Chapter 1: A Look at Hardware and Performance

In recent weeks, a wave of discussions has emerged online questioning whether the Nintendo Switch is “powerful enough.” This discourse has gained momentum with the upcoming launch of Tears of The Kingdom.

The notion of “powerful enough” varies for everyone, and I believe that the majority of Nintendo’s fanbase—along with most mainstream gamers—aren't overly concerned with the nitty-gritty of processing capabilities.

Personally, I find myself in a balanced position on this topic. I genuinely think that this year is the right time for Nintendo to unveil new hardware. As the Switch approaches its seventh year, we’ll be two years post the release of the OLED model by the holiday season. While hardware sales remain robust, the lull in releases following Zelda has me speculating about potential future plans.

Nonetheless, I've always appreciated what the Switch has to offer. If Nintendo opts for a period of overlap with new cross-generation titles, I won't mind at all. The Nintendo Switch is an impressive piece of equipment, pushing Nvidia's Tegra technology further than I ever imagined. I also appreciate its dual performance modes, allowing users to switch seamlessly just by docking.

Chapter 2: The Power of Dying Light

Despite my fondness for the Switch's capabilities, I seem to be part of a minority, especially among hardcore gamers. Many are disappointed with the lower resolutions and occasional frame rate drops. As time passes, there have been few ports from more powerful consoles to the Switch.

Yet, every now and then, a remarkable achievement shines through—Techland's Dying Light is a prime example.

I admit, I came to this title a bit late, as it launched around the same time as the OLED model. I've seen positive reviews, including a fascinating video by Digital Foundry, and I'm a fan of Techland's work. However, I hesitated to purchase it since I owned it on other platforms and was reluctant to pay fifty dollars again.

Recently, I noticed the game was being offered for just ten dollars on the eShop, which seemed like an incredible deal. I couldn't resist and, in hindsight, I wish I had bought it sooner!

Dying Light on the Switch has achieved a few remarkable feats: it encompasses all content from its more robust versions without feeling notably compromised. Unlike many games that have omitted features in their Switch adaptations—such as No Man’s Sky reducing online support or Outer Worlds delaying its DLC—Dying Light on the Switch is the “Platinum version” with everything included.

Multiplayer and all downloadable content are fully available, and the technical performance is impressive. Although it runs at a capped 30FPS, the graphics are around ninety percent as good as those on other platforms. Load times are quick, and overall, the gameplay is just as enjoyable as on any other system.

Is Dying Light WORTH IT On Nintendo Switch? - In this video, we delve into whether Dying Light truly lives up to expectations on the Switch.

Chapter 3: The Future of Nintendo Hardware

I am confident that the next iteration of the Switch will be an impressive machine, likely surpassing the current hardware. However, the core of gaming remains in the titles themselves. Nintendo has produced an array of high-quality games, and Dying Light stands out as a remarkable third-party title that feels infused with the same passion as first-party releases.

Recently, I've been playing through the stripped-down PC version of Dying Light that Epic offered for free with a friend. Transitioning to the Switch version took no time at all before I was thoroughly impressed, forgetting about my high-end PC. Yes, my rig can run the game at faster frame rates and higher graphical settings, but the Switch version retains so much that it hardly matters.

The debate over hardware often serves as a way for gaming enthusiasts to argue about numbers and seek validation. But to truly be an enthusiast, one must immerse themselves in the enjoyment of games, rather than fixating solely on which console performs best. Dying Light clearly demonstrates that the Switch is indeed “powerful enough,” even as it approaches its seventh birthday. It will inevitably be replaced once sales begin to decline or Nintendo seeks to generate excitement for new software.

That's simply how the industry operates. If every Switch title delivered the same level of performance as Dying Light, we might not need to engage in endless discussions about its processing capabilities.