Unreal Engine 5 Will Be Nintendo Switch Compatible

Epic also revealed that UE5 would be available on mobile platforms and current-generation systems. It was uncertain if the Switch was classified as a "current-generation" system, considering its performance is inferior to that of the Xbox One. However, Eurogamer has confirmed with Epic that Unreal Engine 5 is coming to the Switch.

Eurogamer notes, not unexpectedly, that the high-fidelity images that Unreal engine game development can produce will be toned down on lower-end hardware, such as current PCs. And with the Switch being at the bottom of the barrel, there will be a visible difference between a UE5-powered Switch game and one on PS5 or Xbox Series X.

Transforming The Future

Nintendo recently stated that the Switch is "just in the midst of its life cycle," therefore, Switch development will likely continue until at least 2023. Nonetheless, observing how developers employ the Switch's power as they release games on next-generation platforms will be intriguing.

However, some players have already begun to complain about this, citing the Switch's inferior technology as being unable to handle Unreal Engine 5.

Even though I'm not a developer, based on what I know, we should be pleased that Epic is ensuring Switch compatibility. This demonstrates that Nintendo and Nvidia did a good job guaranteeing the future-proofness of the system's architecture. It also indicates that, despite its limited capability, the Switch still packs enough punch for developers to continue experimenting over the next few years. Games will require significant tweaks to operate efficiently on the system, but this has always been the case. However, it also demonstrates Epic's engineering prowess. The fact that UE5 can run on anything from a next-generation system to a smartphone reflects the engine's adaptability. So long as developers attempt to optimize, we anticipate a respectable number of games that cover the varying power levels of all the major platforms.