Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2: Surprisingly Solid at 30fps

Did you ever think you'd see a new Call of Duty on a Nintendo console again? It's been 14 years since Call of Duty: Ghosts hit the Wii U back in 2013, but that dry spell is finally ending. Modern Warfare 4 is coming to the Switch 2 in 2026, and we got to play a couple of campaign missions to see how it holds up. Spoiler: it's not the disaster you might expect.

Let's be real—expectations were low. Call of Duty is known for pushing graphics and performance to the limit, and Nintendo's latest console isn't exactly built for that. But Digital Legends, the Activision studio dedicated to this version, has pulled off something impressive from a technical standpoint. We also played the PC version for our full review, which gave us a benchmark for the ideal experience. Side-by-side, the difference is obvious—the PC version looks stunning and runs like a dream. But switching to Switch 2 didn't offend our eyes like we feared.

Sure, textures are nowhere near as detailed, with flat surfaces and faces smoothed over to give characters a plasticine look. It's not a looker, but considering the reduced horsepower, the gameplay itself was smooth. The campaign runs at a locked 30fps at 4K while docked, and it stayed consistent even during some of the most explosive moments. We deliberately tested a hectic sequence, and there was no hitching or stuttering. Multiplayer will target 60fps, so that's something to look forward to.

For a game that normally demands so much from hardware, performing this well on Switch 2 is a pleasant surprise. Yes, it's a visual downgrade compared to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, but that comes with the territory. If you're a Nintendo-only owner who's been locked out of Call of Duty for over a decade, you're getting a version that feels every bit as snappy as the series usually is—even if it's a bit muddier than Nintendo's own crisp visuals.

So, what do you think? Will you be picking up Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2, or are you sticking to other platforms? Let us know in the comments!