Pokemon Scarlet and Purple prepares to face a new stage with the arrival of Switch 2. After several months of criticism for its weak technical performance on the original console, gamers will receive a free update which promises to transform the experience in Paldea, taking advantage of the power and visual improvements of the new hardware.
This change will be especially relevant for those who enjoyed the titles, but regretted the frame rate instability and graphical limitations. Nintendo has listened to community feedback and with the version 4.0.0 launches a package of technical adjustments and new features that go beyond a simple patch.
Major technical improvements with the free update
The main new feature of the update is the Optimization for Switch 2, which allows you to enjoy Pokémon Scarlet and Purple at a smooth 60fps. This means the double the frame rate that the game could achieve on Switch, where even 30fps were not guaranteed, which affected both exploration and combat.
But it doesn't end there. The resolution increases significantly, especially visible in the settings and the Pokémon themselves. The landscapes are more detailed, there's greater depth, and the lighting is more realistic, contributing to a much more pleasant and modern visual experience.
One of the elements that players will appreciate the most is the largest number of Pokémon present simultaneously on screenUnlike the previous version, where draw distance was limited and Pokémon often disappeared into the distance, the world now feels much more alive and inhabited. Furthermore, the "pop-in" (the sudden appearance of objects or creatures on screen) has been significantly reduced.
As for storage management, a feature similar to "Smart Delivery" comes into play: starting with this update the game will have two different download sizes depending on whether it is installed on Switch or Switch 2. This way, each console will only use the data it needs, avoiding unnecessary downloads and saving space.
Changes in performance and gameplay experience
The technical leap that the free update introduces is evident as soon as you set foot in Paldea on Switch 2. The frame drops which hampered gameplay so much, especially when exploring large open areas. According to initial comparisons, Animations and transitions are much smoother, and battles, even during the most demanding times, no longer experience slowdowns.
The improved viewing distance not only allows more Pokémon to be seen in real time, but also makes environments richer and more consistent. The result is a perception of greater life and dynamism throughout the open world, which on the original Switch often felt too empty or soulless.
As far as textures and visual effects are concerned, the The update tweaks minor details such as global illumination, surface reflections, and model sharpness.All of this contributes to the final look being much closer to what you'd expect from a modern installment and a high-profile debut on a next-gen console.
Bonus content, compatibility, and Nintendo plans
Nintendo has confirmed that the update will be available starting June 5th and will be completely free for those who own the game. The goal is not only to improve performance, but also to ease the transition between console generations.
Furthermore, Pokémon Scarlet and Purple isn't the only title that will receive this treatment: other popular games such as Pokémon Snap, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening y Super Mario 3D World They will also have their own automatic improvements for Switch 2.
Some titles like Metroid Prime 4 and the last two Zelda games will require the purchase of specific versions to access the improvements, which could divide users between those who upgrade for free and those who must pay.
At the moment, the Pokémon Scarlet and Purple Additional DLC has not shown any specific news related to the Switch 2, although it is not ruled out that in the future it will also obtain technical adjustments or exclusive elements.
What you need to know to enjoy the update
To access all these new features, it is necessary update the game to version 4.0.0 and, if playing online, have this patch installed even on the original Switch. The download process varies depending on the console and, thanks to Nintendo's smart system, The final size of the game will depend on the device used: 10,1 GB on Switch 2 versus 9,9 GB on the first Switch.
This strategy seeks to optimize space and streamline the transition for those who own the game in physical format and switch from one console to another. You just have to keep the data updated to enjoy the improvements without loading redundant files.
The Pokémon Scarlet and Purple update represents a significant step forward for the series. For the first time since its launch, Performance and visual appearance meet expectationsNintendo's commitment to keeping its Switch 2 library active and optimized demonstrates that free updates and backwards compatibility offer a long lifespan for its most popular titles.
