Is EA SPORTS FC 24 on Nintendo Switch Worth It? A Deep Dive
The burning question for Nintendo Switch owners: Is EA SPORTS FC 24 worth the investment? The answer is, unfortunately, a nuanced one. If you already own a PlayStation, Xbox, or PC capable of running FC 24, the Switch version is almost certainly not worth it. However, if the Nintendo Switch is your primary (or only) gaming platform and you’re craving a portable soccer simulation experience, then EA SPORTS FC 24 might be the best option available. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case.
The Good, The Bad, and The Switch
EA SPORTS FC 24 on the Nintendo Switch is a complicated offering. The good news is that this year marks the first time the game uses an enhanced Frostbite Engine on the platform. This brings it much closer, in terms of core gameplay, to its console and PC counterparts. You can expect to participate in key modes like Rivals, Squad Battles, Champions, Objectives, and Friendlies, with a functional Ultimate Team experience.
However, several significant drawbacks hamper the overall experience. Firstly, the performance. While the Switch version runs at a stable 30 FPS in both docked and handheld modes (at 1080p and 720p resolutions respectively), it’s a far cry from the smoother 60 FPS found on PlayStation and Xbox platforms. This frame rate disparity is noticeable and impacts the overall fluidity of gameplay. The visual downgrade is also apparent, with textures and details appearing less refined compared to other versions.
One of the biggest complaints about recent FIFA titles on the Switch was the feeling that they were merely “legacy editions”, with minor updates and outdated content. While FC 24 has certainly made improvements with the move to the Frostbite engine, it is still demonstrably behind the other versions in terms of performance and visuals. Moreover, some of the game’s new features, like PlayStyles, are hindered by the slower gameplay and framerate, rendering them less impactful. It’s worth noting that even with these changes, it’s not a completely new game, simply a substantial improvement over older Switch iterations.
Who Is It For?
The core user base for EA SPORTS FC 24 on the Switch boils down to a few key types of players. If portability is your primary concern and playing on the go is a must, then the Switch version becomes a more attractive proposition. If you have another platform available to you, such as a PS5, then that would generally be the preferred way to play the game, especially for competitive and online matches. The online experience on the Switch is not great either, especially given the reported connection and matchmaking issues in modes like Volta and Clubs.
If you’re a die-hard Ultimate Team player, the Switch version might be a reasonable compromise if your goal is collecting cards and building a team. However, the performance limitations will impact gameplay itself. Casual players who enjoy single-player modes like Career Mode may find the experience to be sufficient, although even that is not without its own shortcomings.
The Verdict
Ultimately, EA SPORTS FC 24 on the Nintendo Switch is a mixed bag. It’s a welcome step up from previous versions due to its engine upgrade, but it still falls short of the experience available on other consoles and PC. If portability is paramount and you’re willing to accept graphical downgrades and a lower frame rate, then it is the best soccer simulation on the Switch. However, for players who have access to the game on other platforms, the Switch version is definitely one to avoid. At a hefty $69.99 for the standard edition, the value proposition is debatable for anything other than a strictly portable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about EA SPORTS FC 24 on Nintendo Switch to help you make an informed purchase:
What is the difference between FC 24 on Switch and other platforms?
The primary difference is performance and visual fidelity. The Switch version runs at 30 FPS, while other consoles achieve 60 FPS. Additionally, the graphics are noticeably less detailed on the Switch.
Does FC 24 on Switch have Ultimate Team?
Yes, Ultimate Team is available on the Switch version. However, the overall experience may be hampered by performance issues and slower gameplay.
Is the gameplay the same as other versions?
While the core gameplay is similar thanks to the Frostbite Engine, the 30FPS cap and reduced visual fidelity impact the overall fluidity and feel of the game. It is not as smooth as playing it on PlayStation, PC, or Xbox.
How much space does FC 24 take up on Switch?
EA SPORTS FC 24 requires at least 31 GB of storage space on your Nintendo Switch, with possible additional space needed for updates.
Is FC 24 on Switch a “legacy edition”?
No, FC 24 is not a legacy edition. It is powered by an enhanced Frostbite engine, bringing it closer to the experience on other consoles compared to previous FIFA titles on the Switch. However, the hardware limitations still hamper performance.
Does FC 24 on Switch have Career Mode?
Yes, Career Mode is available and includes a new Tactical Vision feature.
What frame rate does FC 24 run at on Switch?
FC 24 runs at a stable 30 FPS on the Nintendo Switch, both in docked and handheld modes.
Is FC 24 better than FIFA 23 on Switch?
Yes, FC 24 is a significant improvement over FIFA 23 on the Switch due to the engine upgrade. The experience is far better due to the graphical and gameplay improvements.
Are there any online multiplayer options on FC 24 for Switch?
Yes, players can participate in online modes such as Rivals, Friendlies and Ultimate Team. However, reports suggest that online performance and matchmaking are not great.
How does the Nintendo Switch version of FC 24 look compared to the PlayStation and Xbox versions?
There is a noticeable visual difference. The Switch version is less detailed and has lower texture quality compared to the PlayStation and Xbox versions.
Is FC 24 the same as FIFA 24?
Yes and no. EA SPORTS FC 24 is effectively the replacement for the FIFA series, as EA’s partnership with FIFA has ended. So, it’s not the game of the same title, it is the new game from EA Sports now called FC.
Does FC 24 on Switch have real player licenses?
Yes, FC 24 features licensed players, teams, leagues, and stadiums, with over 19,000 players, 700 teams, 100 stadiums, and 30 leagues.
What’s the price of FC 24 on Switch?
The standard edition is priced at $69.99, which is the same price as the game on other consoles.
Does FC 24 on Switch have cross-platform play?
No, cross-platform play is not available on the Nintendo Switch version of FC 24.
If I have a PS5, should I buy FC 24 on Switch?
No, if you own another console such as a PlayStation 5, the FC 24 experience is much better on that platform due to vastly improved performance and visual quality. The Switch version is primarily for those who absolutely need a portable soccer experience.