Here’s what Pokémon Scarlet and Violet look like running on Switch 2

Since their launch, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have faced criticism for their subpar performance. But that’s about to change with the newly released free upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2. In a new trailer, fans just got a first look at the enhanced experience.

In the trailer above, the visual improvements are immediately noticeable. Character models, once plagued by jagged edges, now appear crisp and polished. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, bringing a new level of fluidity to everything from the protagonist’s movement across open environments to the natural behavior of wild Pokémon, even in densely populated areas. It’s a dramatic upgrade from the original release, which struggled to maintain a stable 30 fps. Even the Tera Type transformation sequences look more dynamic and refined on the Switch 2 hardware thanks to improved lighting effects.

After seeing the trailer, many fans who were disappointed with the original release now claim that Scarlet and Violet look like they were always intended for Switch 2 hardware, and it’s hard to disagree. The initial version struggled with performance, even after a day-one patch aimed at addressing early criticism. Given that the Pokémon Company first announced Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the current Switch before revealing a Switch 2 version after the handheld’s official announcement, it’s reasonable to believe a similar strategy was in play here.

Either way, the free upgrade for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on the Switch 2 will surely be a great second playthrough as fans eagerly await Pokémon Legends: Z-A to release in October.