Call of Duty is back on a Nintendo console, but in multiplayer, you pay a price for it. According to an analysis by Digital Foundry, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 has significantly higher input lag than on other platforms. IGN summarizes the findings and speaks of a 'Competitive Disadvantage'.
How Bad Is Modern Warfare 4's Input Lag on Switch 2?
The numbers are clear. Digital Foundry measures 81 milliseconds in docked mode, and 100 milliseconds in handheld mode. For comparison: the PS5 comes in at 49.1 milliseconds. In handheld mode, the delay is therefore twice as high. In multiplayer, values in handheld mode fluctuated between 83 milliseconds at best and 125 milliseconds at worst. Digital Foundry describes this as 'actually deleterious to performance,' meaning simply detrimental to gameplay performance.
- Switch 2 docked: 81 ms Input Lag
- Switch 2 Handheld: 100 ms (Range 83 to 125 ms)
- PS5 at 60 fps: 49.1 ms
Does Multiplayer Run Smoothly on Switch 2?
In competitive multiplayer, the Switch 2 targets 60 fps and mostly achieves it, according to Digital Foundry. However, individual situations cause the framerate to drop, such as looking through the transparent visor of a Riot Shield. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) smooths out drops on compatible displays, but you'll have a tougher time in handheld mode. The campaign runs at 30 fps. Despite this, IGN tester Simon Cardy praises the game for feeling 'snappy' even there, although the textures look significantly simpler than on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
The version was ported by Digital Legends, supported by Infinity Ward. It's the first Call of Duty on a Nintendo console since Ghosts in 2013. This comes after the ten-year commitment Microsoft made during the acquisition of Activision Blizzard to bring the series to Nintendo.
What Does This Mean for You as a Player?
Those who only play the campaign or finally want to experience Call of Duty on a Nintendo console after over a decade will get a solid version. However, those who focus on their K/D in 6v6 should be aware: Against players on PS5, Xbox, or PC, you start with a disadvantage that even quick reflexes cannot compensate for. The issue of fair play has accompanied the series since the introduction of crossplay. From our perspective, this is a real problem for a game whose marketing relies on rock-solid gunplay. A patch from Infinity Ward would be desirable, but nothing has been announced so far.
You can find everything about the game in our report on Eurogamer's review of Modern Warfare 4 and in the overview of Season 1 with all maps, modes, and weapons.
Source: IGN
Are you playing Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 and noticing the input lag? Let us know in the comments!
Comments (0)
No comments yet — be the first to share your take.