GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.

By Austin Wood published 29 June 22

Expect 1080p docked and 720p in handheld mode

The newly announced Nier Automata Switch port is targeting 30 FPS in docked and handheld mode.

That's according to a recent tweet (opens in new tab) from the official Japanese Nier account, which – per machine translation – promises 30 FPS in docked mode at 1080p and in handheld mode at 720p. It's unclear if those are fixed or dynamic resolutions, nor do we know how stable this target frame rate will be. These limited figures also don't tell us much about the quality or clarity of the game's visuals, but it's a start, and frankly it could be worse. 

For reference, when Nier Automata originally launched it ran at 60 FPS on PS4 in 900p, and it achieved the same frame rate in 1080p on PS4 Pro. However, that frame rate was subject to noticeable dips during cluttered or intense fight scenes, particularly on a base PS4. 

If the Switch port can maintain a steady 30 FPS, it should appear relatively smooth even to those whose eyes have been spoiled by 60 FPS. But if we start to see comparable frame dips into the low 20s or even high teens, that could be a bit of a slog. Fingers crossed – both for stable performance, and in hopes that they didn't have to take a belt sander to the environments.    

The fact that Nier Automata got a Switch port at all was enough to rankle Kingdom Hearts fans, who were quick to criticize Square Enix for only releasing a cloud Switch version of Kingdom Hearts – namely the infamously clunky Integrum Masterpiece collection – while giving other games full-fledged ports. 

The Nier Automata Switch port resurrects a Final Fantasy 14 crossover character as an exclusive skin.

Austin freelanced for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, IGN, Sports Illustrated, and more while finishing his journalism degree, and he's been with GamesRadar+ since 2019. They've yet to realize that his position as a staff writer is just a cover up for his career-spanning Destiny column, and he's kept the ruse going with a focus on news and the occasional feature.

Get the best gaming deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable gaming news and more!

Thank you for signing up to GamesRadar+. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

GamesRadar+ is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab) .

© Future Publishing Australia ABN: 96 734 906 323 | PO Box 1077, Mount St, North Sydney NSW 2059.