Capcom's 2020 <em>Resident Evil 3 Remake</em>, a reimagining of the 1999 title, has found a surprisingly capable handheld home on the Nintendo Switch 2. The port delivers a smooth, stutter-free experience, maintaining a stable frame rate even in graphically demanding scenarios.
Set a few months after the original <em>Resident Evil</em> and concurrently with <em>Resident Evil 2</em>, the remake follows S.T.A.R.S. officer Jill Valentine as she navigates a zombie-infested Raccoon City. Haunted by past trauma and pursued by the relentless bio-organic weapon Nemesis, Jill's fight for survival is presented with a more action-oriented and cinematic flair than its predecessor. The port successfully captures the intensity of key sequences, such as Jill's initial confrontation with Nemesis, without any performance hitches.
From areas engulfed in flames to encounters with multiple enemies, the Switch 2 port consistently maintains a fluid frame rate. Camera responsiveness is generally good, though the inherent challenges of dual-stick aiming persist. Adjusting the camera sensitivity was necessary to improve accuracy during aiming sequences.
However, the game's visual fidelity is significantly impacted by how it's played. While the port performs admirably, <em>Resident Evil 3 Remake</em> truly excels in handheld mode. The game leverages high dynamic range (HDR) to bring Raccoon City's oppressive atmosphere to life through striking contrasts of light and shadow. This effect, however, is exclusive to handheld play and is unavailable when the console is docked.
In handheld mode, the character models are rendered smoothly under the dynamic lighting, creating a compelling atmosphere. While the detail may be slightly less crisp than on PlayStation 5 or PC, the Switch 2's screen does justice to the game's aesthetic. The visual transformation is stark when transitioning to docked mode; the absence of HDR introduces a noticeable dullness, described as an "opaque gray layer" that drains the game's vibrancy and color.
Despite this limitation, <em>Resident Evil 3 Remake</em> remains a playable and enjoyable experience on the Switch 2. The console's hardware effectively handles the action, providing a stable platform for Jill's desperate escape. Nevertheless, for the most visually striking and atmospheric rendition of the remake, players are advised to keep their Switch 2 in handheld mode.