Bethesda’s recent launch of Skyrim for the Nintendo Switch 2 left many players disappointed. The Anniversary Edition, released on Tuesday, encountered bugs and performance problems that are surprising for a game originally released in 2011, especially on a more powerful console in 2025.
While the original Nintendo Switch struggled with outdated hardware, resulting in poor performance for third-party titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Ark: Survival Evolved, the Switch 2’s capabilities set a higher standard. This console handles games like Cyberpunk 2077 at a respectable 40 frames per second and Red Dead Redemption at a stable 60 fps, making players question why a game like Skyrim is facing issues. Consequently, many players are looking at Bethesda’s delivery rather than Nintendo’s hardware.
Skyrim’s Performance on Nintendo Switch 2 is Awful
Players have reported a range of frustrating issues while trying to play Skyrim on the Switch 2. For instance, one Reddit user shared that they experienced input delays as high as 250 ms in handheld mode, while another chimed in, confirming they couldn’t run the game above 30 fps. These technical setbacks are seriously hindering gameplay for many fans.
Interestingly, those experiencing in-game problems might consider themselves the fortunate ones. Players with physical copies of Skyrim from the original Switch faced a convoluted upgrade process just to access the Switch 2 version. Although the upgrade is free for existing owners, many encountered prompts demanding payment to install it. They finally discovered a workaround: removing the cartridge and deleting all game files before reinstalling Skyrim to unlock the upgrade.
Players Fear Fallout 4’s Launch on Switch 2 Could Be a Disaster
Given the widespread complaints about Skyrim, fans worry about Bethesda’s upcoming release of Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition for the Switch 2. Early indications suggest this edition will carry similar flaws.
Released in November 2025 on PC, the Fallout 4 upgrade was fraught with crashes and glitches. Many players who previously enjoyed the standard version found themselves unable to launch the game or use favorite mods. The inclusion of the new Creations Bundle—a collection of 150 premium mods—added to the frustration, leaving many fans with a broken game, despite the pack securing only a 20% positive review rate on Steam after a month.
With the Fallout 4 version set to mirror the problematic Anniversary Edition along with its broken Creation Bundle, players believe that Skyrim‘s issues may be a precursor to another rough launch from Bethesda.
How can I resolve performance issues in Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch 2?
If you’re experiencing performance bugs in Skyrim on your Switch 2, try resetting the device or reinstalling the game. Make sure you have sufficient storage space, as this could also affect performance.
What are the main bugs affecting Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Players have reported significant input delays and FPS drops. Some users experience up to 250 ms of input delay, which severely impacts gameplay.
Is the Fallout 4 upgrade for Switch 2 worth it?
Given the troubled launch of Skyrim, many players are hesitant about the Fallout 4 upgrade, which carries similar concerns regarding bugs and glitches.
Why did the upgrade process for Skyrim from Switch 1 to Switch 2 cause issues?
The upgrade can mislead users into thinking a payment is required. Some found they had to delete existing game files and reinstall to successfully access the upgrade.
In conclusion, the launch of Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch 2 has raised valid concerns among players about Bethesda’s capabilities. As we look forward to more releases, monitoring these issues will be crucial. Stay informed on all gaming news, and continue exploring related content at Moyens I/O.