Pokémon Legends: Z-A is getting the cross-generational treatment, releasing on both the Nintendo Switch 1 and the Nintendo Switch 2.
Sure, most people are going to focus on the game’s starters or the new mega evolutions, but, as with many other Switch games, the performance is going to matter.
Here is a breakdown of the Switch 1 and Switch 2 performance differences in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and which version you should consider buying.
What’s Different in Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 1 and Switch 2?
The difference in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions is purely based on performance. The Switch 2 version has a better framerate and resolution. Outside of that, both versions have the same content.
On the original Switch, games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were criticized a lot for the performance issues both had. Luckily, the Switch 2 is more powerful, and that power allows Game Freak to get more out of their game with the new hardware.
Should You Buy the Switch 1 or Switch 2 Version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
The version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A you should buy comes down to your situation.
Obviously, if you only own a Switch 1 and have not upgraded to a Switch 2, you should buy the Switch 1 version. However, it’s not a full guarantee that you should go with the upgraded version if you have the newer console.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with many Switch 1 games, and this includes Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The cost of the game is $10 more expensive on the Switch 2 for that bump in performance. If you need to save money, you are fully capable of buying the Switch 1 version and then upgrading later in the Nintendo eShop.
While the Switch 2 version does have the performance enhancements over the Switch 1, some people might not tell a drastic difference between the two. We are sure the difference is notable when shown side by side, but that isn’t as applicable when you only see one version.
To sum it up, if you are a Switch 2 owner, the Switch 2 version will give you the best performance. However, if you are in a spot where you need to save a little money, buying the Switch 1 version will still give you the full Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, with maybe a negligible performance difference when played on a Switch 2.
Which version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A are you going to buy? Let us know in the comments or the Insider Gaming forum.
Did you know some mega evolutions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are locked behind online battles? Also, here are the mega evolutions we know about right now.
John has been covering the game industry since 2017, covering all kinds of games and topics in that timespan. He loves his Nintendo games and enjoys achievement hunting as well.…
More from John Hansen
