Mortal Kombat 1 has been available for premium edition owners for a few days now (check out our review here and some of our guides here) but it launches for everyone tomorrow. The PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 versions of the game are all very similar in quality (you can check out a comparison here), but what about the Nintendo Switch version? Obviously, it’s not going to be up to the same level as the PC and current-gen console versions, but past NetherRealm titles have been fairly passable on Switch for those looking some Fatalities on the go. So, is the same true for the Switch version of MK1? Haha, uh… no.
A new video from ElAnalistaDeBits reveals the Switch’s raw technical stats aren’t that impressive, with the game running between 640p and 720p docked and as low as 480p handheld, although it is attempting to target 60fps. Check out the video for yourself, below.
If Mortal Kombat 1 was simply a low-resolution port of the current-gen console version, that would be one thing, but it seems to have been rebuilt from the ground up. That could potentially be a good thing, but in this case, the results leave something to be desired. In addition to featuring much less detail in general, characters all seem to have weird buggy eyes that stare into your soul.
The MK Switch version is disrespectful 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/hXOO2poAwq
— Plathanos 🐝 🇩🇴 (@SavinTheBees) September 17, 2023
Crying at the Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1, Why didn’t they just wait for the next gen switch console, the fact it costs 70$ is robbery💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/RHUFQJTHC5
— Synth Potato (Ameer) 🥔 (@SynthPotato) September 17, 2023
Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 1’s story mode, which seamlessly blends pre-rendered cutscenes and gameplay on current-gen platforms, features awkward loading screens on the Switch. Also, the few times the Switch game tries to do real-time cutscenes, well… you can check out the results below (WARNING: The following video contains Story mode SPOILERS).
Of course, there’s also plenty of funny glitches as well.
Yeah, Switch version rocks! #MK1 #MortalKombat1 #MortalKombat #Switch #bug pic.twitter.com/oLwivYnrQE
— Baconsaur of Astora (@mr_baconssauro) September 16, 2023
So, yeah, the current-gen versions of Mortal Kombat 1 are definitely worth your time! The Switch version, well… not so much. Again, it’s a shame, as past NetherRealm Switch ports have actually been quite good. What went wrong this time, I’m not sure. Perhaps the gulf between the XSX/PS5 and the Switch was just too wide to cross.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches is currently available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch for those who bought the Premium edition, and will arrive for everybody else tomorrow (September 19).
