Early access players testing EA Sports FC 26 on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (codenamed "NG") are raising significant concerns, reporting that the game is currently locked to 30 frames per second (fps) in both handheld and docked modes. This performance cap has led testers and observers to question whether EA Sports is fully leveraging the new handheld's anticipated capabilities.
According to multiple reports from participants in the ongoing closed beta, the gameplay experience feels smoother than the current Switch version of EA Sports FC 24, benefiting from more stable performance and significantly improved visuals. However, the persistent 30fps lock is seen as a major disappointment. Many testers and industry watchers expected the Switch 2, rumored to boast substantially more power than its predecessor, to comfortably deliver 60fps for a sports title like FC – a standard on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and higher-end PCs.
"Visually, it's a clear step up from Switch 1, no doubt," shared one beta tester anonymously, echoing sentiments found in online discussions. "Player models, crowds, lighting – it all looks better. But the 30fps just feels sluggish for a fast-paced football game, especially when we know this hardware should be capable of more. It doesn't feel like they're pushing the system." These firsthand accounts are fueling discussions across forums, with many pointing to the beta as evidence. Reddit threads compiling tester experiences detail the 30fps observations and the resulting mixed feelings.
This revelation directly contradicts the initial marketing push from EA Sports. The official announcement trailer heavily emphasized the Switch 2 version as a "new era," promising "the most true-to-football experience ever" on a Nintendo platform. While the trailer showcased visual improvements, it conspicuously avoided mentioning frame rate specifics. The official EA SPORTS FC trailer focuses on features like HyperMotionV and enhanced realism but leaves performance ambiguous.
The situation has ignited a fierce debate within the gaming community. The core question is: Why is a next-gen Nintendo system seemingly running a flagship sports title at last-gen console frame rates?
- Is EA Sports Underutilizing the Hardware? Critics argue this suggests EA is providing a port that meets a minimum standard ("runs better than Switch 1") rather than truly maximizing the Switch 2's potential, potentially prioritizing cost-saving or resource allocation to other platforms.
- Optimization Time Needed? Some speculate the beta build is simply early and unoptimized, with a 60fps target still possible for the final release months from now.
- Nintendo's Specifications? A less popular theory suggests Nintendo might have recommended or required a 30fps cap for stability or battery life reasons in handheld mode, though this seems unlikely for a core gameplay experience.
- Is it Truly a "Switch 1 Upgrade"? The most damning accusation, gaining traction on forums like ResetEra, is that the Switch 2 version is essentially just a polished version of the current Switch iteration ("Switch 1.5") rather than the "next-gen" experience EA implied. The 30fps lock is a primary piece of evidence for this viewpoint.
EA Sports has not publicly commented on the frame rate reports emerging from the beta test. Nintendo, as is customary, remains silent on unannounced hardware specifics and third-party development decisions.
The FC 26 beta experience has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the anticipated Switch 2 launch for some football gaming fans. While visual upgrades are welcome, the 30fps limitation strikes at the heart of expectations for next-generation hardware performance. Whether this is a temporary state of an early build or indicative of EA Sports' final approach for the Switch 2 version remains to be seen, but the initial feedback from those playing it suggests a potentially underwhelming utilization of Nintendo's new powerhouse handheld. The pressure is now on EA Sports to address these concerns before the game's full release.
Post a Comment