Gamers don’t have to wait much longer, Star Wars Outlaws is almost here on Nintendo Switch 2. But excitement skyrocketed this week after the first gameplay footage of the game on the new console leaked online. The footage, shared by YouTuber mataleao, gives fans an unprecedented look at how the galaxy-spanning open-world adventure performs on Nintendo’s next-gen handheld system. With just days left until the official release, players now have a sneak peek at what to expect, including both its linear story sections and open-world exploration.
Early Footage Surfaces
Before this leak, glimpses of the Switch 2 version were limited to a Nintendo Direct showcase and a brief developer video. The 40-minute gameplay seems to have come from an early retail copy, following a familiar trend where some stores accidentally sell games before the launch date. Fans now get to see the game running in docked mode, offering a better sense of its performance and visuals than ever before.
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How the Game Performs
Ubisoft only allowed media hands-on during PAX last weekend, with no public access to the Switch 2 port. Early reports had flagged performance concerns, but the leaked footage paints a more optimistic picture. The game seems to maintain a steady 30 FPS in docked mode, suggesting a smoother experience than initially feared. While the docked gameplay looks promising, handheld performance remains unknown, leaving fans curious about on-the-go play.
Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a powerhouse for third-party ports. Some titles, like Cyberpunk 2077, have already impressed with graphics and performance, while others will test the console’s limits. Final Fantasy VII Remake is expected to deliver visuals that surpass the PS4 original, a remarkable achievement for a handheld system. Conversely, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition faces hurdles due to CPU limitations and being the first ARM-based port of its engine.
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What This Means for Gamers
Star Wars Outlaws will be an early benchmark for Switch 2, testing how the system handles ambitious, open-world titles. The leaked footage is likely to reassure fans who were worried about performance, though the real test will come when the game launches officially.
FAQs
Q1: When will Star Wars Outlaws release on Nintendo Switch 2?
A1: The official release is just a few days away, though an exact date may vary by region.
Q2: Is the leaked gameplay reliable for judging performance?
A2: The leaked footage shows docked-mode gameplay, giving a good idea of performance, but handheld performance is still unknown.
Q3: Will the game run smoothly on Nintendo Switch 2?
A3: Early docked footage suggests a steady 30 FPS, indicating a decent experience. Handheld performance is yet to be seen.
Q4: How does this port compare to other Switch 2 releases?
A4: Switch 2 has had strong ports like Cyberpunk 2077, promising visuals, and performance. Star Wars Outlaws seems to sit in the mid-range, with compromises but playable performance.
Q5: Can we expect more third-party games like this soon?
A5: Yes. The Switch 2 launch window will feature several ports, some pushing quality to new heights, while others may face performance issues.
