Split Fiction arrives on the Switch 2 with noticeable technical losses

The acclaimed Split Fiction, originally released in March 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, now returns in a new version for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering the same cooperative narrative structure and acclaimed level of design — but with evident technical sacrifices. The production by Hazelight Studios, under the direction of Josef Fares, gains portability, but delivers an inferior experience in terms of graphics and performance.

Just like in previous releases by Hazelight, such as It Takes Two, Split Fiction maintains the requirement of two players full-time, reinforcing the focus on cooperation, communication, and joint resolution of challenges and puzzles. On the Switch 2, the highlight goes to the portable mode (stable surface mode), which expands the possibilities of gameplay anywhere — even with noticeable limitations in performance.

Although there isn't a detailed technical analysis in the style of Digital Foundry, the comparisons between console versions make clear a loss of graphic fidelity and occasional framerate drops. For users who prioritize visual quality, the PS5 version remains the most robust. However, for the Nintendo audience, most of whom play exclusively in the brand's ecosystem, it is an unprecedented and valuable debut.

The elements that made Split Fiction renowned remain intact: a campaign of over 15 hours, engaging story, strong emotional content, tributes to the gaming industry, and captivating characters that convey messages about friendship, family, and escapism.

“Split Fiction is an allegory for video games, interactive works in which we dive to escape the dramas of real life. Fares' writing is simple, but ingeniously effective and very relevant, just like the method employed by the team that led.”

Released just over 6 months ago, the title continues to be pointed out as one of the favorites for the Game of the Year award, especially by critics who value the proposal of mandatory cooperative experiences — something rare in the current market.

The adaptation for the Switch 2 does not bring significant novelties beyond portability. However, this functionality alone justifies the new version for casual players and those looking to share the experience outside the home. It is further proof of the title's versatility, which remains relevant months after its original release.

For the Nintendo audience, who missed the game in its first release, Split Fiction emerges as one of the first major third-party titles on the Switch 2 — even with technical concessions. Still, it is a release that shows the strength of Hazelight Studios as a developer of author games, with its own identity and absolute mastery of the cooperative formula.