Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2: New Gameplay Footage and First Impressions Ahead of Release

Capcom is set to launch Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2, along with multiple other platforms, on February 27, 2026.

As anticipation mounts, new gameplay footage unveiled at CES 2026 has provided a compelling look at the next major entry in the acclaimed survival horror series.

Resident Evil Requiem builds upon the franchise’s rich legacy by introducing a distinctly different environment: the bustling city of Wrenwood.

This shift represents a major departure from the series’ trademark atmosphere of desolate streets and zombie-infested chaos.

Videos captured from Nvidia’s PC showcase at CES 2026, which highlighted advanced features such as path tracing and DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation, revealed this lively urban landscape.

In scenes described by industry site VGC, everyday citizens and vehicles fill Wrenwood’s streets, suggesting a more dynamic and populated setting than fans are accustomed to. A spokesperson for Capcom indicated that fans can expect unique new gameplay mechanics thanks to this change in setting.

The presence of protagonist Grace Ashcroft—an FBI intelligence analyst—and the return of the iconic Leon Kennedy further intensify the excitement around the title.

Resident Evil community figure Dusk Golem, known for covering Capcom developments, previously emphasized that Requiem will likely feature expansive open levels, which could offer a fresh take on the series’ renowned exploration and tension. Performance is a key concern for many Switch 2 owners eager for the latest AAA experiences.

Nintendo Life contributor Lowell Bell had hands-on time with an early handheld version at Tokyo Game Show 2025.

Bell remarked that, even though the Switch 2 build presented a minor reduction in visual fidelity compared to its PC counterpart, it "still looked amazing" and ran smoothly without dropped frames.

This bodes well for a robust user experience at launch, with the flexibility of handheld and docked play that has come to define Nintendo hardware. Resident Evil Requiem is poised to continue Capcom’s track record of successful franchise entries on Nintendo platforms.

As the Switch 2’s February 2026 release aligns with Capcom’s multiplatform strategy, Requiem is expected to perform well both commercially and critically.

Players can look forward to purchasing Resident Evil Requiem digitally via the Nintendo eShop and other storefronts, with additional platform-specific features to be detailed in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations. With its innovative city setting, state-of-the-art graphics technology, and a blend of returning and new characters, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 releases.