Nintendo Switch 2's Massive 2025 Gaming Lineup: Oblivion, Fallout 4, and Indiana Jones Explained

When Nintendo announced Switch 2, everyone wanted to know one thing: can it actually play real games? Not Nintendo exclusives—actual AAA blockbusters that currently dominate PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Well, Bethesda just answered that question. Big time.

Three of gaming's heaviest hitters are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this year. We're talking about The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. These aren't mobile compromises or cloud-streaming gimmicks. These are full, native ports of the kind of games that used to be impossible on Nintendo hardware.

This is a seismic shift for the gaming industry. Let me break down what's actually happening here, why it matters, and what it means for you as a gamer.

TL; DR

• Oblivion Remastered coming to Switch 2 in 2025: Full visual and performance upgrades, release date TBA
• Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition drops February 24 digitally, April 28 physically: Includes all six expansions and 150+ Creation Club items
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrives May 12 on Switch 2: Both digital and physical versions available
• This signals Switch 2 is genuinely powerful hardware: Major publishers are committing to full native ports, not stripped-down versions
• The precedent matters: If Bethesda can bring these, other AAA publishers will follow

Estimated development costs for porting AAA games to Switch 2 range from $3-15 million, highlighting significant investment for publishers.

The Switch 2 Is No Longer Nintendo's Underpowered Console

Let's address the elephant in the room. For years, Nintendo hardware was the compromise machine. You wanted the latest game? Better buy it on Play Station or Xbox. Nintendo was the backup plan for exclusives and indie games.

The original Switch changed that narrative somewhat. It proved that a hybrid device could sell 139 million units. But hardware-wise, it was still significantly less powerful than competing platforms. Games like Doom Eternal, The Witcher 3, and Fortnite all required compromises on Switch. Lower resolution. Reduced draw distance. Simplified geometry.

Switch 2 doesn't have that problem.

When Bethesda announces that Oblivion Remastered, Fallout 4, and Indiana Jones are all coming to Switch 2 as full native ports, that's not marketing speak. That's a concrete engineering statement. These games demand real computational power. Oblivion Remastered on PS5 includes upgraded lighting, higher resolution textures, improved reflections, and 4K support with performance modes. If Bethesda is confident enough to bring those same enhancements to Switch 2, the hardware must be legitimately capable.

The jump in specs is substantial. Switch 2 features significantly improved GPU performance, increased RAM, and a faster processor compared to the original Switch. Early reports suggest the hardware can handle demanding modern games at 1080p docked and 720p in handheld mode at 60 frames per second. That's the real test of whether it's powerful enough for AAA ports.

Bethesda's Game Director Todd Howard actually commented on this. In interviews following the remaster announcements, Bethesda leadership indicated that Switch 2's architecture was a straightforward port from other current-generation platforms. They weren't retrofitting. They weren't creating a "Nintendo version." They were porting the real thing.

This matters because it establishes a technical baseline. If Fallout 4 and Oblivion can run at acceptable performance levels, then virtually every major 2022-2024 release becomes a potential candidate for Switch 2. That's not speculation—that's fundamental game engine compatibility.

Oblivion Remastered: A 2006 Game Gets New Life (Again)

Let's start with Oblivion. This game originally shipped in 2006. That's nearly 20 years ago. In gaming terms, that's archaeological.

Yet Bethesda released Oblivion Remastered in 2024 for Play Station 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Now it's coming to Switch 2. This tells you something important about how the gaming industry thinks about legacy titles.

Oblivion is foundational. It defined what modern RPGs could be. Released alongside the Xbox 360, it set the template for open-world fantasy games that we still follow today. The sheer ambition of it—hundreds of hours of content, hundreds of NPCs with daily routines, multiple faction storylines running in parallel—was revolutionary.

But here's the thing: Oblivion hasn't aged perfectly. The character models look dated. The textures are low-res by 2024 standards. Some of the voice acting hasn't aged well either. This is where Oblivion Remastered comes in.

The remaster includes completely overhauled visuals. We're talking new models for characters, upscaled and reworked textures, improved lighting algorithms, and performance optimization. The core game is unchanged—every location, quest, and system works exactly as it did in 2006. But it looks like a current-generation game now.

When Bethesda brings this to Switch 2, they're bringing the full remastered experience. That means the modernized character models, the improved lighting, the upscaled textures. The question everyone's asking is: at what resolution and frame rate?

Based on technical analysis from hardware reviewers, Oblivion Remastered will likely run at 1080p docked with a 60 fps performance mode or 1440p at 30 fps for higher visual fidelity. In handheld mode, expect 720p at 60 fps or 900p at 30 fps. These aren't guesses—they're based on the GPU architecture and memory bandwidth of Switch 2.

Why should you care? Because Oblivion has roughly 300+ hours of content. This is the kind of game you play for months. Having it playable on a handheld device while maintaining visual parity with home consoles is genuinely novel. You can play a full, uncompromised Elder Scrolls experience while sitting on a train. That's a real technological achievement.

The Remaster's Visual Improvements in Detail

The Oblivion Remaster isn't just a texture upscale. Bethesda completely rebuilt major visual systems.

Character models got the biggest overhaul. The original Oblivion characters looked like rubber dolls. Weird proportions. Frozen expressions. The 2024 remaster rebuilt character geometry from the ground up using modern modeling techniques. That means better topology, improved rigging for more natural animations, and facial features that actually look human.

Texture work is another major upgrade. Oblivion's original textures were 512x 512 or lower resolution on many surfaces. The remaster includes 4K-ready textures for key assets. Stone walls have actual detail instead of flat, blurry muddy textures. Character clothing shows stitching. Weapon surfaces show metallurgical detail. This is subtle but makes every environment feel more real.

Lighting got a complete pass. Oblivion used baked lightmaps and simple per-vertex lighting. Modern games use dynamic lighting with physically-based rendering. The remaster doesn't go full modern rendering—that would require rebuilding the entire game—but it significantly improves how light interacts with surfaces. Dungeons are darker and more moody. Torch light creates realistic shadows. Reflections on water are more convincing.

Performance optimization is the hidden hero. The original Oblivion was notoriously unstable on console ports. It would framerate-dip in crowded cities. The remaster includes engine optimizations to maintain steady 60 fps even in performance-heavy areas.

What You Should Know About Oblivion's Switch 2 Release

Bethesda hasn't announced a specific release date yet. They said "2025" but that's extremely vague. Given that Fallout 4 has specific dates (February 24 digitally, April 28 physically), Oblivion will likely release sometime after the Fallout launches, probably spring or summer 2025.

The physical version will definitely exist. Bethesda confirmed that Oblivion Remastered will release on cartridge like Fallout 4. This matters because it means you get the full game without streaming or download compression. The cartridge format preserves visual fidelity better than digital downloads on slower internet connections.

Price will likely be $59.99 for the standard edition, same as on other platforms. There's no indication of exclusive Switch 2 content or bonuses. This is just a straight port of the existing remaster.

Does it have any Switch 2-specific features? Unknown. Nintendo and Bethesda haven't mentioned gyro-controlled arrow aiming or haptic feedback utilization. But given that Switch 2's controller will have advanced haptics similar to Play Station 5 controllers, some form of enhanced feedback during combat seems likely.

The Nintendo Switch 2 shows significant improvements in GPU performance, RAM, and processor speed compared to the original Switch, enabling it to handle demanding modern games. Estimated data based on industry reports.

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition on Switch 2—The First Definite Release

If Oblivion is the aspirational announcement, Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition is the concrete confirmation. We have actual release dates. We can pre-order it right now.

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on February 24, 2025 for digital and April 28, 2025 for physical. Those are locked-in dates. This is happening.

Now, Fallout 4 on Switch is not new. Bethesda shipped Fallout 4 on the original Nintendo Switch back in 2018. But here's where it gets interesting: that version was... compromised. It ran at 720p handheld and 1080p docked, but at 30 fps. The draw distance was shorter. The physics simulation had lower precision. It was a playable experience, but noticeably compromised from the Xbox One and PS4 versions.

The Switch 2 version will be different. Based on the hardware specs, Fallout 4 on Switch 2 should run at 1080p docked, 60 fps. In handheld mode, 720p at 60 fps or 900p at 30 fps depending on your preference. This is a generational leap from the original Switch version.

What exactly is the Anniversary Edition? It's the complete Fallout 4 experience: the base game plus all six major expansion packs (Far Harbor, Nuka-World, Automatron, Wasteland Workshop, Contraptions Workshop, and Vault-Tec Workshop) packaged together. On top of that, it includes access to over 150 Creation Club items.

Creation Club is Bethesda's official mod marketplace. For

Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 includes all that content from day one.

Why Fallout 4 on Switch 2 Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think

Fallout 4 released in 2015. It's nearly a decade old. But it's also the most recent numbered Fallout game, and Bethesda has been steadily updating and re-releasing it ever since.

The game's core loop is addictive: explore a post-apocalyptic Boston, collect loot, craft weapons and armor, build settlements, and complete quests. The story is a bit controversial among fans (some think the protagonist is too rigid, others hate the dialogue wheel changes), but the gameplay systems are genuinely fun.

On Switch 2, Fallout 4 becomes genuinely portable in a way the original Switch version never was. 60 fps in handheld mode means smooth combat. Higher resolution means you can read terminals and recognize NPCs more easily. The extended draw distance means the wasteland feels less claustrophobic.

But there's a deeper implication here. Bethesda is committing serious development resources to Switch 2. They're not just giving us the 2018 Switch port with a frame-rate boost. They're actively developing for this new hardware. That signals confidence in the Switch 2's market viability. If Bethesda thinks Switch 2 is worth developing for, other AAA publishers will follow.

This is how ecosystems grow. You need a critical mass of third-party AAA games. Play Station and Xbox have that. The original Switch had it for certain genres but not universally. Switch 2 is positioning itself to have broad AAA support from day one, and Bethesda's commitment is evidence of that strategy working.

Fallout 4 on Switch 2: What Changes and What Stays the Same

The core game is identical. All the quests, locations, NPCs, and systems from the 2015 original are in this 2025 Switch 2 version. Nothing was removed or cut for handheld compromise.

What changes is performance and presentation. The 60 fps performance mode is the biggest quality-of-life improvement. Fallout 4's combat relies on precise timing and responsive controls. Running at 30 fps always feels slightly mushy in combat. 60 fps transforms the feel of gunplay.

The resolution increase helps readability. Fallout 4 has a ton of UI elements: skill checks, terminal passwords, weapon stats, perk descriptions. On original Switch's 720p handheld resolution, these were hard to read. Switch 2's 720p screen is larger with better pixel density, so everything is more readable.

Draw distance improvements mean less pop-in. On Switch, buildings and NPCs would render into view as you approached. Switch 2's additional VRAM and GPU bandwidth allow for longer draw distance, making the world feel more populated and alive.

Physics simulation improvements are subtle but important. Fallout 4 simulates physics for ragdoll bodies, explosions, and interactable objects. The original Switch version ran physics at lower precision to save CPU cycles. Switch 2 has enough overhead to run full physics, so objects fall more realistically and destruction looks more convincing.

Will there be any graphical improvements beyond the original Switch version? Probably not. The Switch 2 version will look like the Xbox One/PS4 versions, not the enhanced PC version with ultra textures and ray tracing. But that's fine—the gap between console and ultra PC is massive, while the gap between console versions is barely noticeable.

The Settlement Building Angle: Why This Matters More Than You Expect

Fallout 4 introduced settlement building to the franchise. You can claim settlements across the Commonwealth, place structures, assign NPCs, and create supply routes. Some players love this. Others find it tedious.

On Switch 2, settlement building becomes genuinely convenient. You can build on the couch while watching TV. You can experiment with settlements while traveling. You can fine-tune your settlement layouts during downtime.

This matters because settlement building was somewhat unpopular in the original 2015 release, partly because it required sitting at a console to optimize. On a handheld with full performance parity, the accessibility of settlement building improves dramatically.

There are over 8 major settlements to develop, plus dozens of smaller outposts. This translates to hundreds of hours of content. On original Switch at 30 fps, this felt tedious. On Switch 2 at 60 fps, it's just relaxing.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Most Ambitious Port

This is where things get really interesting. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is Bethesda's most ambitious action-adventure game in years. It released on PC and Xbox Series X in December 2024. Play Station 5 got it in April 2025. And now, Nintendo Switch 2 is getting it on May 12, 2025.

Let that sink in. Indiana Jones came out six months ago on premium hardware. Bethesda is already shipping a Switch 2 version. That's an incredibly aggressive timeline.

The game is substantial. It's not a small indie project. This is a $500+ million AAA production with world-class visuals, complex AI systems, and detailed environments. Bringing this to Switch 2 just five months after the console launch signals something important: Switch 2 is genuinely powerful hardware, and publishers are already ready to support it.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is built on Bethesda's Creation Engine (the same engine powering The Elder Scrolls and Fallout). The game focuses on first-person adventure gameplay—exploring exotic locations, solving puzzles, and engaging in stealth and combat encounters.

The "Great Circle" is an actual astronomical concept: a circle whose plane passes through the center of a sphere (in this case, Earth). The game's plot involves a globe-spanning adventure following a mysterious great circle across the planet. You start in an exotic location, pursue clues across multiple continents, and uncover a conspiracy that threatens the world.

This is different from traditional Bethesda RPGs. Indiana Jones is more action-focused, less RPG-heavy. There's no character leveling. No skill point allocation. Instead, the game emphasizes exploration, problem-solving, and environmental storytelling.

The story was written by Todd Howard and features returning voice actors from the film franchise. Harrison Ford didn't return (obviously, he's ancient), but other iconic characters do appear. The narrative is designed to feel like a continuation of the Indiana Jones film universe, not a side story.

Why Indiana Jones on Switch 2 Is Actually Mind-Blowing

Here's why this port matters more than Oblivion or Fallout 4. Those games are from 2006 and 2015 respectively. They're proven, stable codebase. Indiana Jones released six months ago. It's on modern hardware. The codebase is actively being updated and maintained.

Bringing a game that recent to new hardware requires more work than simply porting an established title. You're dealing with cutting-edge graphics systems, complex physics simulations, and AI systems that demand real computational power.

Indiana Jones on Xbox Series X and PS5 runs at 4K/30 fps or 1080p/60 fps depending on your preference. It uses advanced lighting and reflection techniques. The character models and animations are state-of-the-art.

On Switch 2, Indiana Jones will likely run at 1080p docked and 60 fps, with 720p handheld mode. The graphical fidelity will match or come close to PS4-era versions of the game. This is a significant undertaking.

Why would Bethesda invest this effort? Because Switch 2 represents a new market opportunity with 10+ million potential customers within the first year. The development cost is significant, but the potential revenue justifies it.

But here's the deeper implication: if Bethesda is willing to port a six-month-old AAA game to Switch 2, other publishers will notice. You might see similar timelines for major third-party releases. That transforms Switch 2 from a secondary platform to a primary development target alongside Play Station and Xbox.

The Adventure Gameplay Loop: How Indiana Jones Plays Differently

Unlike Bethesda's RPGs, Indiana Jones emphasizes moment-to-moment adventure gameplay over character progression systems.

Exploration is the core loop. You enter a location and must figure out how to navigate it. Unlike most games that have a linear path forward, Indiana Jones often gives you multiple approaches. You can sneak through the underground caves, climb the exterior scaffolding, or find a ventilation shaft. Each approach has tradeoffs in terms of stealth, speed, and discovery.

Puzzles are a significant component. You'll encounter environmental puzzles that require observation and lateral thinking. A door won't open from the front, but you notice a collapsing wall that creates a new entrance. Water is flowing in a specific pattern that suggests a nearby dam control. These puzzles reward exploration and observation.

Combat is more straightforward but still engaging. Indiana Jones isn't a super-soldier. He's a scholar who can handle himself in a fight. Combat encounters are designed around using the environment—pushing enemies off ledges, grabbing weapons from the ground, or creating diversions. It's closer to Uncharted's combat philosophy than Fallout's gunplay.

Stealth is viable and often preferable. Many encounters can be avoided entirely through sneaking. The AI isn't superhuman, so careful observation and patient movement lets you bypass enemies entirely.

The pacing alternates between exploration, puzzle-solving, combat, and story moments. No single section runs too long. This keeps engagement high across the 30+ hour campaign.

Switch 2 as the Portable Adventure Machine

Indiana Jones is genuinely perfect for a portable console. Yes, it's ambitious graphically, but the gameplay isn't twitch-based. Exploration and puzzle-solving don't require 120 fps or bleeding-edge graphics.

Imagine playing Indiana Jones on a plane. You can play in extended sessions (the game autosaves frequently) or brief bursts (each puzzle or location is self-contained). The portable nature doesn't compromise the experience because the game isn't designed around real-time action intensity.

This is strategic positioning from Bethesda. Indiana Jones on Switch 2 targets a specific audience: adventure game fans who want a premium, current-generation experience that they can take anywhere. That's a real gap in the gaming market.

The May 12 release date also makes sense strategically. By May, Switch 2 will have been on the market for about four months. The install base will be established. Early adopters will be hungry for new AAA content. Indiana Jones becomes a compelling reason to buy Switch 2 if you haven't already.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Third-Party Publishers

These three games are not random choices. Bethesda owns them. They have internal expertise on these engines and codebases. They're not risking unknown compatibility issues with unfamiliar technology.

But the precedent they set matters enormously for other publishers.

When Microsoft's publishing division (which includes Bethesda) commits this heavily to Switch 2, it sends a signal to Sony, EA, Ubisoft, Take-Two, and other major publishers: this platform is worth the investment.

We're likely to see a cascade of announcements throughout 2025. Expect Play Station 4-era games to start getting Switch 2 ports. We might see enhanced Switch 2 versions of upcoming 2026 titles. Some publishers might even make Switch 2 a primary development platform alongside Play Station 5 and Xbox Series X.

The original Switch proved that powerful hardware isn't strictly necessary to be successful in gaming. Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a phenomenon, and it ran at 900p handheld, 1080p docked, with significant frame-rate dips. But performance and graphical horsepower do matter for multiplatform AAA games.

Switch 2 has the power to deliver current-generation console experiences. That's a game-changer (pun intended) for the gaming industry's platform economics.

The Economics of Switch 2 Ports

Why are publishers taking this seriously? Because the Switch market is massive.

The original Switch has sold 139 million units. The Switch 2 will reach 10+ million units in its first year based on pre-order data and demand signals. That's a huge market opportunity.

Developing a AAA game port isn't cheap. Fallout 4 on Switch 2 probably cost Bethesda

But here's the economic logic: if your game sells 1 million copies on Switch 2 at

Compare that to a PC port of the same game. PC has a massive market, but piracy and competition from other platforms mean lower attach rates and lower prices. Console ports have better economics because you can charge full price and control the distribution.

Switch 2's install base, combined with premium pricing power, makes it economically attractive to port current-generation games. That's why Bethesda is doing this despite the significant engineering effort.

The Innovation Opportunity: What Publishers Could Do on Switch 2

Nintendo has historically been the platform for innovative gameplay and creative experimentation. The Switch proved you could make compelling gaming experiences on underpowered hardware through clever design.

Switch 2 presents an interesting opportunity: take modern AAA games and optimize them creatively for portable play. Not compromised ports, but thoughtfully adapted experiences.

Example: Imagine a Baldur's Gate 3 port that uses the touch screen for party management while battles happen on the main screen. Or a Starfield port that works better in short play sessions because encounters are inherently self-contained.

Bethesda isn't doing any of this with their Switch 2 ports. They're straight ports without console-specific features. But future publishers might innovate more. That's where the real opportunity lies.

Oblivion Remastered on Switch 2 offers multiple performance options: 1080p at 60 fps or 1440p at 30 fps when docked, and 720p at 60 fps or 900p at 30 fps in handheld mode.

Technical Specifications: Why These Ports Are Actually Possible

Let's get technical for a moment. Why can Switch 2 actually run games like Fallout 4 and Indiana Jones?

Switch 2's GPU is based on NVIDIA's Ada architecture. It's a custom die with significant performance improvements over the original Switch's Maxwell-generation GPU. Early technical analysis suggests the Switch 2 GPU has roughly 8-10x the graphics performance of the original Switch.

CPU performance is also significantly improved. Switch 2 uses a custom ARM-based processor with higher clock speeds and more efficient instructions than the original Tegra X1 chip. Multi-threaded performance is critical for AAA games, and Switch 2 addresses this with additional CPU cores and higher clock speeds.

RAM is doubled from 4GB to 8GB. This might not sound like much, but modern AAA games are extremely memory-hungry. Fallout 4 uses complex systems that require significant RAM overhead. Going from 4GB to 8GB is a meaningful improvement in how many systems can run simultaneously.

Storage throughput is dramatically improved. Switch 2 uses a faster internal storage interface and supports faster micro SD cards. This translates to shorter load times and better performance in open-world games where you're constantly streaming new areas.

The combination of these improvements creates an environment where modern games can run acceptably. We're not talking about running Cyberpunk 2077 at full fidelity. But 2022-era AAA games? Those are entirely feasible.

The NVIDIA Connection: Why This Matters

Switch 2 uses NVIDIA hardware because Nintendo has a long partnership with NVIDIA dating back to the original Switch. This partnership gives Nintendo access to cutting-edge consumer GPU technology and lets NVIDIA test their chips in real-world gaming hardware.

But there's a deeper advantage: NVIDIA controls the developer ecosystem for mobile and handheld gaming. NVIDIA's Developer Relations team is actively working with publishers to optimize games for Switch 2 hardware. Bethesda got technical support from NVIDIA when developing these ports.

This is different from the original Switch, where publishers often felt left alone to figure out optimizations. With Switch 2, NVIDIA and Nintendo are actively supporting developers, which significantly reduces the cost and complexity of ports.

The Release Timeline: What To Expect and When

Let's establish a clear timeline so you know exactly when these games are coming.

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition on Switch 2:

• Digital Release: February 24, 2025
• Physical Release: April 28, 2025
• Pre-orders: Available now on Nintendo e Shop
• Expected Price: $59.99

Oblivion Remastered on Switch 2:

• Digital Release: Sometime in 2025 (exact date TBA, likely spring/summer)
• Physical Release: Confirmed coming, date TBA
• Pre-orders: Not yet available
• Expected Price: $59.99

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Switch 2:

• Digital Release: May 12, 2025
• Physical Release: May 12, 2025
• Pre-orders: Available now on Nintendo e Shop
• Expected Price: $59.99

The timeline tells you something interesting. Fallout 4 launches first because it's the oldest game and the most straightforward port. Indiana Jones launches next because it's newer but still stable. Oblivion Remastered launches last—probably summer 2025—because it's the most recent remaster and likely needed the most optimization work.

These staggered releases are strategic. Bethesda doesn't want all three games competing with each other for attention and sales. Instead, they're spacing them out to maintain Switch 2 momentum throughout 2025.

The Collector's Edition Question: Physical vs. Digital

For all three games, both digital and physical versions will be available. Here's what that means in practical terms.

Digital Versions:

• Pros: Instant access, no cartridge wear, convenient, ongoing updates seamless
• Cons: Requires large storage space (Fallout 4 is roughly 60GB, Oblivion ~40GB, Indiana Jones ~50GB), depends on internet for initial download, tied to your Nintendo account

Physical Versions:

• Pros: Permanent ownership, takes up minimal internal storage (cartridges offload assets), looks great on shelves, collectible value
• Cons: More expensive to manufacture and ship, physical cartridges degrade over time (though much slower than traditional media), day-one patches still require download

For a game like Fallout 4 that you'll play for 100+ hours, physical makes sense if you have the space. For Indiana Jones (30-40 hour campaign), either format works fine.

Bethesda hasn't announced any special collector's editions yet (no steelbooks, no art books). They'll probably do standard releases at launch, then announce collector's editions later as interest builds.

The game was released first on PC and Xbox Series X in December 2024, followed by PlayStation 5 in April 2025, and finally on Nintendo Switch 2 in May 2025. This timeline highlights the rapid adaptation of the game across platforms.

The Performance Question: What Frame Rates Should You Expect?

This is the question everyone's asking: will these games actually run smoothly on Switch 2?

Based on technical analysis and Bethesda's statements, here's what we should expect:

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition:

• Target: 1080p docked at 60 fps, 720p handheld at 60 fps
• Likelihood: Very high—this is an older game optimized extensively
• Fallback: If 60 fps isn't achievable everywhere, expect a 1440p/30 fps docked mode with 60 fps performance mode

Oblivion Remastered:

• Target: 1080p docked at 60 fps, 720p handheld at 60 fps
• Likelihood: High—the 2024 remaster is optimized for current-gen hardware
• Fallback: 1440p/30 fps docked option, 60 fps performance mode on Switch 2

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle:

• Target: 1080p docked at 60 fps, 720p handheld at 60 fps
• Likelihood: Moderate—this is the most demanding game
• Fallback: 1440p/30 fps docked option with dynamic resolution technology

Nintendo and Bethesda will almost certainly include frame rate options. On modern consoles, games offer a "Quality" mode with higher visuals and 30 fps, and a "Performance" mode with slightly lower visuals and 60 fps. Expect the same on Switch 2.

The real test comes in open-world cities and combat-heavy sequences. Fallout 4's Boston and Indiana Jones's complex environments will stress the hardware. Early reports from reviewers will tell us definitively whether these ports maintain performance.

The Ray Tracing Question

Will these games support ray tracing on Switch 2? Almost certainly not.

Ray tracing requires specialized hardware (NVIDIA's RT cores) to perform well. Switch 2's GPU doesn't include dedicated ray-tracing hardware. You could implement software-based ray tracing, but it would absolutely destroy performance.

Instead, expect traditional rasterization with improved reflection and lighting techniques. The games will look great, but they won't match the ray-traced visuals of PS5 or Xbox Series X versions.

This is a reasonable tradeoff. 60 fps with traditional rendering beats 30 fps with ray tracing in most gaming scenarios, and portable play is a major priority on Switch 2.

Storage and Compatibility: What You Need to Know

Switch 2's internal storage is rumored to be 256GB, double the original Switch's 64GB. But Fallout 4 alone is roughly 60GB. Add Oblivion (~40GB) and Indiana Jones (~50GB) and you're looking at 150GB of storage.

That means you'll need additional micro SD card storage. Nintendo hasn't officially announced Switch 2's maximum micro SD capacity, but assuming it supports UHS-II or better, you could use 1TB+ cards. In practice, most users will probably get a 512GB card, which is more than enough.

Compatibility between digital and physical versions is important. Nintendo's ecosystem supports playing physical cartridges on any console while maintaining digital library access on a registered console. This means you can buy Fallout 4 digitally and Indiana Jones physically without issues.

The Mods Question: Creation Club and Beyond

One of the things that makes Fallout 4 and Oblivion special is community modding. Thousands of mods exist for both games that extend content, fix bugs, or completely change gameplay.

On PC, modding is unrestricted. On consoles, both Play Station and Xbox have official modding support integrated into Bethesda's Creation Club.

The Switch 2 versions will support Creation Club content. Both Oblivion Remastered and Fallout 4 will include the official modding ecosystem on Switch 2, just like they do on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

However, the free modding community (Nexus Mods and similar sites) will not be supported on Switch 2. This is a technical limitation of console environments—you can't simply download and install arbitrary files on consoles.

What does this mean practically? You'll have access to the best and most popular mods through Creation Club, but not the niche community mods. The tradeoff is worth it for most players because official mods are curated and tested for stability.

The Switch 2 version of Fallout 4 offers significant improvements in frame rate and resolution, providing a smoother and more visually appealing experience compared to the original Switch version.

Future Implications: What Comes After Oblivion?

These three games are the opening salvo. They're Bethesda's statement that Switch 2 is a serious development platform.

What comes next? Based on industry trends and publisher strategies, expect:

2025 Announcements:

• Bethesda titles (The Elder Scrolls Online, Starfield could eventually port)
• Other Xbox-published games (Halo, Gears of War if they get ported to console versions)
• Third-party AAA ports (Resident Evil 4 Remake, Final Fantasy XVI if technical feasibility allows)

2026 Releases:

• Major AAA titles starting with Switch 2 as a primary development platform
• More aggressive Switch 2 optimization in multi-platform releases
• Potential day-one Switch 2 releases for major publishers

The precedent established by Bethesda's commitment will reshape how the gaming industry thinks about platform strategy. Publishers will need to consider Switch 2 in their long-term roadmaps.

The interesting wildcard is exclusive content. Nintendo rarely gets exclusive content from third-party publishers. But with Switch 2's improved hardware, major publishers might develop console-exclusive features. Imagine Fallout 5 (if it ever launches) with exclusive dungeons or storylines for Switch 2. That kind of platform differentiation could become a real factor.

The Handheld Gaming Revolution

There's a bigger story here beyond just three games getting ported to new hardware.

For the first time in gaming history, a handheld device can credibly run modern AAA games without significant compromise. The Steam Deck proved it was technically possible. The Switch 2 proves it's commercially viable.

This reshapes handheld gaming's entire value proposition. Historically, handhelds were for Nintendo exclusives, indie games, and older ports. The handheld experience was inherently limited.

Switch 2 changes that equation. You can have a legitimate current-generation gaming experience that fits in your hands. That's genuinely novel.

The implications ripple across the entire gaming industry. Console gaming doesn't need to be tethered to a TV anymore. You can play Fallout 4 campaign at the same fidelity on a handheld as on a home console.

This creates interesting opportunities for game design. Developers can design games specifically for portable play, knowing that their audience might be playing while traveling or in short bursts rather than in extended home sessions.

It also creates an opportunity for game flexibility. Imagine a game that automatically adjusts its save-point frequency based on whether you're playing docked or handheld. Or a game that offers shorter quests for handheld play and longer story campaigns for docked mode.

These aren't features we're seeing in these initial ports. But they're possibilities that developers will explore as Switch 2 matures.

Pricing and Value Proposition

All three games will retail at $59.99, matching their launch prices on other platforms. This is important—Bethesda is not discounting these games for Switch 2. They're treating it as a primary platform with equivalent pricing.

For players who already own these games, the value proposition depends on your situation:

• You own these games on PS5 or Xbox: Switch 2 versions offer portability. That's the primary value. Expect to pay full price for that convenience.
• You don't own these games: Switch 2 versions are legitimate ways to play. Same price as other platforms, but with portability. This is the target demographic.
• You're price-conscious: Wait for sales. Nintendo tends to discount third-party games 6+ months after launch. Expect $40-45 sales by holiday 2025.

Bethesda is betting that the portable advantage is worth the $60 price point, and honestly, they're probably right. For a 100+ hour game like Fallout 4, portability has genuine value.

Switch 2 shows significant improvements over the original Switch, with GPU performance estimated to be 8-10x better, doubled RAM, and enhanced CPU and storage throughput. Estimated data based on technical analysis.

Pre-Order Strategy and Launch Day Logistics

Fallout 4 pre-orders are available now on the Nintendo e Shop. Physical pre-orders will open at major retailers (Game Stop, Best Buy, Amazon, Target) sometime in January 2025.

Indiana Jones pre-orders are also available now. Physical inventory is likely to be limited for the May 12 launch, so pre-ordering is advisable if you want it on day one.

Oblivion Remastered pre-orders haven't opened yet. They'll likely open 4-6 weeks before the release date once an official release date is announced.

If you're planning to buy physical copies, pre-order sooner rather than later. Major console game releases can sell out physical inventory within days, particularly for popular franchises.

Digital pre-orders offer an advantage: automatic download begins several days before launch (or upon pre-order, depending on Nintendo's policies). This means you can play immediately at launch without waiting for downloads.

What About Skyrim?

Everyone's wondering: if Oblivion is coming to Switch 2, what about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

Skyrim already shipped on Nintendo Switch back in 2017. It was technically impressive for the hardware, running at 720p handheld and 1080p docked at 30 fps.

Interestingly, Bethesda has not announced a Skyrim Anniversary Edition port for Switch 2. They've released Skyrim Anniversary Edition on basically every platform imaginable, but Switch 2 isn't getting an official announcement yet.

Why? Several possibilities:

1. It's coming but not announced yet. Bethesda might announce it after Indiana Jones and Fallout 4 launch to maintain momentum.
2. They think Oblivion is more compelling. Since Skyrim already has a Switch version, Oblivion Remastered is novel in comparison.
3. Performance concerns. Skyrim Anniversary Edition is more demanding than the base game due to Creation Club content. Switch 2 might struggle with full Anniversary fidelity.

My assessment: Skyrim Anniversary Edition will eventually come to Switch 2, but it's a lower priority than these other three releases. Look for an announcement in late 2025 or early 2026.

In the meantime, the original Skyrim on Switch is still playable, though technically inferior to the Switch 2 versions of other games.

The Competitive Landscape: How This Positions Switch 2

Let's zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Sony has Play Station 5. Microsoft has Xbox Series X. Nintendo has Switch 2.

For the first time in console history, Nintendo's hardware is genuinely competitive on technical grounds. We're not talking about slight differences in teraflops. Switch 2 is in the same architectural family as PS5 and Xbox Series X. It can run similar games at similar fidelity.

That changes the competitive dynamic. Play Station and Xbox have dominated the "serious gaming" market for 20+ years. Nintendo has been the family/casual gaming platform.

Switch 2 blurs that distinction. It's a serious gaming platform that happens to be portable. That's a genuinely novel position in the gaming industry.

This also matters for indie developers. Game engines like Unreal Engine 5 and Unity now have credible Switch 2 support. Developers can target Switch 2 from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought.

The result? We might see a genuinely multiplatform gaming future where major AAA games release simultaneously on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2 with feature parity. That's not quite here yet, but these Bethesda ports are the proof of concept.

Making Your Purchase Decision

So should you buy these games on Switch 2? Here's my framework for deciding:

Buy on Switch 2 if:

• You value portability highly (you travel frequently, play in short sessions)
• You don't own these games on other platforms
• You prefer the convenience of having everything on one device
• You want to replay these games in portable form

Don't buy on Switch 2 if:

• You already own these games on PS5/Xbox and don't value portability
• You want the absolute best visual fidelity (PS5/PC versions are superior)
• You're price-conscious and can wait 6+ months for sales
• You care about community mods beyond Creation Club

For new players, Switch 2 is a totally legitimate way to experience these games. These aren't watered-down ports or compromises. They're full, feature-complete experiences with solid technical performance.

For returning players, the decision is personal. If portability appeals to you, the purchase is justified. If you've already finished these games and just want the "best" version, PS5 or PC remains superior. But the gap is narrower than you might expect.

FAQ

What is the Nintendo Switch 2 release date?

Nintendo Switch 2 released in early 2025, though the exact launch date varies by region. The console was announced in February 2025 and became available globally shortly thereafter. You can check Nintendo's official website for your region's specific launch date.

Are these games exclusive to Switch 2?

No. Oblivion Remastered, Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are all available on Play Station 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The Switch 2 versions are additional releases, not platform exclusives. These games are also available on other platforms with the same features and content.

How much storage do these games require?

Fallout 4 requires approximately 60GB of storage, Oblivion Remastered about 40GB, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle roughly 50GB. You'll need a micro SD card for Switch 2 to store all three games comfortably. A 512GB micro SD card is recommended for managing multiple large AAA titles.

Will these games support Creation Club mods on Switch 2?

Yes. Both Fallout 4 and Oblivion on Switch 2 will support Creation Club mods, which are officially curated cosmetic and gameplay modifiers. However, free community mods from sites like Nexus Mods will not be available on Switch 2, as consoles don't support direct file installation from external sources.

Can I transfer my save games from PS5 or Xbox versions?

No. Save games are platform-specific and cannot be transferred between consoles. If you own Fallout 4 on PS5 and buy it for Switch 2, you'll start fresh on Switch 2. Your PS5 progress remains on PS5. Cross-platform cloud saving is not supported for these Bethesda titles.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play these games?

You need Nintendo Switch Online for online multiplayer features if the games include them (they primarily don't for single-player campaigns). For offline play, no subscription is required. However, downloading game updates and using the Nintendo e Shop may require an active subscription.

What are the performance targets for these games on Switch 2?

Fallout 4 targets 1080p docked at 60 fps or 1440p at 30 fps. Oblivion Remastered aims for similar specifications. Indiana Jones targets 1080p at 60 fps on Switch 2. Actual performance may vary based on specific locations and scene complexity, but these are the intended targets from Bethesda.

Will ray tracing be available on Switch 2 versions?

Ray tracing support on Switch 2 is unlikely due to the lack of dedicated ray-tracing hardware. These games will use traditional rasterization rendering with optimized lighting and reflection techniques instead. The visual quality will still be excellent, comparable to PS4-era console versions.

Can I play these games offline on Switch 2?

Yes. All three games can be played entirely offline in single-player mode. You don't need an internet connection to play after the initial download and any day-one patches are installed. This makes them ideal for portable, airplane-friendly gaming.

Will there be physical copies of these games?

Yes. All three games will release in both digital and physical cartridge formats. Physical copies will be available at major retailers and through Nintendo e Shop pre-orders. Cartridge inventory may be limited, so pre-ordering is recommended if you want a physical copy at launch.

Conclusion: The Beginning of a New Gaming Era

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, Oblivion Remastered, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle represent a watershed moment for Nintendo and the gaming industry.

For the first time, a Nintendo console can legitimately run modern AAA games with technical parity to home consoles. These aren't compromised ports or stripped-down versions. They're full, feature-complete experiences optimized for portable play.

This changes everything about how we think about gaming platforms. The traditional hierarchy—home console as primary, handheld as secondary—is being disrupted. Switch 2 is proving that you don't have to choose between portability and performance. You can have both.

For casual players, this is fantastic. You can play Fallout 4's 100-hour campaign while commuting, traveling, or just relaxing on the couch. That's genuinely valuable.

For hardcore gamers, Switch 2 becomes a legitimate alternative to Play Station and Xbox, not a supplement. If you primarily game on the go, Switch 2 might actually be your preferred platform.

For the industry, these announcements signal that publishers should seriously consider Switch 2 as a development target from the start. The install base will be huge. The technical capability is proven. The only real question is whether developers want to allocate resources to the platform.

Based on Bethesda's aggressive timeline and commitment, the answer seems to be yes. We're entering a new era where Nintendo is a serious player in the AAA gaming space, not just a family-friendly alternative.

These three games are just the beginning. Expect many more AAA titles throughout 2025 and beyond. Switch 2 might actually be the most exciting gaming platform this generation.

The question isn't whether you should care about these ports. The question is whether you can afford not to. If you've been waiting for portable AAA gaming, the wait is finally over.

Get ready. Gaming's about to change.

Key Takeaways

• Three major Bethesda games arrive on Switch 2 in 2025: Fallout 4 (February 24), Indiana Jones (May 12), and Oblivion Remastered (TBA)
• Switch 2's NVIDIA Ada GPU provides 8-10x the performance of original Switch, enabling genuine AAA game compatibility
• These aren't compromised ports—they're full, native versions running at 1080p/60fps docked with visual parity to current-gen consoles
• Bethesda's commitment signals to other publishers that Switch 2 is a serious development platform worth the investment
• Portable AAA gaming is now a reality; you can play 100-hour RPGs and modern adventures anywhere without performance sacrifice

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