FIFA 18 is finally with us, and if you've already consulted our exhaustive review then you'll know that, despite missing some key features, it's the best football (soccer if you're in North America) game we've seen on a Nintendo system in years.
While it was always clear that the Switch version wouldn't be a match for its current-gen rivals in the visual stakes, it's always interesting to compare how they shape up - especially when you take into account that the Nintendo version is one you can take with you on the road, making the graphical standard on display seem even more impressive.
As you can see from the footage, the Switch version does lose a lot of visual detail when compared to the PS4 edition, but what's really important is that from a gameplay perspective the Nintendo offering is a very, very close match; the controls are the same and the whole thing "flows" almost identically on both systems - and that's perhaps the biggest achievement here, even if Nintendo owners don't get the swanky new "Journey" story mode.
Have you downloaded FIFA 18 on Switch, or will you be playing it on another system? Let us know with a comment.
Comments 52
Feels unfair to compare them.
Apparently there are bigger concerns besides the way the game works. It's clear the online structure is drastically lacking, and it's been exposed once again by FIFA. Nintendo needs to get with the times when it comes to online, before they should even THINK about charging for it.
On other note people seem very pleased with the gameplay so that's good. EA seems to have done fairly well for their first attempt.
@Kalmaro Someone who will only buy the game on one console would want to compare them. I heard the online in the Switch version is not that great due to the lack of integrated features such as a party system.
@Kalmaro Why? It's a great comparison for anyone that has both systems. I was actually surprised that the difference wasn't event larger. I think the Switch version looks pretty good.
@Nintendoforlife As it keeps getting pushed back further and further, and Nintendo continues to get backlash on their online system, voice chat, one free gamer per month, etc... I think it will not actually end up being a paid service. I hope they get their act together, but I doubt it.
It strikes me as perfectly fair enough that this is basically FIFA 16 with a FIFA 18 reskin, since that's all the hardware can cope with.
It'd be nice if the price tag reflected that, though...
@Ainz Was the internet issue mentioned in the video? I'm at work so videos aren't loading on our slow internet.
@roadrunner343 I don't have both systems, so constantly seeing comparison videos does nothing for me.
I have it on Xbox but willing to get it on this if the gameplay is the same. If anyone played it on Xbox/PS4 and switch can compare?
@roadrunner343 I feel like it's possible they are getting some needed features done right, since they pushed it back even further. I mean they've had since whenever they came up with the Switch to get online done. So you might say a push back is evidence they are switching up their original plans.
@Kalmaro It's not one of those videos. It's just a comparison of the gameplay between the two, alternating between the PS4 and Switch. They might have mentioned it in the official review though.
@Kalmaro I don't have any system but the Switch and my PC. This type of comparison is still valuable in my opinion. Obviously it benefits those with both consoles more than you or I, but it also shows the differences between the versions, what was lost during the porting process, just how powerful the Switch is, etc... So we still get some useful information.
@Nintendoforlife I sure hope so. You'd think they've been planning for this since the late Wii/early Wii U days. I do hope you're right that Nintendo gets their act together, despite me not playing many Nintendo games online (PC for that).
@Nintendoforlife Ahhh, okay.
@roadrunner343 I guess? Being constantly reminded that the PS4 has prettier graphics is annoying. I just have a Switch and PC as well, though now I game almost exclusively on my Switch.
It looks pretty damn good, obviously not as good as the PS4 but it holds up against it pretty well I think.
I don't own a PS4 and don't want to buy one. Why are people not just assessing FIFA on Switch in isolation? It's either a good game or not.
If the game runs better elsewhere does this really affect your enjoyment?
this games are so boooooring...
To be honest, I haven't played a footie game since the PS2 era but I think a pretty good Fifa version on the Switch is quite appealing as you can game on the go. If I had more cash, I'd probably pick this up.
@Kalmaro I haven't watched the video yet, but I've read about it in another article.
Looks great. My copy will be arriving this evening
@JamesR I don't own a PS4 and have no intention of buying one, but you can't judge things in isolation. We know whether things are good or bad based primarily on how they stack up against their contemporaries. Many of the games that were mind blowing in the 70s, 80s, 90s, etc... were great compared to their competitors at the time, but wouldn't hold up today. And that's fine. We don't live in a vacuum, and media should not be judged in a vacuum.
EDIT: I don't disagree with your conclusion though! The fact that the game runs better elsewhere should not impact your enjoyment of the title, assuming you value portability over visual fidelity. It's a trade off I would be more than happy to make for most titles, but visual fidelity is still quite important. For me, frame rate is the most important criterion, so if the game runs smooth, I'm usually more than happy to scale back other graphical features.
Looks pretty good to be honest. But its not the gameplay thats letting the game down it seems. Picking this up in store this evening. Gonna give it a shot.
@Kalmaro You have a PC and a Switch. That's a great combo. I unfortunately don't have a decent PC so my only other option would be my PS4. It's interesting for me, but no more relevant than it is for you. Envious that you have the best of both worlds. Don't be annoyed : )
@Shellcore Haha, I'm more annoyed by just having to be constantly reminded by PS4 looking better. Like, I get it, the Switch is kinda close but not as good graphically. This does not sway me in either way, I'd still get it on Switch since the Switch is portable and that's huge for me. I do enjoy my PC though. Just not as much now that the Switch is here.
Make comparison videos side by side
@Nintendoforlife That can be expected considering how the majority of Switches online infrastructure doesn't really exist yet and is probably still in development. I wouldn't let EA off entirely either in this case since you would think they would have the capability to host it themselves with how you have to link your Xbox account to your Origin account. I think Nintendo is listening really considering how they puished back the launch to next year likely for more refinement and they updated their app recently with some much needed fixes. Friends aside I find much of Switches online is pretty good performance wise.
Really not interested in comparing it to something I'll not play lol.
I think the switch version looks really good considering.
@Nekoo77
I agree. It's nice to see that the Switch version runs at 60fps and doesn't appear to be blown out of the water by comparison. Switch's got a lotta power in a small package.
I have no problems with these comparisons. I do however insist that anybody who thought the Switch could match the PS4 for power put their hands up so I can mock them
IMO, this says a lot about EA's design priorities and decision making, along with most Western Devs. The Switch version looks good. In fact it looks really good. Sure PS4 is more photo-realistic, but without the side by side you wouldn't realize that the PS4 one could look so much better than the Switch one. They clearly spent the bulk of their time and money on this game making sure the VISUALS were the best they could be, yet found it acceptable to remove a significant portion of GAMEPLAY features. In their view, a game that LOOKS as realistic as possible with a large reduction in play features has more value than a game that has the full range of play capabilities, but visually looks more like a video game than like video.
To EA's credit, they're probably not incorrect to believe consumer and critical reception woks this way.
Ok. So the PS4 version looks better. In other news water is wet and the sun is a bit hot. I think most Switch owners have already accepted this concession before they even parted with their cash when they bought the Switch. We're entering into serious Captain Obvious territory.
I can't barely tell the difference between this and FIFA 13 on Wii U...
How is dare you mention PS4 on a Nintendo webpaige?!!
I does come here for the rainbow magical feelings Nintendo is give to my fannypack.
SONY is bad omen, hurts gaming tenfold in the ear. Nintendo promote good clean happy family jam time, I must fly kick anyone in the face with my shirtless anyone who is doubt!
Needs more PS3 footage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzF7cvED-sQ
For all the complaints in the review article about the same price game for less, last I checked the PS3 and Xbox 360 prices were the same as well. And I've also read they run 30fps and also lack Journey mode.
https://smile.amazon.com/FIFA-18-Standard-PlayStation-4/dp/B071ZZZ3K9/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1506705567&sr=1-2&keywords=fifa%2B18&th=1
So considering Switch is basically a portable last gen system that offers TV out via a USB-C to HDMI dock I think how the Switch version compares to the PS3 version is as relevant as how it compares to the PS4 version. If it's a PS3 version that you can both play on the TV and take w/ you, well what more do you want?
I don't like EA, and the online matchmaking does seem lacking, but people need to use a little common sense and perspective. EA has been promoting this as the best portable FIFA experience, they've never said - current gen home console gaming on the go.
Here's some EA blurbs from their website.
"With advanced rendering technology, FIFA 18 on Nintendo Switch delivers the most technologically-advanced portable FIFA experience ever."
"FIFA 18 built for Nintendo Switch offers fans more depth in modes than any other portable console."
https://www.easports.com/fifa/fifa-18-nintendo-switch
And if people want to argue - Well why is a portable game priced like a home console game? - Well why is the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions priced like this gen versions? They're all $60. Its' the way most videogames have been priced the past few years, PS3/X360 priced the same as PS4/X1 even though they have been graphically inferior and in some cases missing modes as well. It's the way the industry operates. Switch is part of that industry now for better and for worse.
No sane 3rd party company making big budget AAA games is treating Switch as a home console comparable to PS4 and X1, it's a portable. Sure, some retro 16 bit stuff will run the same, but that could have run the same on Wii U, PS3 or Xbox360 as well.
@SanderEvers
They said it could run it in a downgraded manner. I'll take 1080p and more importantly, 60 FPS over the soap opera stuff that's missing.
Just want to point out that @1:05, the coach (on PS4) suffers from the same shrunken head oversized collar syndrome as the NBA 2K18 Coach (on Switch) that got much attention here . . . .perhaps it's contagious on a cross-platform basis . . . .
@rjejr to
Great post. I think most Switch owners are well aware of what Switch is and isn't, and the power sacrifice that has been made. There still seems to be a fascination among non-Switch owners, and those willing it to fail with comparing Switch to more powerful Consoles. It's as if they're expecting Switch owners and potential switch owners to be amazed by this new revelation and discard the system.
I'm actually more curious to see a side-by-side comparison to the WiiU version of FIFA 13... which I have and still play.
Oh wow... yeah, no way. Maybe FiFA 19 on the Switch
@electrolite77 No, it is also for all of us who have both a Switch and a PS4 and were not 100% sure if we made the right decision in giving up the portability (or reverse)
Nobody is going to give up their Switch, or not play Mario or Xenoblade 2 because of these comparisons. We just can't pay $120 dollars for FIFA to compare and contrast at home.
Some just trying to get as much info as possible and decide. And these videos help.
The slightly more photo-realistic graphics on the PS4 version are entirely irrelevant to me in a sports game. I have a PS4 and a Switch, and have bought the Switch version as it looks great and plays pretty much the same as the PS4 one... And I can take it with me to play with colleagues at work. Brilliant.
Wow i didn't expected it to be this good looking.
okay i am sold.
@Agramonte
I've said on this and the other FIFA thread (see Comment #5 on the Review) I have no problem with these comparisons. That's not the point I was trying to make in post #41 though. It was a general comment regarding Switch not being as powerful as PS4 and those posters obsessed with that.
Football is really,really popular here in Italy.I've already seen stores making unofficial Switch-with-Fifa bundles.
@BensonUii Everything should go through Nintendo. You shouldn't have to create an account for some third party company just to play online in most cases. You should be able to invite your friends to play any game purely through your Nintendo account if you want to.
HOWEVER, EA dropped the ball on this as well. As they could have implemented their own online system alternative, but chose not to.
Ah, the inevitable - And utterly pointless - comparisons.
someones first attempt at a comparison video? amateur power hour
@BensonUii 3rd party games utilize the consoles "party system" to join friends, games publishers do usually supply the servers and whatnot but the consoles is doing the friend stuff
Character models and animation looks the same. The lighting engine was always gonna be different as is the lovely sheen of sweat all the PS4 players have.
Once the games running, it's identical. Plays the same, same mechanics, same physics, same playability, no difference at all.
Comes down to Sweat and Shadows Vs. 100% portability.
Whichever you prefer becomes your format of choice, although no matter which way you cut it.... it's still football and unbearably, mind-numbingly boring
@dystome the hardware can handle way beyond this. If you think an opening EA FIFA game is really pushing the hardware then you're sadly mistaken. Majority of the sheen, cut aways, lighting and animated menus are missing to over all file size down to get it on a cartridge. Also lowers the cost of the development to maximise profit should it not sell and EA pull out of Nintendo development very quickly again.
Switch could run the previous FrostByte Engine no problem. It could even run a bespoke versus of the new engine should EA sales on Switch warrant the development cost, but EA are playing it wisely and playing a profitable numbers game until sales prove they should invest more.
@OniLink with you 100%
Okay I got a dumb question for you people that love football, of course we call it soccer here in the US, so in this game can you pretend to be hurt and then Waller around on the ground for like 4 minutes when the guy did not even touch you like they do on TV on the real games?
I am genuinely curious about this because it become such a real big part of these games that they show on TV, it's like hilarious .
@DESS-M-8 Animations are clearly not the same, as can be seen in the video. Apart from being really jealous of those, I am impressed with the Switch version. I stayed up all night playing Zlatan in career mode even though I hate FIFA (I’m a PES fan but what to do when that game is not on the platform.)
I’ve played all Fifa’s up until FIFA 16 and actually consider this Switch version the most fun. Well done. Became slightly curious about FIFA 18 on PS4 though after this video to see if it can compare to the mighty gameplay of PES16-18 (PES went [removed] after PES6 but recently returned to form).
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