Players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 are facing a notable competitive disadvantage in multiplayer modes due to substantial input lag, according to an analysis by Digital Foundry. This issue makes the Switch 2 version's performance significantly worse than its counterparts on other platforms.
Digital Foundry's review of the Switch 2 port, the first Call of Duty title on a Nintendo console since 2013's Ghosts, found that input lag can be twice as long as on the PlayStation 5 when running at 60 frames per second. While the Switch 2 version generally achieves its target of 60fps in multiplayer, certain in-game elements, such as looking through a riot shield's visor, can cause frame rate drops.
A consistent 60fps is crucial for the responsive experience Call of Duty multiplayer is known for, especially for players concerned with their performance metrics. The disparity in input lag across platforms raises questions about a level playing field for competitive play, a long-standing debate that has been exacerbated by the introduction of crossplay.
Digital Foundry reported that while Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support can help mitigate frame rate fluctuations on compatible displays, playing in portable mode presents further performance challenges. Specifically, input lag measured 81ms in docked mode and 100ms in portable mode, a figure that is more than double the PS5's 49.1ms. In portable mode, this lag ranged from 83ms to 125ms, which Digital Foundry described as "deleterious to performance."
The port, handled by specialist studio Digital Legends with support from Infinity Ward, is generally well-regarded. However, the persistent input lag remains a significant drawback for multiplayer enthusiasts, impacting response times regardless of player skill.
In contrast, the game's campaign runs at a 30fps frame rate, a performance level deemed acceptable by IGN's Simon Cardy for the Switch 2 version. While acknowledging visual downgrades such as less detailed textures and smoothed-over character models, Cardy noted that the campaign gameplay felt responsive at 30fps and 4K while docked, offering a satisfactory experience for players who have been unable to access Call of Duty on Nintendo hardware for over a decade.
The release of Call of Duty on a Nintendo console follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a commitment to bring the franchise to Nintendo platforms for ten years. This move aligns with Microsoft's stated goal of making games accessible to a wider audience across various devices.