Bringing Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition to Nintendo’s hardware felt like a long time coming. The 2013 reboot still stands as one of the most impactful modern action-adventure games, and fans have been asking for a portable version for years. Now that it’s finally here, I can confidently say: this is one of the better big-budget ports the Switch has received—surprising in all the best ways.
Performance on Nintendo Switch – Solid and Stable
On the standard Nintendo Switch, Tomb Raider runs at a stable 30 FPS, and honestly, it maintains that target far better than expected. Dense forest areas, burning villages, and cinematic set pieces—usually the moments that make a Switch port crumble—remain impressively playable. There are occasional dips when explosions and particle effects stack up, but they’re brief and don’t disrupt the experience.
Visually, the port does make some compromises. Texture resolution has been reduced, shadows are softer, and some environmental detail is toned down. Yet the important thing is that the game maintains its atmosphere. The moody lighting, the soaked, gritty environments, and Lara’s expressive facial animations are all intact. It still feels cinematic, even on a handheld screen.
One of the most pleasant surprises is how consistent the handheld-mode experience is. The game looks clean, readable, and surprisingly sharp on the Switch’s smaller display, making it a great pick-up-and-play adventure.
Switch 2 Version – A Huge Leap in Visuals and Smoothness
Now, the real star of this release is the Switch 2 version. While the original Switch holds its own, the Switch 2 upgrade truly elevates the experience. The game immediately feels more modern thanks to its 60 FPS performance, which completely transforms both combat and traversal. The higher frame rate makes aiming feel smoother, quick-time events more responsive, and Lara’s movements more fluid.
Textures receive a noticeable upgrade as well—clothing fibers, facial details, and rock surfaces look sharper and more detailed. Lighting is richer, with reflections and ambient effects that come closer to the Definitive Edition as experienced on more powerful platforms. The jump from 30 FPS on the original Switch to 60 FPS on the Switch 2 is the type of improvement you feel instantly, and it gives the game a renewed sense of energy.
If you have a Switch 2, there’s no question: this is one of the better showcases of how older AAA games can shine with the new hardware’s extra horsepower.
Gameplay and Controls – Still Fantastic Today
A decade later, the core gameplay still holds up extremely well. The blend of stealth, action, and cinematic set pieces keeps the pacing tight and satisfying. The bow remains one of the most fun weapons in any action game, and the mixture of puzzle-platforming with frantic combat still feels fresh.
The Switch version retains all the original control options, and thankfully, nothing gimmicky is forced on you. Gyro aiming can be enabled if you want it, but it stays out of your way otherwise.
Content and Presentation
This port includes all the Definitive Edition enhancements—extra outfits, improved models, and the bonus single-player tombs. Load times are significantly improved over what players experienced in the early PS4/Xbox One versions. Even on the base Switch, they’re totally manageable, and on Switch 2 they’re notably faster.
The cinematic presentation is mostly preserved, though cutscenes are slightly softer on the original Switch. Still, the emotional weight and production quality remain strong.
Final Verdict – A Surprisingly Excellent Switch Port
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch is far better than many expected. While the standard Switch version sits comfortably at 30 FPS with expected visual concessions, the Switch 2 version is genuinely impressive, delivering sharp visuals and silky-smooth 60 FPS gameplay that revitalizes the entire experience.
If you’re coming to Tomb Raider for the first time, the Switch port is absolutely worth playing. And if you’re looking for a portable version of one of the best action-adventure reboots ever made, this port does justice to Lara’s origin story.
Overall:
⭐ Switch Version: 8/10 – Reliable, atmospheric, and surprisingly polished.
⭐ Switch 2 Version: 9/10 – The definitive portable way to play Tomb Raider.
Review Code was provided by the Publisher