Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Achieve 60 FPS on Nintendo Switch 2: A Major Performance Leap

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, developed by industry stalwart Game Freak, are receiving a substantial technical upgrade with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Since their debut, these open-world entries in the iconic Pokémon franchise have become the best-selling Pokémon games on the original Nintendo Switch, moving an impressive 26.79 million copies worldwide.

While lauded for their engaging open-world features, these titles were also criticized for lackluster technical and graphical performance when played on previous hardware. Thanks to a recent update provided via the Nintendo Today! app, fans have now had their first opportunity to witness Pokémon Scarlet and Violet running on the Nintendo Switch 2.

As previously confirmed by Nintendo, a free software update will deliver 'improved frame rates for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2' in addition to 'optimized visuals for the system’s display and high-resolution TVs, leading to enhanced image quality.' These enhancements are not just marketing speak—direct gameplay footage now verifies that both titles run at a consistent 60 frames per second on the new hardware, representing a remarkable technical improvement over past experiences. The uplift in visual performance and smoothness is particularly noteworthy given the criticism the games faced upon launch.

The Switch 2’s processing power and display capabilities empower Game Freak’s world design in ways the original Switch could not, offering longtime fans and new players alike the definitive Pokémon open-world adventure. The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised for a global release on June 5, 2025.

Its retail price is set at £395.99 in the United Kingdom, €469.99 across Europe, and $449.99 in the United States.

This new hardware release is anticipated to continue Nintendo’s tradition of delivering accessible yet powerful gaming experiences—now further bolstered by legacy titles receiving technical overhauls. In summary, the upgrade to 60 FPS and visual optimizations for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch 2 reinforce Nintendo and Game Freak’s ongoing commitment to quality.

As the best-selling Pokémon titles on the Switch platform, these upgrades are a testament to the continued evolution and popularity of one of gaming’s most enduring franchises.

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