Hogwarts Legacy has no-doubt been one of the biggest releases of the year - initially arriving on Xbox Series X|S back in February before the Xbox One version landed in May. While the cross-gen versions ended up pretty well-matched, the Nintendo Switch version is out today, and there are some major differences compared to every other platform.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that this new Switch version isn't a proper open world - at least compared to the other releases. It seems that the dev has done its utmost to bring the world of Hogwarts over to less-powerful hardware, but frequent load screens are part of the experience as a result, which break up the open world. You can check out the differences up above - where outlet SwitchUp pits the Nintendo console against the PC version of the title.
The game world is segmented on Switch - and even areas like shop interiors are cut off by lengthy load screens. Considering the hardware in question the dev team has done a pretty remarkable job getting this one running on Switch at all, but it certainly makes us appreciate the Xbox versions and their much more seamless open worlds!
Elsewhere, the visuals of course take a hit - but we're still quite impressed at how Switch compares to PC, Xbox and PlayStation given the power differences. We haven't spotted any direct Xbox comparisons just yet, but here's a Switch Vs. PS5 video if you'd like to see how current-gen consoles match up (Xbox Series X will be very similar to PS5 here).
Anyway, all this Hogwarts chatter has got this writer in the mood to pick the game up and play it over the holiday season - likely on Xbox Series X after all this. How about a Black Friday discount eh, Microsoft?
What do you make of these Hogwarts comparisons? Impressed by the Switch version compared to current-gen consoles? Tell us down below.
Comments 21
You realize “open world” has nothing to do with loading screens right? lol it’s still open world just broken up in to chunks…
@Ogrenator Then it's more like open zone? True open world is seamless
@Edwirichuu Exactly, games like FH5 and BoTW don't have loading screens for different areas, it's all accessible without a single load screen (except fast travel, starting the game up etc.)
I haven’t played it yet but I did watch some switch footage yesterday and thought wow this looks like a fun game. Now then the clip i watched was the start of the game when at the bank then I seen the open world area and thought hmm 🤔 Is it structured like halo infinite where you have linear sections then open world then linear again or what? I sometimes think open worlds are just spoiling the great gameplay of the more linear sections.
@Edwirichuu open world gaming is when you can explore at your own pace and aren’t locked down to a structured path like let’s say A Plague Tale. By your logic Bethesda games aren’t open world. Loading has absolutely nothing to do with a game being open world or not, period.
I am amazed they got it running on Switch period. This is a great example why Switch 2 is coming — as we move to current gen porting to Switch is more expensive and not everyone can/will do this.
It functions just like Fable and many other sprawling adventure games. Impressive for the Switch but not an ideal way to play.
So like starfield then...ba dum tsh 😁
I wasn't aware that having loading screen means a game isn't open world. Does that mean Starfield isn't an open world game? The irony.
@Amzoral actually botw has loading screens to enter shrines (and I don't remember if dungeons have it too)
@outswimmingtheflood yeah they all have loading screens at some points,some have more than others and some hide them better.
@Mephisto2869 That was a 10/10 response. Bravo!
Pretty amazing that they got the game working on the Switch at all.
Now.. port it to my iPhone.
I mean it can't handle it. Though it is still open world, it just has a lot of loading screens
This game should have been nominated for some awards at the Game Awards. Devs did a great job.
Ahhh, yes. The Nintendo Switch. Also known as the Series S Lite.
If the rumors are true that a switch 2 won’t even be as powerful as the PS4/XB1 then it’s not looking good for ol’ Nindtendy as more and more devs stop working on the less powerful hardware.
@VoidPunk I seriously doubt that that will be the case.
@HotGoomba
I hope so.
I’m still going to pick up on switch. Selling point for me is portability.
@Edwirichuu
Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, San Andreas would like a word with you...
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