Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Nintendo Switch 2: A Technical and Nostalgic Triumph

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Nintendo Switch 2: A Technical and Nostalgic Triumph The iconic skateboarding franchise Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater continues its legacy on Nintendo’s latest hardware with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed by Activision, this much-anticipated collection brings together remastered versions of the third and fourth entries in the legendary series.

Following the critical success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, fans were eager to see how the next installments would fare, both in terms of gameplay and technical performance, particularly on Nintendo’s new platform. At launch, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 faced some issues that affected the overall experience.

However, Activision swiftly addressed these concerns with updates, allowing the game to shine in its intended form.

The wait for a polished release proved worthwhile, giving both new players and series veterans the chance to fully explore the enhanced world of Tony Hawk on the Nintendo Switch 2.

This installment marks a significant milestone by offering a native Switch 2 port, showcasing what the hardware is capable of in terms of graphics and smooth gameplay. Performance has long been a point of discussion within the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater community.

The earlier release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the original Switch delivered enjoyable gameplay, but was hindered by its lower framerate compared to other platforms.

In stark contrast, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a steady 60 frames per second, aligning with the PlayStation 2 originals’ technical prowess and offering fans a premiere skateboarding experience.

According to statements from the development team, the Switch 2 edition was specifically designed to capitalize on the console's new capabilities, resulting in performance and visuals that are finally on par with other current-generation platforms. Beyond the technical enhancements, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 builds upon the foundation laid by Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.

All the new tricks and maneuvers introduced in the later entries—like the revert and spine transfer—are integrated seamlessly, adding depth for both newcomers and returning players.

While most legacy levels have been meticulously updated for this release, some original content couldn’t be included due to fundamental gameplay differences, especially regarding the shift in game structure in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4.

The fourth title had abandoned the series’ classic two-minute run format in favor of more expansive, open environments with objectives given by in-game characters.

For this remastered collection, developers adapted as many elements as possible from Pro Skater 4 into the traditional structure, but fans should be aware that some compromises were made, and several new levels have been created to fill the gaps. One major point of discussion among enthusiasts is the approach to the game’s legendary soundtrack.

While Activision managed to secure most of the iconic tracks for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 features a much broader selection of new music.

Only a few key songs from the originals make a return, with many being replaced by fresh tracks from familiar artists.

The overall quality remains strong, maintaining the series’ tradition of introducing players to emerging bands, though long-time fans may miss some personal favorites absent from this edition. Gameplay retains the classic Tony Hawk arcade feel that fans love: easy to pick up yet rewarding for players who master chaining tricks for high scores.

The online functionality is cross-platform, making it easy to find opponents and friends, and progression in the create-a-skater mode adds another layer of replay value.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version in particular benefits from minimal technical compromises, offering what is arguably the definitive portable Tony Hawk experience. In summary, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 for Nintendo Switch 2 represents an impressive blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Despite alterations to certain gameplay structures and a revamped soundtrack, the remastered package stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal.

With enhanced visuals, robust online play, and fluid gameplay, it’s an essential pickup for skateboarding game enthusiasts and a high point for the series on Nintendo’s latest console.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Tony Hawk Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Technical Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Activision Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 PlayStation 2 Nintendo eShop