In a move that thrilled fans of action-adventure gaming, Aspyr has revealed the immediate availability of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on both Nintendo Switch and the newly released Switch 2, marking a notable moment for Lara Croft’s modern adventures on Nintendo hardware.
This unexpected release—commonly referred to as a "shadow drop"—was officially announced by Aspyr, surprising both the press and players by making the acclaimed title downloadable without prior notice via the Nintendo eShop. Originally developed by Crystal Dynamics and first launched in 2013, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition serves as the critically acclaimed reboot of the iconic franchise.
The Definitive Edition includes a host of improvements over the base game, offering players a vividly immersive experience through enhanced graphics, refined environmental effects, and intense, cinematic combat.
Celebrated for its more grounded narrative and the evolution of Lara Croft’s character, the reboot set a new benchmark for the series and quickly became a landmark title in the action-adventure genre. However, early hands-on impressions of the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions indicate that some of the graphical enhancements featured in previous releases—such as the highly praised improvements to Lara Croft's hair physics popularized in the PlayStation 4 edition—may not be fully present on Nintendo hardware.
According to official statements from Aspyr, the port has been optimized for the unique hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch family, resulting in some adjustments to certain visual features for the sake of performance and playability. "Players can look forward to the same gripping story and intense survival gameplay that defined Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, with tailored enhancements to ensure a smooth and engaging experience on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2," an Aspyr spokesperson stated, highlighting the studio’s commitment to bringing AAA experiences to new audiences without compromising gameplay quality. This release further bolsters the Tomb Raider series’ presence on Nintendo platforms, which already include the recently launched Tomb Raider I–III Remastered and the announcement of upcoming remasters for Tomb Raider IV–VI.
The addition of the 2013 reboot to the Nintendo Switch library enables fans—both long-time devotees and new players—to explore the origins of Lara Croft’s modern era on the go. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is available now for digital purchase and download on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The title carries on the legacy of Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr’s efforts to satisfy passionate Tomb Raider fans while introducing one of gaming’s most enduring heroines to an even broader audience.
This unexpected release—commonly referred to as a "shadow drop"—was officially announced by Aspyr, surprising both the press and players by making the acclaimed title downloadable without prior notice via the Nintendo eShop. Originally developed by Crystal Dynamics and first launched in 2013, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition serves as the critically acclaimed reboot of the iconic franchise.
The Definitive Edition includes a host of improvements over the base game, offering players a vividly immersive experience through enhanced graphics, refined environmental effects, and intense, cinematic combat.
Celebrated for its more grounded narrative and the evolution of Lara Croft’s character, the reboot set a new benchmark for the series and quickly became a landmark title in the action-adventure genre. However, early hands-on impressions of the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions indicate that some of the graphical enhancements featured in previous releases—such as the highly praised improvements to Lara Croft's hair physics popularized in the PlayStation 4 edition—may not be fully present on Nintendo hardware.
According to official statements from Aspyr, the port has been optimized for the unique hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch family, resulting in some adjustments to certain visual features for the sake of performance and playability. "Players can look forward to the same gripping story and intense survival gameplay that defined Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, with tailored enhancements to ensure a smooth and engaging experience on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2," an Aspyr spokesperson stated, highlighting the studio’s commitment to bringing AAA experiences to new audiences without compromising gameplay quality. This release further bolsters the Tomb Raider series’ presence on Nintendo platforms, which already include the recently launched Tomb Raider I–III Remastered and the announcement of upcoming remasters for Tomb Raider IV–VI.
The addition of the 2013 reboot to the Nintendo Switch library enables fans—both long-time devotees and new players—to explore the origins of Lara Croft’s modern era on the go. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is available now for digital purchase and download on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The title carries on the legacy of Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr’s efforts to satisfy passionate Tomb Raider fans while introducing one of gaming’s most enduring heroines to an even broader audience.
