Capcom is adjusting its big game optimization due to hardware restraints in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Japanese developers are now making performance updates in PC, PS5, and Xbox Series iterations of their games to best prepare for the new handheld. Because of this cross-platform optimization approach, people on other systems will notice real-world performance bumps in the frame rate and stability fronts. Anyone buying Dragon's Dogma 2 or Monster Hunter Wilds on PC/console can look forward to a performance boost without needing to purchase the new platform.
Capcom adjusts optimization for Monster Hunter Wilds and Dragon's Dogma 2 to meet Switch 2 requirements
Capcom is fine-tuning Monster Hunter Wilds in the wake of specific processing needs in the Switch 2. They are attempting to lower the CPU processing involved rather than simply taking upscaling methods like DLSS and running with those. This type of processing tweak helps bring the high-demand game in line with the handheld system's limitations. The developer confirmed that the performance improvements on the Switch 2 for the game in question actually help other platforms' performance of it.
Looking at the Monster Hunter Wilds demo we've tested, there's a notable jump in performance differences from what we have now to what's on the way with the Switch 2. The Monster Hunter Wilds demo runs at 45 frames per second on Switch 2 hardware. That's a significant increase from the 25 frames per second we're seeing on the Xbox Series S. Additionally, the Switch 2 does a better job of processing the CPU-heavy work in the demo than the Xbox Series S here. This shows the big step up in processing power Nintendo is bringing to the table with their new handheld console.
The Nintendo Switch 2 release date for Monster Hunter Wilds is set for December 4, 2026. Producer Genki Sunano's explanation was that their efforts to optimize the game for the new system are about increasing performance on all platforms. Capcom has already made these kinds of optimization updates to Dragon's Dogma 2 for noticeable performance improvements on PC and console platforms. (Recall our coverage of upcoming multiplatform releases with Signal Veil confirmed for PS5, Xbox.)
Capcom is setting a new bar with the Switch 2 regarding optimizing their next-gen offerings. They are making sure that performance updates on PC and console aren't a happy accident, but rather a point of focus. This strongly implies that game development will be swayed by the Switch 2 hardware setup for quite some time. The tech improvements from the new handheld Nintendo is bringing out will help all platforms.
Source: IXBT
Discussion
0 comments