I thought Switch 2 wasn’t ready—Resident Evil Requiem proved me wrong

Why Resident Evil Requiem’s Switch 2 launch matters

Capcom shipped Resident Evil Requiem day-and-date across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 on Feb. 27. Early reviews that dropped on Feb. 25 show critics are broadly positive—Metacritic’s reviews-only Metascore sits at 90 on Switch 2 and 88 on PS5—and praise ranges from perfect 10/10s to more measured 3/5 critiques. Above all, pundits agree: this release will set expectations for Switch 2’s potential.

Key Takeaways

• Switch 2 build hits a solid 60 fps for Grace’s sections and delivers sharp visuals, earning a 9/10 from Nintendo Life.
• Critics give Requiem around 9/10 or 5/5 for its blend of classic horror and modern action (PC Gamer ~9/10, Nintendo Life 9/10).
• PS5 Metascore is 88, Switch 2 Metascore is 90 (reviews-only), marking Switch 2 as a first-class launch platform.
• Some outlets flag an uneven second act and PC path-tracing framerate drops as key flaws.
• Spoiler leaks and staggered unlock times make the first 72 hours critical for player impressions.

Critics’ scores at a glance

Reviews span from glowing 10/10 and 5/5 write-ups to more cautious 3/5 pieces. Nintendo Life gave Requiem 9/10, applauding the stable 60 fps performance on Switch 2 and the game’s strong lore integration. PC Gamer’s roughly 9/10 score highlights tight pacing, inventive zombie AI, and a chilling first-person horror experience with Grace. Game Informer called it “Resident Evil at its finest,” praising the mix of survival-horror and action. Metacritic’s reviews-only averages—90 on Switch 2, 88 on PS5—are higher than Re7 (86) or Village (84), underscoring Capcom’s successful multi-platform launch.

The technical reality: great visuals, real compromises

Resident Evil Requiem runs on Capcom’s RE Engine, leveraging upscaling and frame-generation tools like DLSS 4 and FSR 3.1 to smooth out framerate on PC. However, toggling path tracing for advanced lighting and reflections can tank performance. On consoles, reviewers note a more consistent experience: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S deliver solid stability, while Switch 2 impresses with minimal concessions—Grace sections hit 60 fps, Leon’s action drops a bit under pressure, but stays playable.

The uneven second act

Across outlets, the middle act is the elephant in the room. Requiem nails its eerie first act and satisfies with a lore-rich finale, but Eurogamer, The Mirror, and others call the middle stretch overly action-focused and bloaty. This pacing choice can jar players expecting the methodical resource management of classic survival horror. Since a patch can’t rewrite level design, audience reaction here could shape discussions on a future “director’s cut.”

Release timing and spoiler risk

Capcom opted for staggered global unlock times and preloads to manage server loads, but that schedule—and widespread pre-launch leaks—means key story beats are already circulating. If you want to avoid spoilers, steer clear of social feeds on launch day. IGN confirmed verified leaks, and Capcom promises “firm action” against leakers, so watch official channels for takedown updates.

The question I’d ask Capcom

When the dust settles, my main question is: will Capcom consider a mid-act rebalance patch or a director’s cut to smooth out pacing? Performance patches can address framerate cliffs and platform-specific bugs, but core design choices are harder to fix post-launch. Pay attention to how quickly Capcom responds if you’re one of those players let down by the second act.

What’s next: first 72 hours and beyond

• Feb 27 (launch): monitor early user reviews on Metacritic and Steam/Epic, and follow Capcom’s social feeds for patch notes.
• First weekend: compare player feedback on performance and pacing to critics’ praise.
• One to two weeks: look for hotfixes targeting PC path tracing, console stability, or gameplay tweaks.
• Two months: check sales and install base data—if Switch 2 holds strong, more triple-A titles will follow.

Conclusion

Resident Evil Requiem marks a standout day-one release for Switch 2, delivering impressive visuals and performance that validate Capcom’s investment. Critics broadly applaud its blend of horror and action, though the middle act’s pacing divides opinion. How Capcom handles early feedback, spoiler management, and potential patches will determine if Requiem becomes the definitive Switch 2 benchmark or a mostly impressive but flawed entry.