In terms of content, Ball x Pit Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the same as the Nintendo Switch version, and it basically upgrades the existing release on Switch 2 with visual and performance enhancements. Your save data is also available in this version since it is a cross-generation Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade like we saw with games such as Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Ball x Pit on Nintendo Switch 2 (as the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) is a big upgrade in terms of image quality over the original Nintendo Switch version running on Switch 2. Barring visuals, it even offers an uncapped frame rate in Handheld mode up to 90 frames per second, and the fluidity is appreciated, though it is not even close to a locked 90 frames per second. When playing docked in TV mode, it seems capped to 60 frames per second regardless of the resolution.
I’m now nearly 60 hours into Ball x Pit, and I’ve definitely been pushing the Switch 2 version by playing at the maximum speed and much faster modes so I can level up some of the last few characters I unlocked. Performance can dip below 60 frames per second, and it dips more when playing docked than handheld, but it was never bad for more than a few seconds. I hope some optimization is in the works, though, for maybe using dynamic resolution.
I also hope that the Switch 2 version eventually allows disabling the filters and adds mouse controls. Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for the base building seemed like an easy win for this, but they aren’t in right now.
If you have Ball x Pit already, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is an easy recommendation for upgrading. If you don’t, I still think it is a fantastic version of the game, especially when playing in Handheld mode. It would be good to see more platform-specific features added in the future, though. I’m also happy that, just like Vampire Survivors did, it has gotten its hooks in me long after hitting the credits.
Version Tested: Nintendo Switch 2
Review copy provided by Devolver Digital
