered the physical version of Oblivion Remastered on Switch 2, I had it delivered earlier today, beating out the official release date by a few days. With this being a port I figured people would be interested in, I’ve rushed to pop together some early impressions and a bit of footage showing the game in action so you can decide whether it’s one worth picking up. In short though? It is decent. Not perfect, but decent.

We’re looking at a 30fps target that is largely hit barring some hitches here and there, which you can see in the video. Those hitches aren’t insignificant, but they definitely aren’t game ruining. The controls feel significantly more responsive than what we saw with the various Skyrim ports, with the graphics being about what you’d expect from a Switch 2 release. Passably cromulent. To some extent I’m left wondering how good Bethesda could’ve got the original Oblivion looking on something like the Switch 2, but I guess I’ll never know.

The real star of the show for this port is Mouse Mode for me. It feels suitably responsive, and with the game allowing you to map your controller separately when using and not using Mouse Mode, you’re able to shift between setups surprisingly seamlessly. Using an analogue stick for movement and a mouse for camera controls has quickly become one of my favourite things about Switch 2 ports, and I’m glad to see Bethesda didn’t drop the ball here. Motion controls are also here, and giving them a go with my Switch 2 Pro Controller I can’t say I had any issues. It made aiming the bow a good chunk better; it didn’t quite feel as good as the more modern Zelda games’ motion controls, but they really are the gold standard for me.

I’ve spent a grand total of about an hour playing the game so far, and though I’m not exactly blown away, it’s a port I’m happy to own. If it does get the same support Skyrim has had in its previous Nintendo releases, I could see the performance improving a touch. At least removing those hitches you can see in the overworld. But it is always worth stressing: don’t buy the game on the expectation of such patches. If what you’ve seen so far is putting you off, hang fire and pick it up if and when those updates do come. For me personally, I’m happy to keep playing. I’ve certainly had worse performance trying to play on PC, though I do accept it won’t fly for some.

One area I will give Bethesda some credit is in releasing the game fully on cartridge. None of that Game Key Card stuff. My Micro SD Express card is particularly grateful, with the full game coming in at close to 60GB. There is still a small day one patch to grab, but that’s less than a gigabyte. Much more reasonable.

Is this a version of the game you’ve been keeping an eye on? Think you’ll pick it up eventually? Let us know your thoughts.

 

[Ettino]

Oh thanks! It's something I've been wanting to do for a while alongside what I post here. Still early days so hoping to improve with each video!

This video is doing well so far. Much better than the previous one. Hopefully the algorithm will be on your side.

 

[cluesagi]

There is still a small day one patch to grab, but that’s less than a gigabyte. Much more reasonable.​

Are you able to confirm whether the game can be played from the cart without the day one patch? Or will it not launch without it?

 

[purple_bandit]

If Switch has a 120hz screen and VRR why don't devs offer 40fps modes?

 

[Scarlet]

This video is doing well so far. Much better than the previous one. Hopefully the algorithm will be on your side.

I just need to have more games arrive before release. It's a perfectly sustainable means of channel growth lol. Gonna record a brief follow up to it today answering a few of the common questions and leave it there though. I imagine the bigger names will be publishing their content Monday or Tuesday and I'll drop back into obscurity.

Are you able to confirm whether the game can be played from the cart without the day one patch? Or will it not launch without it?

Yeah you can, I tried on my partner's console after somebody else asked. Weirdly it does prompt you to turn off Flight Mode when you boot the game, but it just carries on anyway.