Split Fiction on Switch 2: Co-Op Magic with Noticeable Trade-Offs

When Hazelight Studios announces a new co-op adventure, the gaming world leans in. After the runaway success of It Takes Two, expectations for Split Fiction couldn’t be higher—especially on Nintendo’s latest hardware. Released simultaneously on PC, PS5, Series X/S and a Switch 2 launch line-up, this ambitious two-player romp balances inventive puzzles, emotional storytelling and genre-hopping set pieces. But on Switch 2, you’ll notice a few compromises in the pursuit of portability. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes this port both a standout and a reminder of current technical boundaries.

Co-Op Design That Keeps You on Your Toes

At its core, Split Fiction pairs you as Mio and Zoé—two writers literally ripped from their keyboards into parallel narratives. One moment you’re unraveling a sci-fi conspiracy in zero-gravity corridors, the next you’re dodging magical farm animals in a tongue-in-cheek fairytale. Each chapter retools the controls and objectives: one level morphs into a cooperative wingsuit chase demanding precise timing, while another tasks one player with solving physics puzzles as the other manipulates the environment via telekinetic “ink” powers.

• Dynamic mechanics: Hazelight’s signature surprise twists keep gameplay fresh. You’ll switch from platforming to stealth, puzzle solving to rhythm-style QTEs.
• Meta-narrative hooks: The writers’ commentary spills into gameplay—NPCs reference “plot holes” you literally have to fix, reinforcing the theme of collaborative creation.
• Character moments: Quiet one-on-one scenes let Mio and Zoé bond over shared doubts, grounding the high-octane action in heartfelt emotion.

Visuals and Performance on Switch 2

Technically, the Switch 2 version trades fidelity for frame-rate stability and battery life. While PC and consoles aim for 60 fps, the hybrid caps at a smooth 30 fps—even in demanding set pieces—using a dynamic resolution scaling system. Here’s what that means in practice:

• Frame rate: Steady 30 fps target. Docked mode holds this reliably, but handheld dips to the mid-20s in sprawling open scenes.
• Resolution & textures: Textures are compressed compared to PS5: foliage and distant objects appear softer, and character models have fewer facial detail polygons.
• Effects & lighting: Some post-processing effects (like motion blur and advanced bloom) are dialed back. Shadows are simpler, and draw distance shrinks slightly in dense environments.

None of these compromises break the game, but you’ll spot them if you’ve played on higher-end hardware. On Switch 2’s handheld screen, the softer edges are more forgiving—yet when you dock and stretch to 1080p, the texture pop-in becomes more noticeable. Still, Hazelight’s art direction remains strong: vibrant color palettes and bold level design ensure the port doesn’t feel washed out.

Controller Requirements: Plan Ahead

True to its couch-co-op roots, Split Fiction requires two full controllers. Unlike other Nintendo titles that allow one Joy-Con per player, this game demands each participant use a complete Joy-Con 2 pair or Pro Controller. The reasoning is straightforward: so many mechanics rely on dual-stick movement, precision aiming, and multiple shoulder-button combos that slicing Joy-Con setups would cripple the experience. But for families expecting to share a single set, it introduces an unexpected expense at launch.

Why It Still Shines for Local Multiplayer

Despite these trade-offs, Split Fiction on Switch 2 nails the essential Hazelight promise: a co-operative journey brimming with creativity and heart. Moments of synchronised platforming, tight puzzle collaboration and even friendly in-game taunting foster that live-room banter you can’t replicate online. Thematically, the game celebrates teamwork: just as Mio and Zoé learn to piece together their stories, you and your partner learn to anticipate each other’s moves.

For anyone whose primary console is the Switch 2—or for those who relish spontaneous couch co-op—this is the definitive way to play. It’s not a second-rate port; it’s a tailored version that respects the hardware’s strengths (portability, versatility) while acknowledging its limits.

Key Takeaways

• Pros: Unpredictable, engaging co-op gameplay; strong narrative beats; ideal for local play.
• Cons: 30 fps cap and reduced texture fidelity; requires two full controllers; noticeable visual downgrades versus PC/PS5.

Split Fiction on Switch 2 delivers the cooperative thrills Hazelight fans crave, even if it can’t rival the eye candy of more powerful rigs. If you’re set up for local multiplayer and prioritize shared experiences over raw polish, this launch title is well worth the investment—just make sure you’ve got that second controller ready to go.