Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Really Running at 60 FPS?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has become one of the most beloved titles for the Nintendo Switch, offering a massive roster, engaging gameplay, and countless hours of entertainment. However, there has been some confusion and debate among players regarding the game’s performance, particularly its frame rate. Many fans have wondered: is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate really running at 60 frames per second (FPS)? In this article, we’ll explore the details of the game’s performance, the technical aspects behind it, and whether or not it truly hits the 60 FPS mark consistently.
Understanding Frame Rate in Gaming
Before diving into the specifics of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it’s important to understand what frame rate means in gaming. Frame rate refers to the number of frames (or images) displayed per second during gameplay. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the game will look and feel. Most games aim for 60 FPS, which is considered the standard for smooth and fluid gameplay.
In the case of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, 60 FPS is the target frame rate, and achieving it would mean players experience a fast, responsive game with minimal motion blur or input lag. But does the game consistently hit this target on the Nintendo Switch?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Performance on the Nintendo Switch
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is an ambitious project, featuring a massive roster of over 70 characters, complex stages, and dynamic combat sequences. To run smoothly, especially on the hardware of the Nintendo Switch, the game needs to balance high-quality graphics with a solid frame rate. Let’s break down the performance of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch.
60 FPS in the Game’s Design
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was designed with 60 FPS in mind. In handheld mode and docked mode, the game is optimized to maintain this target frame rate as much as possible. The developers at Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd. have made various adjustments to ensure that the game remains playable and enjoyable even in intense combat situations.
Performance in Docked Mode
When playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in docked mode, where the Nintendo Switch is connected to the TV, the game aims to run at 60 FPS. In most cases, it successfully maintains this target, even during complex battles with multiple fighters and interactive backgrounds. However, the game is not flawless, and occasional frame drops can occur, especially during chaotic scenes with numerous effects and animations happening simultaneously.
Performance in Handheld Mode
Handheld mode presents a more significant challenge due to the limitations of the Nintendo Switch’s processing power when it is undocked. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate still strives to maintain 60 FPS in this mode, but players might notice slight drops in frame rate under specific circumstances, such as when a large number of characters are onscreen or when there are heavy graphical effects. While the game doesn’t always run at a consistent 60 FPS, the drops are usually minimal and don’t drastically affect the overall gameplay experience.
Is 60 FPS Achieved Consistently?
While the intention is for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to run at a smooth 60 FPS, the reality is a bit more complex. Throughout most of the game, particularly in 1v1 matches with simpler visuals, the game does indeed maintain a solid 60 FPS. However, during more intense moments, such as multi-character battles with several effects happening on screen, there are occasional drops in performance. These drops are typically brief, but they can affect the smoothness of the gameplay, especially in handheld mode.
The developers of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate have worked hard to ensure that these frame drops are minimal and that the game remains playable. Overall, the game is considered to perform very well given the hardware limitations of the Nintendo Switch.
How to Improve Performance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
If you’re experiencing noticeable frame drops in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, there are a few steps you can take to improve the performance and ensure a smoother gaming experience.
1. Check for Software Updates
One of the first steps to take when troubleshooting any game is to ensure that your software is up to date. Developers often release patches to improve performance, fix bugs, and optimize the game. To check for updates on your Nintendo Switch:
- Go to the Home Menu and select “System Settings”.
- Scroll down to “System” and select “System Update”.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Installing the latest updates can help address performance issues that may be affecting your game.
2. Switch to TV Mode for More Stable Performance
If you’re playing in handheld mode and experiencing frame drops, try switching to TV mode. Playing in docked mode can provide the game with more resources and a more stable performance due to the better processing power of the Switch when connected to the TV.
3. Adjust Display Settings
Some players report that adjusting display settings, such as reducing the brightness or disabling certain visual effects, can help improve performance in handheld mode. While this may not guarantee a perfect 60 FPS experience, it can reduce the strain on the system and lead to a smoother experience overall.
4. Close Background Applications
Running too many applications in the background can take up valuable processing power and affect the performance of games. Ensure that no other applications are running while playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. To close unnecessary applications:
- Press the Home Button on your Switch to go to the Home Menu.
- Select the “X” on any running apps to close them.
What Causes Frame Drops in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Several factors contribute to frame drops in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Some of the main causes include:
- High Character Count: More fighters on the screen, especially with additional special effects, can cause the game to struggle to maintain 60 FPS.
- Complex Visual Effects: Stages with interactive backgrounds or stages filled with multiple visual effects can also lead to temporary drops in frame rate.
- Handheld Mode Limitations: The Nintendo Switch’s hardware, in handheld mode, is less powerful than when docked, which can result in performance drops during intense scenes.
Conclusion
So, is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate really running at 60 FPS? The answer is that, for the most part, yes—it does run at 60 FPS, particularly in docked mode and during most gameplay sequences. However, due to the ambitious nature of the game and the limitations of the Nintendo Switch’s hardware, there are moments when frame drops occur, especially in handheld mode or during visually intense scenes.
If you’re concerned about performance, there are steps you can take to improve your experience, such as ensuring your software is up to date, playing in TV mode, and closing background apps. Despite occasional frame drops, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate remains a highly optimized and well-performing game that offers a fantastic experience for players.
Want to learn more about Nintendo Switch performance? Check out this official Nintendo article for tips and updates on optimizing your Switch experience.
This article is in the category Reviews and created by GameMasterHub Team