Bethesda shadowdropped The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 9, 2025, marking yet another platform for the 14-year-old RPG. The port delivers impressive PS5-level visuals with 4K resolution via DLSS upscaling, volumetric lighting, improved textures, and enhanced effects that make it visually comparable to current-gen console versions. However, Digital Foundry’s technical analysis revealed catastrophic input lag measuring 293.8 milliseconds, worse than the original Switch version and comparable to Microsoft’s notoriously laggy Kinect motion controllers from the Xbox 360 era. Combined with a puzzling 30fps frame rate cap and a bloated 53GB file size, players are calling this one of the most disappointing ports of 2025.
- PS5-Level Visuals That Look Genuinely Impressive
- The Input Lag Disaster That Ruins Everything
- Locked at 30fps Despite Capable Hardware
- The 53GB File Size Mystery Nobody Can Explain
- Bethesda’s Response and Temporary Fix
- The Free Upgrade That Nobody Wanted
- Load Times Show Actual Improvement
- The Skyrim Port Meme Lives On
- FAQs
- Conclusion
PS5-Level Visuals That Look Genuinely Impressive
Starting with the positives, Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 looks absolutely stunning from a purely visual perspective. Digital Foundry’s side-by-side comparisons revealed that the Switch 2 version delivers the full Skyrim Special Edition technology stack rather than the pared-back 2017 port that appeared on the original Switch. When docked, the game renders at an internal resolution of 2560×1440, then upscales to 4K using Nvidia’s DLSS technology. In handheld mode, it runs at native 1080p with DLAA anti-aliasing.
The visual upgrades are substantial. Volumetric lighting creates atmospheric god rays filtering through forests and dungeon corridors. Improved textures on characters, environments, and objects bring detail closer to what you see on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Grass density and draw distances are cranked up dramatically compared to the Switch 1 version, eliminating the pop-in that plagued the original portable release. Shadow resolution increases from both characters and terrain, while ambient occlusion adds depth under foliage and around objects.
Additional effects include depth of field for cinematic focus, motion blur during fast movement, and screen space reflections across water bodies that make lakes and rivers look gorgeous. Digital Foundry noted these are the highest DLSS settings they’ve seen on Switch 2, effectively resembling DLSS Quality mode for 4K output. The handheld mode’s native 1080p with DLAA is something they hadn’t encountered on the platform before, suggesting Bethesda pushed the hardware harder than most developers have so far.
The Input Lag Disaster That Ruins Everything
Unfortunately, all those visual improvements become meaningless when the game feels terrible to actually play. Digital Foundry used high-speed cameras to measure input latency, recording the time between pressing a button and seeing the corresponding action happen on screen. The results were shocking. Skyrim on Switch 2 exhibits input lag between 220 and 293.8 milliseconds, with the higher measurement representing nearly a third of a second delay between your button press and the game responding.
To put that in perspective, the original Switch version of Skyrim measured 204.5ms input lag, which itself wasn’t great but was at least playable. The PS5 version clocks in at just 118.3ms, providing responsive controls that feel immediate and precise. Digital Foundry compared the Switch 2’s 293.8ms latency to Microsoft’s Kinect motion-sensing controllers on Xbox 360, which were notorious for laggy, imprecise inputs that frustrated players trying to control games with body movements.
Players across Reddit and social media immediately noticed the problem without needing technical analysis equipment. Multiple users described the input lag as horrendous, borderline unplayable, and genuinely game-breaking. One Reddit user stated there’s nearly a full second of delay after each input, making combat feel sluggish and exploration frustrating. Another said the game runs like wet ass, which despite being a backhanded compliment, captured the community’s disappointment perfectly.
What makes this particularly baffling is that many well-optimized titles can keep overall input latency below 100ms even when running at 30fps. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 run at 40fps with acceptable input response. Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Switch maintained responsive controls despite 30fps performance. The fact that Skyrim, a game from 2011, exhibits worse latency than brand-new AAA ports suggests serious technical problems with how Bethesda implemented the port.
Locked at 30fps Despite Capable Hardware
Adding insult to injury, Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 is locked at 30 frames per second with no performance mode option. The game hits this target consistently with even frame pacing, so it’s not a case of unstable performance. Bethesda simply chose to cap the frame rate at 30fps despite the Switch 2 hardware being demonstrably capable of much more. This decision has infuriated players who expected at minimum a 60fps option when docked, especially considering the game runs at 60fps or higher on virtually every other modern platform.
The comparison to other Switch 2 ports makes this choice even more puzzling. Cyberpunk 2077, a far more demanding game released in 2020, manages 40fps on Switch 2. Games built for current-generation consoles are achieving playable frame rates through careful optimization. Yet Skyrim, which originally released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 hardware, remains stuck at 30fps on a portable device more powerful than those old consoles.
Digital Foundry noted that the PS5 version runs at 60fps most of the time, though it can dip into the 50s during intensive effects-filled moments like dragon fire or heavy particle effects near waterfalls. The Switch 2’s locked 30fps never buckles during equivalent tests, suggesting the hardware has headroom that Bethesda didn’t utilize. Players on Reddit compared their experiences with Steam Deck, noting that Valve’s handheld consistently hits 50fps minimums on High preset settings at native resolution without DLSS assistance.
The 53GB File Size Mystery Nobody Can Explain
Perhaps the most confusing aspect of this port is its absolutely massive 53GB file size. To understand how absurd this is, consider that Skyrim Special Edition on PC requires just 12GB of storage. Adding the Anniversary Edition DLC upgrade brings the total to approximately 25GB. On Xbox Series X and S, the Anniversary Edition clocks in at 32GB. Yet somehow, the Switch 2 version balloons to 53GB despite running on less powerful hardware that typically requires more aggressive compression.
Players are struggling to understand why this version is so bloated. Some speculate Bethesda made a mistake during the packaging process, accidentally including uncompressed assets or duplicate files. Others wonder if it relates to how the Switch 2 handles storage and whether the port was poorly optimized for Nintendo’s filesystem. A few suggest the Creation Club content included in Anniversary Edition wasn’t properly compressed, though that doesn’t explain the dramatic size difference compared to other platforms with identical content.
The comparison to other Switch 2 ports makes this even more ridiculous. Cyberpunk 2077, a visually stunning open-world game from 2020 with ray tracing, complex AI systems, and massive urban environments, occupies approximately 60GB on Switch 2. Final Fantasy VII Remake requires 90GB. Yet Skyrim, a game from 2011 built on aging technology, somehow needs 53GB, just 7GB less than Cyberpunk despite looking and performing significantly worse.
Bethesda’s Response and Temporary Fix
Bethesda acknowledged the input lag problem after players flooded social media and support channels with complaints. The company told Digital Foundry they are investigating the issue, though no timeline was provided for a potential patch. In the meantime, Bethesda Support posted a temporary workaround on their official page: navigate to Settings, then Gameplay, then Gestures Attack, and toggle it to OFF.
According to Bethesda, disabling the Gestures Attack feature may reduce input latency while they work on a proper fix. However, players who tried this workaround report mixed results. Some claim it helps somewhat, reducing the delay from nearly unplayable to merely annoying. Others say it made no noticeable difference and the game still feels terrible. The fact that a motion control feature could cause 70-90ms of additional input lag across the entire game suggests deeply problematic code architecture.
No statement has been made regarding the 30fps cap or the 53GB file size. Players hoping for a performance mode that sacrifices some visual quality for 60fps will likely be disappointed, as Bethesda has never patched in additional frame rate options for console ports before. The file size issue might get addressed if it’s truly a mistake, but if it’s related to fundamental technical limitations of how the port was built, players might be stuck with the bloated install.
The Free Upgrade That Nobody Wanted
Bethesda is selling Skyrim Anniversary Edition for Switch 2 as a standalone purchase for $59.99, which already raised eyebrows considering the game is 14 years old and costs significantly less on other platforms. However, the company does offer a free upgrade path for existing owners. If you purchased Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the original Switch, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version at no additional cost. Owners of the base Skyrim edition on Switch can buy an Anniversary Upgrade for $19.99 to access both Switch and Switch 2 versions.
Unfortunately, accessing this free upgrade involves unnecessary hassle. Multiple players reported needing to manually delete the Switch 1 version off their console, including the game icon, before they could download the Switch 2 version. If you owned the physical game with Anniversary Edition DLC, the process becomes even more convoluted, requiring you to delete everything and redownload the base game without the DLC to access the upgrade from an in-game menu. Several users experienced crashes within the first ten minutes after finally getting everything installed.
The upgrade process frustration combined with the technical problems has many players wishing they’d just stuck with the original Switch version. Sure, it looked worse and had lower resolution, but at least it was playable without Kinect-level input lag. One Reddit user summarized the situation perfectly: the Switch 2 port feels like a worse performing version of Skyrim Switch 1. That’s the upgrade Bethesda delivered.
Load Times Show Actual Improvement
If there’s one genuine improvement beyond visuals, it’s loading times. Digital Foundry measured load times across platforms and found that entering the game’s first open-world area takes 4.9 seconds on PS5, 8.6 seconds on Switch 2, and a painful 28.7 seconds on the original Switch. While the Switch 2 doesn’t quite match the PS5’s blazing-fast SSD performance, the improvement over the original Switch is dramatic and represents one area where the port genuinely enhances the experience.
Fast travel between locations sees similar improvements. Jumping across the map that previously required waiting 15-20 seconds on Switch 1 now happens in under 10 seconds on Switch 2. Players report load times comparable to PC with SSD storage, which considering the Switch 2 uses cartridge-based games rather than internal storage for many titles, represents impressive optimization in this one specific area.
The Skyrim Port Meme Lives On
Bethesda’s decision to port Skyrim to yet another platform has become a running joke in the gaming community. The company has released The Elder Scrolls V on virtually every device capable of running games since its 2011 launch. PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, VR headsets, and now Switch 2. Even Bethesda’s own Todd Howard acknowledged the absurdity, stating it’s a bit of a joke at this point how often we release Skyrim, but it’s a great game.
Howard revealed in a recent GQ interview that he likes to announce stuff and release it, with his perfect version being that a game appears one day without warning. The Oblivion Remastered shadowdrop earlier in 2025 was a test run that worked out well, encouraging Bethesda to repeat the strategy with Skyrim on Switch 2. Howard even teased that The Elder Scrolls 6 could get shadowdropped whenever it’s finally ready, though that game remains years away from completion.
The community’s response to this latest Skyrim port reflects both affection for the game and exhaustion with Bethesda’s relentless re-releases. Players joke about Skyrim eventually appearing on smart refrigerators, car dashboards, and pregnancy tests. The fact that this Switch 2 port launched in such rough condition only adds to the meme, with players sarcastically congratulating Bethesda for finding yet another way to release Skyrim while somehow making it worse than versions from a decade ago.
FAQs
When did Skyrim release on Nintendo Switch 2?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition shadowdropped on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 9, 2025. Bethesda announced and released it the same day without prior warning, following their strategy of surprise launches for re-releases.
How bad is the input lag on Skyrim Switch 2?
Digital Foundry measured input lag at 293.8 milliseconds on Switch 2, compared to 204.5ms on the original Switch and 118.3ms on PS5. The lag is comparable to Microsoft’s Kinect motion controllers and makes the game feel sluggish and unresponsive according to player reports.
Does Skyrim run at 60fps on Switch 2?
No, Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 is locked at 30 frames per second with no performance mode option. This is particularly disappointing since the game runs at 60fps on PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and modern PCs, while games like Cyberpunk 2077 run at 40fps on Switch 2.
How do I fix Skyrim Switch 2 input lag?
Bethesda suggests navigating to Settings, then Gameplay, then Gestures Attack and toggling it to OFF. This temporary workaround may reduce input lag while Bethesda investigates a proper fix, though player reports on its effectiveness are mixed.
Why is Skyrim 53GB on Switch 2?
Nobody knows why Skyrim takes up 53GB on Switch 2 when the PC Special Edition is only 12GB and the Anniversary Edition is 25GB. Xbox Series X version is 32GB. Players speculate it’s either a packaging mistake or poor optimization, especially since Cyberpunk 2077 is only 60GB on Switch 2.
Is Skyrim Switch 2 a free upgrade?
If you own Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 1, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for free. Owners of the base Skyrim edition can purchase the Anniversary Upgrade for $19.99. However, the upgrade process requires manually deleting the Switch 1 version first.
Does Skyrim look better on Switch 2 than PS5?
Visually, Skyrim on Switch 2 is nearly identical to PS5 in terms of graphics quality, with both featuring volumetric lighting, improved textures, and enhanced effects. The Switch 2 uses DLSS to upscale from 1440p to 4K when docked, delivering PS5-level visuals on portable hardware.
Should I buy Skyrim on Switch 2?
Not until Bethesda patches the input lag and ideally adds a 60fps performance mode. While the visuals look impressive, the 293.8ms input latency makes combat and exploration feel terrible. Wait for fixes before spending $59.99 or even claiming your free upgrade.
Conclusion
Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 represents one of the most frustrating ports of 2025, a technical achievement in visuals undermined by catastrophic implementation failures. Digital Foundry’s analysis confirmed what players felt immediately: PS5-level graphics are meaningless when the game responds to your inputs a third of a second after you press buttons. The fact that this input lag is worse than the original Switch version, worse than Kinect motion controls, and worse than nearly every cloud gaming service Digital Foundry has tested is simply unacceptable.
The 30fps frame rate cap adds insult to injury. Switch 2 hardware is demonstrably more powerful than Steam Deck, which runs Skyrim at 50fps minimum on High settings. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 achieve 40fps on the platform. Yet Bethesda couldn’t or wouldn’t optimize a 14-year-old game to run above 30fps on portable hardware that exceeds the original PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 specifications by orders of magnitude. There’s no technical justification for this limitation beyond poor optimization or deliberate choice.
The 53GB file size remains an unexplained mystery. Speculation ranges from packaging mistakes to fundamental technical problems with how the port was built, but regardless of the reason, it’s absurd that Skyrim requires nearly as much storage as Cyberpunk 2077 on the same hardware. Players with limited Switch 2 storage will need to choose between Skyrim and other games rather than having room for both, which wouldn’t be a problem if Bethesda had implemented reasonable compression.
Bethesda’s temporary fix of disabling Gestures Attack helps some players while leaving others still frustrated. The fact that a motion control feature could add 70-90ms of input lag suggests deeply problematic code that will require substantial work to fix properly. Whether Bethesda commits the resources to fundamentally rework the port or just applies band-aid solutions remains to be seen. Their track record with post-launch support for ports is mixed at best.
The shadowdrop strategy that worked beautifully for Oblivion Remastered earlier in 2025 backfired spectacularly here. Releasing without warning prevented advanced reviews from warning players about the problems, but it also meant Bethesda couldn’t build positive buzz. Instead, the narrative became another Skyrim port disaster, feeding into the meme about Todd Howard releasing the game on every platform imaginable regardless of whether it works properly.
For players considering whether to buy Skyrim on Switch 2 or claim the free upgrade if you already own it on Switch 1, the recommendation is simple: wait. Wait for Bethesda to patch the input lag. Wait to see if they add a performance mode for 60fps. Wait to find out if the file size gets reduced. The game looks gorgeous in screenshots and video, with visuals genuinely comparable to PS5, but actually playing it feels terrible right now. No amount of volumetric lighting or DLSS upscaling can compensate for controls that respond a third of a second after you press buttons. Until Bethesda fixes the fundamental problems that make this port borderline unplayable, your $59.99 is better spent elsewhere or your storage space better used for literally any other game.