One of the most pleasant surprises during the launch of the Switch 2 was its remarkable ability to handle large, demanding games that weren't developed by Nintendo. Historically, Nintendo's consoles have struggled with performance when it comes to third-party titles, but the Switch 2 seems to be a game-changer. With its advanced hardware, it provides a satisfying gaming experience for high-profile games like Cyberpunk 2077, which originally debuted in 2020.
Among the exciting new releases is Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, which launches simultaneously on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and both versions of the Switch. This game serves as an intriguing test case for the capabilities of the Switch 2, especially when compared to the PS5. My experience playing the remake on both consoles gives a promising outlook for Nintendo’s latest hardware.
For those unfamiliar, the latest installment in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is a sequel of sorts. In 2020, Activision released a remaster of the first two games, preserving their core essence while updating graphics, controls, and even introducing online features along with a new cast of skating stars. This remaster effectively retained the charm of the originals while modernizing the gameplay. THPS3+4 follows suit, applying the same principles to the third and fourth entries in the series. However, players will find that THPS4 comes with a more structured approach compared to the freeform exploration found in the original game.
Performance is a crucial element in any skateboarding game, as the excitement lies in chaining together tricks in creative sequences. Poor performance can hinder gameplay, making it difficult to execute moves seamlessly. What stood out to me while playing the Switch 2 version was its incredible smoothness. It may sound unremarkable, but the fact that the game runs flawlessly is a major plus. I encountered no technical issues while playing in handheld mode, regardless of whether I was navigating through a simple indoor stage or engaging in the visually dynamic Tokyo course from THPS3.
The developers at Iron Galaxy, who have taken over the franchise from the former studio Vicarious Visions, seem to have prioritized substance over style in their development process, and it has paid off. While THPS3+4 looks decent on the Switch 2, the visual fidelity on the PS5 is noticeably superior, offering more intricate details in the environment. The backdrops feel more vibrant, although this might be less noticeable as players speed through the levels. Character models also differ significantly between platforms; skaters like Tony Hawk and Aori Nishimura appear much more lifelike on the PS5, while the Switch 2 renders them as slightly blurred versions of their real-world counterparts.
Despite the cosmetic differences between platforms, they are relatively easy to overlook, especially in a genre where style is vital. The various skateboards and clothing options that players can unlock still look impressive on the Switch 2, meaning that users won’t miss out on the iconic skater aesthetics. More importantly, the Tony Hawk series has always excelled as a portable gaming experience; even the Game Boy Advance versions managed to captivate players. This trend continues with THPS3+4, as its short gameplay sessions are perfectly tailored for on-the-go play.
While THPS3+4 serves as a solid showcase for the Switch 2’s capabilities, it’s essential to note that it is not a “next-gen” game. This title was designed to function across multiple hardware generations from all major platforms. Therefore, it may not indicate that larger blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto VI will make their way to the Switch 2 anytime soon. However, the latest Tony Hawk game does demonstrate that the console is capable of keeping pace with contemporary releases, offering hope for fans of Nintendo’s newest hardware.
