GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition Sets New Visual Benchmark on Nintendo Switch 2

GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition has officially launched for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing Codemasters' acclaimed racing franchise to the powerful new hybrid system.

The title stands out as one of the most visually impressive games available on the platform, showcasing how leading developers are harnessing the capabilities of Nintendo's latest hardware. Originally released for consoles and PC in 2022, GRID Legends boasts a high-octane narrative, a robust campaign, and competitive online features.

Its arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 marks a significant technical milestone, as Codemasters has implemented a range of customizable visual and performance options to suit handheld and docked playstyles.

Notably, this release also includes all previously available deluxe content and post-launch updates, ensuring Switch 2 players get the complete experience from day one. Digital Foundry, a highly regarded source for technical game analysis, put the Switch 2 version through rigorous testing, revealing detailed insights into how the game runs across various modes.

According to their findings, GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition offers robust performance across the board: - In docked mode, the graphics-centric option displays visuals at dynamic resolutions between 1080p and 1440p, capped at 30 frames per second to prioritize image fidelity.

A performance mode is also available, scaling from 792p to 1080p and delivering a consistent 60 frames per second for those who prefer a smoother racing experience. - Handheld players are presented with four distinct options: performance, battery saver, balanced, and graphics mode.

The graphics mode ranges from 792p to 1080p at 30fps, providing console-quality visuals on the go.

Performance mode maintains high responsiveness at 684p to 828p, reaching a steady 60fps.

Battery saver and balanced modes are optimized for energy efficiency and consistent frame timing, respectively, running at 30fps and 40fps with corresponding adjustments to resolution. Digital Foundry summarized their impressions, stating that while the 30fps graphics mode is ideal for docked players seeking the best visual experience, the 60fps performance option trades some graphical detail for smooth gameplay.

They did note the absence of a 40fps balanced mode in docked play, which could have offered another compelling option.

For on-the-go gaming, the 40fps balanced mode stands out as the preferred choice, delivering solid resolution and fluid motion on the Switch 2's advanced display—while still maintaining impressive visual effects, such as screen-space reflections. Nintendo Life's own review by PJ O'Reilly commended the "smooth performance" option, highlighting the strong visuals and broad range of settings, whether played docked or handheld.

O'Reilly emphasized how well the graphics modes were implemented, describing them as "solid" across both play configurations. GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a testament to Codemasters' technical expertise and Nintendo's evolving hardware platform.

As more third-party titles arrive on the Switch 2, GRID Legends sets a high bar, demonstrating what’s achievable in racing games on Nintendo's hybrid ecosystem.

For more in-depth technical analysis, readers can consult Digital Foundry's comprehensive video breakdown and direct comparison coverage on their official website.