"Resident Evil 9: Requiem" Impresses in Switch 2 Hands-On, IGN Says Capcom's Third-Party Push Continues to Grow

Capcom is seriously beefing up its third-party presence on the Nintendo Switch 2. According to IGN's observations from a recent Switch 2 hands-on event, Capcom isn't just dropping a stellar "Street Fighter 6" on day one; they're also planning to unleash a slew of major titles throughout 2026.

Word on the street is that this lineup includes "Resident Evil 9: Requiem" (Biohazard Requiem), "Pragmata," and "Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection," all launching with their own dedicated amiibo. Many outlets are calling this level of commitment pretty rare for a third-party publisher right now.

IGN specifically noted that while the Switch 2 versions might not hit the same graphical fidelity as PC or high-end consoles, the overall performance is "completely acceptable and satisfying." For players who prioritize portability or only own a Switch 2, the actual gameplay won't feel like a huge downgrade, nor will it make them feel compelled to jump back to other platforms.

During the "Resident Evil 9: Requiem" demo, players got to experience new character Grace Ashcroft waking up in a medical pod and exploring dimly lit, cramped corridors. The article highlights how the game masterfully builds intense tension right from the start with flickering lights, ominous red alerts, and expansive empty spaces. Even a distant horse statue, initially mistaken for a monster, effectively amplified player anxiety, showcasing the series' signature control over horror pacing.

IGN also noted that the Switch 2 version of "Requiem" is targeting a smooth 60fps, with no noticeable frame drops observed during the demo. While this particular segment leaned heavily into stealth and escape with limited action, the stable framerate definitely boosted the overall experience. Character cutscenes were equally impressive, especially the opening shot focusing on Grace's eyes, which immediately pulled players into the game world.

Later in the demo, IGN mentioned players encountering a massive, incredibly oppressive pursuit-type enemy. The outlet reported that this cat-and-mouse chase successfully immersed them completely in the "just want to survive" mindset, making them almost forget they were playing a visually optimized Switch 2 version. This sense of dread is precisely the core appeal of the "Resident Evil" series.

IGN also compared the TV mode and handheld mode differences. The article noted that while the resolution drop was noticeable when switching from a 4K TV to a 1080p screen, the visuals remained clear, and performance stayed remarkably stable. From a third-person perspective, Grace's stumbling and falling during her escape was highlighted by IGN as a crucial design choice that amplified the character's emotions, allowing players to truly feel her panic and helplessness.

Shifting gears from the horror-centric "Requiem," "Pragmata" showcases Capcom's ambition with a brand-new IP. IGN described it as a sci-fi third-person shooter at its core, blending hacking systems with dual-character cooperation. Players simultaneously control soldier "Hugh" and the robot girl "Diana," engaging in real-time combat, hacking, and shooting for a highly focused and fast-paced experience.

IGN felt that "Pragmata" on Switch 2 had slightly rougher visual details, especially noticeable in bright, open environments. However, the overall fluidity remained excellent, and control responsiveness wasn't hampered by the platform. The article specifically praised the HD rumble for successfully conveying the weight of the character's armor, further boosting immersion.

Clearly, Capcom is currently the most prominent third-party publisher at the Switch 2 demo event. From new entries in classic series to the actual performance of brand-new IPs, Capcom's strong commitment to the Switch 2 platform is evident, leaving players with high expectations for its future third-party lineup.

via: IGN