Over the past few weeks, various European media outlets have had the opportunity to play several demos of Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 , primarily in TV mode and at events organized by Nintendo of Europe and Capcom. Thanks to these tests, a fairly clear picture can be drawn of how the game performs, what visual compromises have been made, which editions will be released in Spain, and Capcom's true commitment to the console.
Release date and context: the ninth installment arrives in a big way
Capcom has positioned Resident Evil Requiem as the ninth numbered installment in the series , a sort of spiritual successor to Resident Evil Outbreak, with an emphasis on constant tension, exploration, and raw horror. The game will be available worldwide on February 27, 2026 , and for the first time since the GameCube era, a major Resident Evil title is being released simultaneously on all platforms, including Nintendo.
In Europe, the game's presence has been felt on several fronts: Nintendo has brought it to events like Paris Games Week and private presentations in Frankfurt , and the title appeared in a dedicated Nintendo Direct in early February, where a new trailer running on Switch 2 was shown. Capcom's intention is clear: that the hybrid console version not be a mere late addition, but a top-tier edition.
The project is once again built on the RE ENGINE , Capcom's internal engine that has already proven its worth in other installments of the series. On the Switch 2, it has been adapted to take advantage of NVIDIA's custom chip, with support for technologies such as AI image reconstruction and ray tracing, something unthinkable on Nintendo's previous generation of hardware.
Beyond the technical appeal, the launch campaign in Spain and the rest of Europe is complemented by open pre-orders in both physical stores and digital platforms , a range of different editions and exclusive content that reinforce the game's presence in the console's initial catalog.
Story, setting and protagonists: return to Raccoon City
In terms of story, Resident Evil Requiem returns to one of the saga's most iconic settings: Raccoon City . The plot takes place years after the events of the first games and presents a more decadent and disturbing vision of the city, with areas familiar to fans, such as the RPD police station, now reduced to ruins brimming with secrets.
The player primarily controls Grace Ashcroft , an FBI agent and daughter of journalist Alyssa Ashcroft . Grace returns to Raccoon City some time after her mother's death, determined to unravel a series of strange deaths that could shed light on the darkest aspects of the 1998 incident. The investigation begins almost as a personal matter and ends up becoming a direct fight for survival.
Capcom has also confirmed that Leon S. Kennedy shares the spotlight with Grace . The veteran agent returns with his own playable arc, focused on action and sections with more enemies on screen, which will also serve to test the game's performance on the Nintendo Switch 2. Some press demos featured only Grace, but the campaign is designed as a dual experience where both perspectives intertwine.
In terms of tone, the company insists that we are witnessing a “new era of survival horror .” It combines psychological terror, stealth sections, escape sequences with relentless monsters, and more direct segments with gunfights. Much of the impact comes from the intensive use of lighting, shadows, and weather effects, elements that also influence how the Switch 2 port has been handled.
The enemy design takes another step forward: director Koshi Nakanishi has revealed that there will be around 100 unique zombies with distinct personalities , retaining traces of their former lives. Some appear performing household chores or move in very specific ways, creating a denser, more unsettling, and more varied Raccoon City, with distinct voices and behaviors even among the "ordinary" infected.
Gameplay: chases, puzzles, and two perspectives
The gameplay sessions organized in Europe have focused primarily on a demo starring Grace in a confined environment —a gloomy mansion or hospital—where the protagonist begins bound and kidnapped. The objective is to escape by traversing corridors, solving puzzles, and avoiding a gigantic monster that relentlessly pursues her.
In these demos, the structure remains true to the saga's tradition: searching for keys, calmly examining environments, managing resources, and choosing when to run and when to hide . The monster acts as a constant presence, forcing players to map out alternative routes, memorize safe rooms, and carefully consider every noise or glimmer of light. Unlike other installments, the emphasis is more on the feeling of being defenseless than on directly confronting the creatures.
From a control standpoint, there's no radical revolution, but several new features have been introduced . One of the most striking is the ability to switch between first-person and third-person views, allowing you to adapt the camera to the situation: more immersive for close-up horror sections, and more expansive when greater spatial awareness is needed.
Some demo versions have shown the presence of additional features, such as motion controls on more powerful home consoles . Not all of these features were active in the tested Switch 2 build, suggesting that Nintendo's version was still being fine-tuned when the testing events took place, leaving room for certain options to be added or polished.
Impressions from those who have played it highlight that, even at this early stage, the gameplay works very well: the tension is sustained, the puzzles don't break the atmosphere, and the chases are carefully paced to make the player feel pressure without becoming frustrating . It maintains that classic Resident Evil balance between cautiously advancing, looking over your shoulder every few steps, and feeling that any mistake could have serious consequences.
Resident Evil Requiem performance on Nintendo Switch 2
The main point of interest lies in how Resident Evil Requiem performs on the Nintendo Switch 2 , especially in TV mode. Several specialized media outlets have agreed that the performance is surprisingly solid for a game of this caliber running on such modest consumer hardware.
In tests conducted in Europe, the demo ran in docked mode with the clear objective of achieving 60 frames per second . While official figures are unavailable, the general impression is that the game maintains a very high frame rate for almost the entire session, with only occasional drops noticeable during specific moments, such as particularly demanding dynamic lighting, that don't disrupt the overall smoothness of the experience.
At other events, there has even been talk of an "unlocked" framerate that ranges between 40 and 60 fps , significantly reducing the risk of dropping below 30 fps, something that would be much more noticeable. In any case, all impressions agree on one point: the controls feel light, the aiming is stable, and there are no sudden frame rate drops that affect escape sequences or the most intense combat.
Part of this performance is explained by the extensive use of AI-based image reconstruction techniques, such as NVIDIA's DLSS , integrated into the RE ENGINE. The console renders internally at relatively low resolutions, and from there the image is upscaled to provide an output much closer to the high-definition standard expected on a television.
Those who have held a Switch 2 Pro Controller in their hands while playing speak of an initial feeling of disbelief at seeing the game run so smoothly on a device that, in terms of power consumption, remains far below a traditional home console. The recurring comment in the playrooms has been that "you have to see it live" to get a clear idea of the leap forward compared to what the original Switch offered in titles of this type.
Graphic quality: visible cropping, very careful lighting
This strong performance comes at a clear visual cost. The internal resolution of the Switch 2 version is significantly lower than on other platforms . Some estimates suggest values around 540p in certain early demos, while other sources mention a working resolution of around 600p before scaling is applied.
As a result, the sharpness of certain models and fine details suffers . In very close-up shots, prominent pixels, jagged edges, and some image noise are noticeable, especially in elements like hair, sweat droplets, or certain complex textures in the environments. It's not a visual disaster, but it is a constant reminder that the Switch 2 version prioritizes performance over maximum detail.
Where the game truly shines is in its lighting and shadow effects . Even in early builds, flashlights, lighters, and volumetric spotlights effectively define the tone of each room, creating believable shadows and reflections that heighten the sense of danger. Some journalists have highlighted how the simple movement of Grace's lighter, and the shadows it casts on walls and ceilings, is enough to maintain tension at every turn.
Based on initial impressions, ray tracing is used selectively on the Switch 2 , focusing primarily on providing believable reflections and global illumination without significantly increasing resource consumption. While it doesn't reach the level of precision of a high-end PC or a top-of-the-line home console, the result feels more than adequate for the type of game and, especially, for the physical dimensions of the hybrid console.
The compromises are also noticeable in areas like textures and certain environmental effects . Compared to other platforms, there's less detail on surfaces, slightly less definition in distant reflections, and a more restrained use of secondary elements, such as particles or debris flying through the environment. In return, Capcom seems to have tried to maintain the core geometry of the environments and the level of detail in the creatures and characters as much as possible.
Some attendees at the previews have noted that, despite these cuts, the game is very compelling once you're actually playing . What might catch your eye in a still screenshot fades away when you're focused on solving a puzzle while hearing footsteps behind a door or seeing a light flicker at the end of a corridor.
Comparison with PS5, Xbox Series and the role of Switch 2
Compared to the PS5 or Xbox Series versions, the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Resident Evil Requiem is a step behind in terms of pure graphical fidelity , which is to be expected. Lower resolution, less detail, and some differences in ray tracing and the physics of elements like hair and clothing make the game look "cleaner" on the more powerful consoles.
However, several outlets that have tested both versions agree that the difference isn't as vast as one might think . The lighting remains surprisingly similar, the geometry of the environments maintains the same volumes, and the art design is almost entirely intact. The biggest difference is noticeable when you take a close look at textures or compare screenshots side-by-side.
In terms of gameplay, the key is that the Switch 2 offers a smooth and seamless experience . There are no cuts to content or pacing in the campaign, and the ability to play a mainline Resident Evil game of this caliber in handheld mode, even though many demos have focused on TV mode, is a differentiating factor that could sway some European players.
Capcom itself has admitted on several occasions that it was surprised to see the game running for the first time on Nintendo's new hardware . The implicit message is that, with the original Switch, native versions of this caliber would have been impossible without relying on the cloud, whereas the Switch 2 allows for complete ports and simultaneous releases.
The presentations organized by Nintendo have aimed to reinforce precisely this idea: that third-party AAA games should arrive on the console under competitive conditions , reducing the catalog gap that existed in previous generations. Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata have become, in effect, technological showcases within the company's strategy in Europe.
Resident Evil Requiem Editions and Prices on Switch 2
Beyond the technical aspects, one of the biggest questions for Spanish and European gamers is which versions of Resident Evil Requiem they can buy on Nintendo Switch 2 and at what price . Capcom has detailed a range of editions which, in the case of Nintendo's console, have some unique features.
On one hand, there's the standard edition , available both digitally and physically. On Switch 2, all physical copies are distributed as a "Game Key Card ," rather than a traditional cartridge. This edition includes the base game and the pre-order bonus: Grace's Apocalypse outfit, provided the purchase is made before midnight on February 26.
Regarding pricing, the standard edition is priced at around €69,99 on PC and €79,99 on consoles , including the Switch 2. This is the typical price range for major Capcom releases this generation, placing the Nintendo version on par with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions.
Above that is the Deluxe Edition , also available on Switch 2 both digitally and as a Game Key Card. This version adds a long list of cosmetic content and extras, including several outfits for Grace and Leon, visual filters, charms, a sound pack that pays homage to classic Raccoon City, and skins for certain weapons . The physical version comes in a SteelBook case with a limited-edition lenticular card.
The Deluxe Edition is priced at €79,99 on PC and €89,99 on consoles . While the core gameplay experience remains the same as the standard edition, those who value collector's items and customization options will find an added incentive.
Generation Pack: the exclusive Resident Evil bundle for Switch 2
The great peculiarity of Nintendo Switch 2 compared to the rest of the platforms is the Resident Evil Generation Pack , an exclusive edition of the Nintendo console that brings together content from several recent installments of the saga in a single game key card.
This pack, available exclusively in Spain through GAME stores , includes Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition, Resident Evil Village Gold Edition, and Resident Evil Requiem. In practice, it's a way to offer the bulk of the modern trilogy of the franchise on Switch 2 in a single physical bundle.
In addition to the base games, the Generation Pack includes much of the additional content released over the years . For Resident Evil 7, this includes previously unreleased recordings from Volumes 1 and 2, the "I'm Not a Hero" episode, the "Zoe's Ending" epilogue, and a survival pack with supply crates, special coins, and the unlockable Asylum difficulty.
Meanwhile, Resident Evil Village comes with the Winters Expansion, the Street Wolf outfit, cosmetic accessories like Mr. Raccoon, and several survival packs that expand the options from the start. Requiem joins the lineup with Grace's Apocalypse outfit as a pre-order bonus, just like in the standalone editions.
This Generation Pack is sold at a recommended price of €99,99 and has limited availability, with pre-orders open in Spain until 23:59 PM on March 31, 2026. For those who haven't played the previous two installments and want to own the entire recent saga in physical Switch 2 format, it's probably the most attractive option.
Official extras: themed Pro Controller and Grace amiibo
Capcom has accompanied the release of Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 with several official products aimed at collectors and loyal fans of the franchise. These announcements were made at the "Road to Requiem" digital event, hosted by Maggie Robertson, known for voicing Lady Dimitrescu.
The most striking is the Resident Evil Requiem Pro Controller for Switch 2 , a controller with a gunmetal-style metallic black finish. It will be available on the game's launch day and is positioned as a more robust alternative to the console's standard controller, designed for those who want to experience the survival horror game with a dedicated gamepad.
Alongside the controller, Capcom also announced the first official Resident Evil amiibo, dedicated to Grace Ashcroft . While its final appearance hasn't been revealed yet, it's known that it will be released in the summer of 2026. Details about the in-game bonuses it will unlock are still pending, but its mere existence reinforces the idea that Nintendo and Capcom are aligned in their efforts to boost the franchise's presence on the Switch 2 ecosystem.
These types of complementary products are part of the strategy to position Requiem as one of the major third-party titles associated with the console's image during its first strong year. It's not just about launching the game, but about building a small ecosystem of content and merchandise around it.
For players who already intend to buy the title, the existence of an official Pro controller and a specific amiibo can serve as an incentive , both for collecting and for the additional comfort that a high-end controller provides in a game that demands precision.
What this port means for the future of Switch 2
Beyond the game itself, Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 sends a clear message about the console's role in the European market . For years, major multiplatform releases arrived on Nintendo systems as cloud versions , very late ports, or simply didn't arrive at all. This time, they're opting for a simultaneous, native release.
The impressions left by the demos prove that hardware consuming between 15 and 20 watts can run a next-generation survival horror game with more than reasonable results . Not without compromises, but maintaining the game's design and pacing intact. Looking ahead to the medium-term catalog, this opens the door for other studios to seriously consider the Switch 2 as the primary platform for their upcoming projects.
By placing Requiem and Pragmata as part of the console's "front line" of releases , Capcom is positioning itself as one of Nintendo's key third-party partners. This move, in countries like Spain, where the Switch user base is very large, could make a significant difference in terms of sales and perception among enthusiasts.
In previous presentations, one idea has been repeated: the gap in AAA game catalogs with other consoles could begin to narrow if more games of this caliber follow Requiem's path. It's not about reaching the same technical heights as a high-end PC, but about offering robust, well-optimized versions that arrive without significant delays.
If the final version maintains what we've seen in these demos, with stable performance, well-crafted lighting, and acceptable graphical compromises , the Switch 2 will solidify itself as a viable option for those who want to play Resident Evil Requiem without giving up the possibility of taking it with them in portable mode or sharing the TV with other devices at home.
Given the initial impressions and the array of editions, packs, and accessories, everything points to the release of Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 being one of the key moments of the year for the console in Europe , both for what the game itself offers and for what it symbolizes in the relationship between Nintendo and major external studios.
