Nintendo Switch 2 Graphics Mod Test: How ARK and Other Games Benefit

This week, a new Nintendo Switch 2 graphics mod test made waves online, demonstrating the substantial improvements the system can bring to ARK: Survival Evolved. ARK, long considered one of the worst Switch ports, is getting a significant boost on the new console. The video, shared on YouTube by naga, highlights how the game performs on an overclocked Nintendo Switch versus the upgraded Switch 2, showcasing the potential of mods like an FPS unlocker and increased resolution settings.

At 1080p resolution, ARK runs smoothly on the Switch 2, maintaining a solid 60 FPS with no stuttering, a far cry from the performance on the original Nintendo Switch. While 1440p resolution doesn’t maintain a consistent 60 FPS, it holds a respectable 50 FPS range, making the game quite playable. However, when the system is pushed to 4K resolution, performance dips, dropping to around 25 FPS with some noticeable texture issues. 

Despite this, the absence of the severe stuttering seen in the original version is still a significant improvement.

What’s especially surprising about this modded performance is that the Switch 2 hasn’t been officially hacked yet. Mods like these are made possible by importing modded save files with altered graphics settings, unlocking higher framerates and resolutions for certain backward-compatible games. By testing games like Grid Autosport and Alien Isolation, naga demonstrates the potential of the Switch 2’s hardware to enhance older titles without the need for specific patches. It’s clear that even without official updates, the Switch 2 can improve the gaming experience for titles from its predecessor, offering a smoother and more polished experience than before.