Summary
- The Switch struggles with modern games like Palworld due to hardware limitations and may not see a release until the Switch 2 in 2025.
- Palworld's demanding specs challenge even PC gamers, with high memory requirements and performance compromises necessary for smooth gameplay.
- Nintendo's outdated online capabilities may hinder Palworld's multiplayer features, but the Switch 2 aims to address hardware limitations.
The Switch continues its successful run, even though the sales of Nintendo's handheld have slowed recently. Critics can point to some popular games not being available on the console as a reason why an upgrade is overdue. One of the most controversial titles excluded from the Switch is Palworld, which resembles the monster-taming Pokémon series.
What Specs Would Make the Switch 2 Compete with Modern Consoles?
The Switch no longer appeals to some developers committed to next-gen visuals. How can the Switch 2 support a diverse library of modern games?
The open-world Palworld, Pokemon Scarlet, and Pokemon Violet aren't as similar as they first seem. That hasn't prevented speculation that Nintendo would file a lawsuit against Pocketpair for copyright infringements. No court cases are ongoing, but it's unlikely that Palworld will debut anytime soon on the Switch. However, with the Switch 2 expected in 2025, Nintendo could have a popular console capable of running the game. What other challenges does Palworld face in becoming an option for Switch gamers?
Is Palworld a Demanding Game?
Palworld's cartoonish graphics may fool some gamers into thinking it wouldn't tax the Nintendo Switch. In reality, the game features expansive, highly detailed worlds and over 135 pals, each with distinctive designs and animations. Bases can be especially problematic, where players may have as many as 20 pals working simultaneously.
For PC gamers, the game's minimum specs seem modest:
- CPU: i5-3570K 3.4 GHz Quad Core
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB)
- Storage: 40 GB SSD
Still, the 16 GB of memory tests the limits of budget laptops, and gamers should upgrade their 3.5-inch hard drives to M.2 SSDs to avoid excessive stuttering. Even with the required hardware, achieving higher than 30 fps playing at a 1080p resolution isn't a given.
The Best Builds To Play Palworld On PC
Palworld can be a dangerous place without the right PC hardware to back up players' reflexes in real-time
To play Palworld at higher graphical settings, the developers recommend PCs meet these benchmarks:
- CPU: i9-9900K 3.6 GHz 8 Core
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce RTX 2070
- Storage: 40 GB SSD
Even meeting these specs, many PC gamers still report less than optimal performance on the early access title. Of course, if Palworld were released on the Switch, it would likely be a streamlined version with lower-quality textures and possibly fewer types of pals. For a more reasonable comparison, it's helpful to consider how the game runs on the Steam Deck.
Steam Deck OLED
- Playing Time
- 3-12 hours
- Brand
- Valve
- Weight
- 680 grams
- Chipset
- 6nm APU
- Storage
- 512 GB- 1 TB
- Wireless Connectivity
- WIFI 6E
The Steam Deck OLED is the perfect handheld gaming console for gamers who wish to take their games on the go. It brings the entire Steam library in a handheld form factor that is ergonomic, grippy, and easy to use. The OLED model is an upgrade to the standard LCD model of the Steam Deck, and it boasts a slightly larger display that is brighter, sharper and refreshes at 90 Hz.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Headset Compatibility
- 3.5mm, Bluetooth
- Display
- 7.4-inch OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is more of a handheld gaming PC than a conventional portable console, but it shares a few similarities with the Switch OLED. Nintendo's console has a 7-inch screen at 720p compared to the Steam Deck OLED's 7.4-inch display at a slightly higher maximum 800p resolution. The Steam Deck can have a 90 Hz refresh rate, but with titles like Palworld, pushing performance past 60 Hz is extremely difficult.
Steam Deck vs Switch: Which is Better for Portable Gaming
Should you choose the classic Nintendo Switch or the more powerful Steam Deck? Here is a detailed comparison between the two for portable gaming.
The Steam Deck really differentiates itself from the Switch with its processing power, memory, and storage capabilities. Valve's handheld includes a much beefier AMD GPU with 16 GB for graphical processing, while the older Switch OLED relies on a custom NVIDIA Tegra mobile chipset. With just 4 GB of memory, the Switch would struggle to handle the diverse textures and models in Palworld.
So, how does Palworld perform on the Steam Deck with its enhanced capabilities? In brief, it runs well enough, but gamers usually have to make some compromises with its settings. Achieving 60 fps is out of the question, and a steady 30 fps necessitates turning off features like Motion Blur and lowering texture quality. Steam officially labels Palworld as "playable," confirming that graphics quality settings must be lowered for acceptable performance.
The Asus ROG Ally may come the closest if you are trying to find a handheld where Palworld thrives. Players won't experience the game at maximum visual quality, but even 1080p gameplay becomes realistic.
Sadly, the Switch is underpowered compared to its modern competition. For further proof that the Switch is overdue for a successor, players only need to look at Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. Nintendo's open-world Pokemon game has suffered from frame rate drops since its release, with only modest improvements after patches. Palworld developers would need to spend time downgrading its graphics, and it likely wouldn't showcase the detailed and vibrant world seen on other platforms.
What Other Consoles Are Missing Palworld?
Palworld is a massive success despite not being released on several prominent platforms. The original Switch isn't the only console the game isn't sold for, with PS5 fans also left envious of Xbox and PC gamers. Surely, the PS5 can run Palworld, which leads to other reasons why Pocketpair is skipping this generation of Nintendo handhelds.
Various theories have been proposed as to why the monster-taming and survival game has not been announced for the PS5. Palworld is an early access title, and some gamers speculate that Sony is less accepting of games still in development. However, the more likely explanation is that the game's small development team doesn't have the time or resources to devote to a PS5 or Switch version.
PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition
- 4K Capability
- Yes, Up To 120 Hz
- Processing Power
- 10.28 TFLOPS (GPU)
- Storage
- 1 TB Custom SSD
- CPU
- AMD Zen 2, 8-core / 16 threads, 3.5GHz
- Bands
- Dual Band (2.4G/5G)
- Ports
- 2 x USB Type C (front), 2 x USB-A, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x HDMI (back)
The Sony PlayStation 5's slim console upgrade offers the same functionality as the launch unit but throws in increased storage (1TB), an additional front USB-C port, and a much more compact frame, making for an ideal console purchase for users still on the fence.
Priced $50 more than its digital edition, the disc edition already trades at a $50 discount over MSRP and comes with a Dualsense controller, an HDMI 2.1 cable, an AC power cable, and documentation as part of the package, making for a complete package for gamers looking to hook one up to a monitor or TV out of the box.
- RAM
- 16GB GDDR6
- Screen Resolution
- 3840x2160
When Pocketpair's title launched in January, Palworld instantly became one of the most popular Steam games ever, with a high of over two million concurrent players. The relatively unknown Japanese company built the foundation for Palworld with Craftopia in 2020, a game more focused on survival than catching dynamic species of monsters. Even so, Pocketpair couldn't predict the Palworld sensation that took the world by storm.
To Pocketpair's credit, despite limited staff, it released patches in a reasonable timeframe. Despite this, other gamers have complained about a lack of new content not addressed until the recent sizable Sakurajima expansion, boosting declining Palworld player counts. While the developers remain committed to adding more replay value to the game, devoting time to an aging console like the Switch just isn't practical.
Rumor: Palworld Community Manager Hints at Possible PS5 Version
A major figure in the Palworld community has hinted that the smash-success monster-catching game could head to PS5 in the future.
At least for PS5 gamers, the future looks more promising. Leaks and social media posts have suggested that the game will eventually reach Sony's console. Adding fuel to the fire, Palworld recently inked a deal with Sony Music Entertainment, which could result in merchandise, an anime, or even a full-length movie. The partnership wouldn't directly result in a video game, but it seems inevitable that Palworld makes it onto the PS5. For the Nintendo Switch, there is little hope, at least until its successor launches in 2025.
What Else is Preventing a Palworld Switch Release?
There are undeniable similarities between Palworld and Nintendo Pokemon games, with capturing colorful monsters or pals a major aspect of both. Since certain game mechanics are nearly identical to Pokemon titles, some expected The Pokemon Company to file a lawsuit against Pocketpair. While TPC released a statement in January about continuously monitoring for copyright infringements, no legal action has yet been taken against Palworld. With the game releasing more content and reaching wider audiences, any damage to the Pokemon brand is likely now irreparable.
With much focus on whether the designs of its pals are truly original, Palworld is a much different game than Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. Both are open-world adventures with environments filled with strange creatures that take patience and skill to catch. However, Palworld emphasizes base building and gathering items from the wild that ensure survival. At the same time, Nintendo's most recent Pokemon entry features turn-based rather than real-time combat, trading, and other RPG elements that its newer rival lacks.
The Switch also already has other monster-hunting titles that Nintendo could have objected to. Temtem is an obvious example of an MMO where collecting creatures is vital to gameplay. The game is hardly a graphical wonder, but it's available on nearly every platform, including the current-gen Xbox and Sony consoles. The main difference between Palworld and similar games is that they never reached the popularity levels of Pocketpair's title.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Has The Perfect Excuse to Steal One Core Palworld Mechanic
While there's a wide gulf between regular Pokemon and Palworld, some shared subject material in Pokemon Legends: Z-A should briefly bridge that gap.
It can be difficult for any new franchise to make it onto the Switch, but the potential sales that Palworld would bring should make the effort worthwhile. Another question is how inviting Nintendo would be to a creature-collecting game with the stature of Palworld. Pokemon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in 2025, with a possibility that it may be a launch title for the Switch 2. Even if the Switch 2 possesses the specs to make Palworld an easier console port, Nintendo may want to avoid the competition, at least for a while.
How the Switch 2 is Ready for Palworld
If Palworld overcomes the other obstacles and finds itself on a Nintendo handheld, the Switch 2 must be able to run the game smoothly. With confirmation that the new console will appear before the end of March 2025, gamers also have an idea about its hardware. Through a series of leaks, the Switch 2 is believed to have an 8-inch LED screen and an NVIDIA T239 processor. This much more powerful mobile processor, plus 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, should accommodate recent games with demanding visuals.
The Switch 2 should also address its predecessor's limited 32 or 64 GB of storage by shipping with a 256 GB internal drive. Granted, as a handheld with a dock for TVs, the Switch 2 would be underpowered compared to most gaming PCs. Nevertheless, Pocketpair should find it easier to create a version of Palworld that excels both on a mobile controller and on TVs and monitors.
Another aspect of the current Switch that often disappoints is its online capabilities. The Switch suffers from slow download speeds, and added latency also affects the smoothness of competitive multiplayer action in many titles. Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet have a multiplayer mode but aren't built for continuous multiplayer action like Palworld. Players can set up dedicated servers on PCs with all the game's features and mechanics intact. While not originally available on the console, Xbox users can now utilize dedicated servers through a recent Palworld update.
Little is known about the Switch 2's wireless capabilities or potential ethernet port on its dock. Yet, the next Nintendo handheld console could provide an improved multiplayer experience just with added processing power and memory. With online a critical component of Palworld for many players, the Switch 2 can allow players to visit and attack bases without the console breaking a sweat.
The Future of Palworld on the Switch
It's still highly debatable whether gamers will see Palworld on the Switch or Switch 2. Even so, the game's recent update has generated renewed interest among PC and Xbox players. Playing the game on more portable consoles like the Steam Deck is a less-than-optimal experience. For gamers who aren't chained to desks, the current Switch is even more ill-equipped to handle the surprisingly demanding Palworld.
Other roadblocks Palworld faces are related to its similarities to Pokemon games. Some perceive Pocketpair's creation as not completely original, which isn't unfounded considering its gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, Palworld offers base-building and survival game elements that other monster-hunting and training games lack on the Switch. If Nintendo doesn't see the game as a threat to the Pokemon franchise, it could add diversity to the lineup of future Switch 2 titles.
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After a long, dormant period, handheld consoles are on the rise again. A retro handheld is an excellent way to experience nostalgic games on the go.
The Switch 2 should hopefully address the concerns of Palworld developers about Nintendo's outdated console. According to leaks and analyst speculation, the new system will launch around March 2025 with improved NVIDIA-powered graphics. This release window will also give the small Pocketpair team time to expand the game's reach on more platforms.
More competition and a wider selection of games benefit new and old consoles. Whatever developments happen regarding Palworld and the Switch, The Best War Games will keep readers in the loop.
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FAQ
Q: Is Palworld Pokémon with guns?
While it's true that more violent weapons are used in Palworld than in Pokemon games, the titles have many other differences. Palworld is a survival game with base-building and resource gathering, with hunting for pals only one significant part of the experience.
Q: Will the Switch 2 be as powerful as the PS5?
If the Switch 2 uses the rumored NVIDIA T239 mobile processor, its performance will likely be more comparable to that of the PS4 and PS4 Pro. On the other hand, modern features like DLSS could allow a new Switch to match the visuals of more powerful consoles.