The Nintendo Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 is receiving heavy criticism from some fans and reviewers ahead of its release on Tuesday.
The game isn’t on general sale until September 19, but early access is currently available for players who pre-ordered Mortal Kombat 1’s Premium Edition or Kollector’s Edition.
While NetherRealm Studios developed the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S version of the game, the PC and Nintendo Switch versions were handled by QLOC and Shiver Entertainment / Saber Interactive.
A number of gamers have taken to social media platforms and online forums in recent days to point out the graphical differences between the current version and the Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1.
While the Switch version was never expected to visually match the others, its graphical downgrades combined with significant performance issues have caused some commentators to question why Nintendo gamers are being asked to pay $70 – the same amount that the game it stands on other consoles – for what appears to be a decidedly inferior product. Unlike the US, in the UK the Switch version is £5 cheaper than the game costs on Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Crying at the Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1, why didn’t they just wait for the next gen switch console, the fact that it costs $70 is a ripoff💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/RHUFQJTHC5
— Synth Potato (Ameer) 🥔 (@SynthPotato) September 17, 2023
Current versions of the game have been well received by critics, earning scores of 88 (Xbox Series X/S) and 86 (PS5) on the aggregation website Metacritic. Few reviews of the Switch have been published so far, and those that have are fairly unfavorable.
“There are frame rate issues, large resolution drops, input and timing issues related to performance drops, missing content, Invasion mode bugs, long load times, and unresponsive menus,” it states Nintendo Life reviewwhich gives the game 2/5 stars.
Nintendo fans keep saying “graphics don’t matter”. Mortal Kombat heard you loud and clear. 70 dollars for it. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/SqAMKQZ7YB
— #WolverinePS5 (@HlNOMARUSUMO) September 17, 2023
“If you’re a huge Mortal Kombat fan whose only option is the Switch, you might be able to handle all of this. However, if you have another option, we recommend that you stay away from this one for now,” he concludes.
To make matters worse, the Switch version is currently missing the full version of the new Invasions mode, which VGC’s Mortal Kombat 1 review described as “an impressively well-crafted single-player adventure that’s explored in an almost tabletop style.” perspective”.
“To ensure the best possible experience for Switch players at launch, only the introduction to Invasions will be available,” publisher Warner Bros. Games he said in a post on the Mortal Kombat 1 support page.
“The full breadth of Invasions Season 1 content will be available on Switch within a few weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause Switch players and are working to get this update done as quickly as possible.”
