Everything you need to know about Raidou Remastered on Switch & Switch 2 covering performance, saves, and DLC
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is in a unique position, being one of the first cross platform games to release in the launch window of the Nintendo Switch 2. Sega has made the controversial decision to release the native Switch 2 version as a Game Key Card, while the phyiscal release for the original game is a normal Switch cartridge.having many players unsure if they would prefer to just play the Switch version of the game via backwards compatibility. Here's everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Mikhail has written a full comparison piece between all portable versions of if you're interested in learning more. This article will focus primarily on how playing both versions on the Switch 2 and what you need to know about DLC, save transfer, and more.
Can you upgrade to the Switch 2 version of Raidou Remastered if you buy the Switch version?
No, you cannot upgrade to the Raidou Remastered Switch 2 version. There is no upgrade path with both versions of the game being sold at $50 each. The choice is difficult since for some since there's no way to just buy the Switch version and fully utilize the capabilities of the more powerful Switch 2 hardware. Backwards compatibility has the visual limitations of the Switch 1 version.
Do you need to buy the Raidou Remastered DLC again on Nintendo Switch 2?
The Raidou Remastered DLC is also console specific like the base game. This means you have to buy it twice if you want both versions with the DLC.
Does Raidou Remastered on Switch 2 have any save transfer with the Switch version?
Raidou Remastered does not have any way to transfer your save between versions, as the Switch and Switch 2 versions are considered different products.
What are the differences between Raidou Remastered on Switch and Switch 2?
Both games aim for 1080p and 60 FPS when docked, with Switch aiming for 720p and Switch 2 1080p undocked. In our experience the Switch version struggles to hit these resolution targets, or at least lacks proper AA. Regarding file size, after the recent updates the Switch version is 12 GB, while the Switch 2 version is 12.7 GB.
Raidou Remastered on Switch
With the Switch 1 version having an unstable yet unlocked framerate on its original hardware, the extra power of the Switch 2 allows it to consistently hit 60 FPS. There are some stutters depending on the area, but most of your playtime will be much smoother than playing it on the original Switch. Visually, we didn't notice any resolution improvements when played via backwards compatibility. Shadow resolution and texture quality are noticeably downgraded compared to every other version, which stands out more when blown up on the Switch 2 screen. The picture comes off smudgy, especially undocked, where it looks sub 720p at times. The biggest win here is without a doubt the framerate improvements, but you should still expect occasional stuttering when out in the field.
Raidou Remastered on Switch 2
In our opinion, the native Switch 2 version of Raidou Remastered might be the best portable version of the game. The Switch 2 version looks cleaner than the Switch version across the board. I get the feeling it could have possibly pushed for a higher resolution, but at the very least I think aiming for a solid 60 FPS was smart. Textures are much sharper, and shadows look clear both docked and undocked. Considering that this game currently has issues with stability on Steam Deck in some areas (A sytstem with a 800p screen), the fact that there's a portable version of the game that can maintain 60 FPS while punching above the Switch version is really impressive. There is still occasional stuttering, but it's much less noticeable compared to other portables at the current moment barring the ROG Ally.
Which version of Raidou Remastered should you buy?
Your choice here will largely come down to if the improvements that come from the native Switch 2 version are worth not being able to get a true physical. Of course the native Switch 2 version is the "better" version of this to play, but playing it the Switch version via backwards compatibility is a totally viable option. It won't be as pretty, but since backwards compatibility can smooth out framerate stability. If you're fine with owning games digital, can get it on an eShop sale down the line, or don't mind the key card, the Switch 2 version is fantastic. If Game Key Cards are a deal breaker and you don't mind the visual cuts, buying a physical copy of the original Switch version will work just fine.