Digital Foundry analysis suggests possible port of Crimson Desert for Switch 2 with technical sacrifices

The gaming community has intensely debated the viability of high-performance titles on more compact platforms, and one of the most recent debates involves the highly anticipated action RPG “Crimson Desert”. The game’s recent success has reignited discussion about its potential appearance on Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2. Especialistas from Digital Foundry, renowned for its in-depth technical analysis, has shed light on this possibility.

According to their investigations, a release for Nintendo Switch 2 is not out of the question, as long as the developers are willing to implement various technical limitations and optimizations. The scenario would be quite similar to what happened with other big games on the previous console, the original Nintendo Switch.

The most notable example is “The Witcher 3:Wild Hunt”, which was shown to be viable on Switch with all its content, but requiring significant adaptations to graphics and performance. Esse precedent suggests that porting technology is advanced enough, but the cost is reduced visual fidelity.

The crucial role of DLSS in optimization

One of the most promising technological elements that could facilitate the arrival of “Crimson Desert” to Switch 2 is DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology. The future Nintendo console is expected to incorporate this functionality, which uses artificial intelligence to reconstruct high-resolution images from lower-resolution renders.

DLSS would be a powerful ally to alleviate the game’s graphical load. Ele would allow “Crimson Desert” to be rendered at a lower resolution internally, and then be intelligently scaled, compensating for the difference in hardware power between the Switch 2 and other beefier platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Challenges inherent to the console’s processor

Despite the optimism regarding DLSS, Digital Foundry warns that the biggest obstacle to portability would not lie in the capacity of the Switch 2’s GPU, but rather in its processor (CPU). Títulos like “Crimson Desert”, with its vast environments and the ability to display a large number of characters on screen simultaneously, demand a robust CPU.

The Switch 2’s processor can become a bottleneck, especially in moments of greater complexity, such as dense cities or large battles with many NPCs (Non-Playable Characters). Para To circumvent this limitation, the most likely solutions would include a drastic reduction in the density of NPCs and a cut in the rendering distance of certain elements of the scene.

Experts explain that, in specific locations in the game with a high concentration of elements, there is a limit to what developers can do without compromising gameplay. CPU optimization would therefore be a complex and meticulous job, focusing on how the game manages and processes these dynamic elements.

Necessary technical adaptations and development base

In addition to processing and rendering issues, other adaptations would be inevitable to ensure a fluid gaming experience on Switch 2. The expectation is that “Crimson Desert” would operate with a frame rate locked at 30 FPS, instead of the 60 FPS targeted on more powerful platforms.

Other optimizations would involve simplifying textures, reducing the quality of shadows and post-processing effects, and adjusting minor environmental details. Digital Foundry suggests that the Xbox Series S version could serve as the basis for this porting work.

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This version of the Microsoft console is considered the closest in terms of technical capabilities compared to what is expected from the Switch 2, although there are important architectural differences. Pearl Abyss, developer of “Crimson Desert”, would have to carefully analyze these differences to translate the game efficiently.

Intensive optimization and prior experience

The Digital Foundry team highlights the complexity of CPU optimization work. “We’ve seen games that run well on the Switch 2 in terms of GPU performance, but once you get to the CPU, you hit a kind of limit where you can’t go much faster,” the review states. CPU optimization is often more challenging than GPU optimization.

At critical moments, such as those experienced in “Bug Hill” areas within the game itself, developers would have few options other than adjusting the number of NPCs or the distance at which they are rendered. Essa approach has already been seen in other ambitious ports for more limited hardware platforms, such as “The Witcher 3” in the original Switch, which required a considerable investment of time in CPU optimization. Pearl Abyss’s experience and technical knowledge would be decisive in facing these obstacles.

Community and studio perspectives

The possibility of having “Crimson Desert” on a portable platform like the Nintendo Switch 2 certainly excites a significant portion of the community. The opportunity to play such an ambitious open-world RPG anywhere is a powerful draw, even if it means visual and performance compromises.

Pearl Abyss, known for its proprietary graphics engine, BlackSpace Engine, has a track record of creating visually stunning experiences. The decision to invest in a port for Switch 2 would depend on a cost-benefit analysis, considering the development effort versus the sales potential on the Nintendo console.

The ports scenario and Nintendo strategy

The gaming market has shown a growing trend of ports of major titles to hybrid platforms. Nintendo, with the smash success of Switch, solidified the demand for AAA games adapted for the portable format. Switch 2, with improved hardware but still limitations compared to next-gen PCs and consoles, will continue to be a challenge for developers.

Integrating technologies like DLSS and optimization on platforms like Xbox Series S provide important tools and precedents. Digital Foundry’s analysis ultimately suggests that while the transition from “Crimson Desert” to Switch 2 is not trivial, it is technically achievable, requiring substantial effort to balance the game’s artistic vision with the realities of the hardware. The expectation is that, if the port is carried out, the result will deliver a game experience complete in content, but adapted in its visual presentation and performance.