After a look at Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One earlier this week, Digital Foundry has now had enough time to see how the Switch version compares.
With all versions running at 30fps, the focus is on the resolution. In docked mode, the Switch release runs at 720p and maintains 1280x720. In contrast, other iterations run at 1080p. Overlooking the age differences, Digital Foundry couldn't resist mentioning how Nintendo's Mario Kart 8 Deluxe run at 1080p and hits the 60fps target. To make up for the lower resolution, it appears Crash has included additional effects such as motion blur and full ambient occlusion.
In multiplayer, it's 30fps all around as the resolution drops to 1084x576 if more than two players are involved. In handheld mode, it's 480p and maintains a resolution of 854x480. The only performance hiccups are tied to the battle mode.
As for the graphics, there are some seemingly aggressive cutbacks in the Switch release, but most of it isn't noticeable during a race or when in motion. Upon closer observation, shadow quality becomes softer and more detailed textures have been reduced. Fortunately, most of the environmental details remain intact.
The load times – across all versions – are probably one of the biggest talking points. The Switch release, in particular, suffers from extreme waiting times. Digital Foundry ran a number of tests and found the Nintendo iteration, on average, took an extra 15 seconds to load some levels compared to the PS4 and X1 versions. A lot of the Switch load times in total were around the 40-second mark.
Despite its ups and downs, Crash Team Racing on the Switch is still considered to be one of the most respectable conversions to-date, simply because it mirrors the experience offered on other platforms. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our review of CTR.
Take a look at the video above for the full analysis and tell us in the comments if you've been playing CTR on the Switch.
[source youtu.be]
Comments 27
I know, I watched the video.
And so does every other site that gave it a good review including this one.
Oh, how nice of them? It’s a fun game, right? And that’s all that should matter, yes? Am I missing something?
we've got a tough crowd today...
Buying this is a no brainier, it's a fun game that looks and plays great. Just wish it saved the cups you win in single player grand prix mode!
But is online is still a ville fantôme?
Nintendo Life just loves digital foundry
Love the remake, really loved the original and this remake is everything I expected and more
My only gripes really is the loading times, they're terrible, that and having to be connected to servers to access the pit-stop
The loading times are quite substantial but it’s a great game really enjoying it so far and it’s great to be able to play it on the go
For me it's the offline cups and unlocking of extra content by having to be online. Currently using my switch away from home so connecting to the internet isn't possible. Other than that it's bloody good.
I personally thought Digital Foundry went a little too easy on this game, but that's just me. They kinda gloss over the 30fps issue. I'll stick to MK8 for now. Not a big fan of the wumpa coin system either, nor am I too impressed with the new AI they implemented. I suppose it's nice to know it runs the same on all platforms, but eh. PS4 version has pretty long load times from what I hear too.
Still not convinced to buy it, especially with how packed these months are getting, but maybe I'll give it a chance at some point. I'm also curious to see how the patches shape the game in the future, so I'll keep an eye on those too.
And then there is Bloodstained...
720p/30 is pretty sad... especially for a racing game, which typically push the envelope for graphics.
Even the PS4/Xbox versions run at 30 FPS? That's unacceptable in my opinion...
It runs great I think. Loading times are a bit long yes, but overall I've been really impressed. 10+ hours so far, I can easily see that I will get 25+ from this with the game costing £28 makes it a bargin!!! Gameplay is decent, with plenty of tracks (31 currently with another being added with the update) loads of battle arenas.... Some of the tracks really do look fantastic. Looking forward to Spyro next!!
@Onion but there ISN'T a 30fps issue. This game runs at 30fps on ALL platforms and performs smoothly and responsively.
@whitespy12
Clearly it IS an issue because I'm not the only one who mentions it. I don't know where you people get that because it runs at 30fps on all versions, that somehow makes it okay. It's a racing game, 30fps is not ideal. Worst of all, the competition this game faces had no problem reaching 60fps and still have great graphics. it IS an issue and it's definitely costing them some sales. On top of that, it has long loading times and other issues as well.
Running like crap on all platforms isn't an excuse. Hopefully they patch it cause I DO have an interest in this game, but as it stands I'd rather just play my original copy or MK8. For the Switch version, I'm a bit more lenient on the 30fps issue because it IS a Switch game, 720p and 30fps is pretty bad, but it is somewhat forgiveable. The fact the game runs the same on the stronger consoles tells me this game is poorly optimized.
I hope CTR does well and I'm glad it has fans willing to defend it, but there's simply no defending this game from it's shoddy design. I've no doubt that it's a fun game, but all versions don't run as smooth as other racers on the market (some of which have vastly superior graphics) which is going to be an issue for some potential buyers. I think Digital Foundry went a little easier on it simply because it is the Nintendo Switch version which is basically a glorified handheld. For me though, this game is pretty low on my buy list unless they can patch 60fps into one of the console versions the way Super Bomberman R did.
@holygeez03
Agreed. I'm not even a graphics person and this is pretty unacceptable for me as well. I have too many other games vying for my attention this year to spend it on a game that can't even be optimized to utilize PS4 Pro. I would have gladly gotten the PS4 version otherwise.
@Onion I would argue that it's only an issue to people who are defending their decision not to buy the game. And to be fair, if it bothers you, vote with your wallet; more power to you. But having played this game and many other games of it's ilk, I can say with complete confidence that a locked 30fps does not hinder this game in the least.
@Onion you sound dumb as hell. Saying you'd rather play your original copy but not this one because of the 30fps. The original is 30fps so obviously you wouldn't want to play that.
@Mrbayram92
I'm well aware that the original is 30fps, dude. That's why if they can't improve upon that aspect, I'd sooner stick with that version which is where most of my nostalgia lies anyway. What's your point? Diddy Kong Racing on N64 was basically 15fps and back in the day it was one of the most popular racing games.
The point is that this is a REMAKE on MORE POWERFUL HARDWARE, it should be better in ALL ways. If it's not going to improve upon the original in the ways I want, then why I would I buy the remake? You're the one who sounds dumb if you cannot grasp that. I also don't have to buy the original CTR because I already own it.
@whitespy12
I don't have to defend my position at all, like I said, I have a huge backlog of other games to play and the last thing I need is another new release, especially one that I disagree with. The technical aspects may not be a concern for you or other fans, but for me and others, it most certainly is.
Different strokes for different folks and all that. If it doesn't bother you, then that's really all that matters. I'm glad to see people having fun with it because if it does well enough, they will continue to support the game down the line for people like me who are on the fence.
@Onion looking back at your comments it seems you're hating on games that you was going to buy but now aren't you probably just have no money so are B****ing about it. Who cares if it's 30fps as long as it's smooth if you're that bothered by fps wait for the pc version and then you can play it at 60fps.
@Mrbayram92
Yeah I'm the one who sounds dumb, yet you're telling me to wait for a non-existent version. There is no PC version and no announcement of such a version. >_< At least I also know the difference between "your" and "you're". (Lmao he actually went back and fixed that, guess I touched a nerve.)
EDIT: If they do eventually release a PC version, there's no promise it'll be any better than the console versions either. I wouldn't mind seeing it come to PC either way, though. As I stated above, it's not even just the 60fps, there's other issues that turn me off from the game, ones I hope to see addressed in future patches. I get the feeling you have a reading comprehension problem or something. I clearly cited other issues such as the wumpa coin system and AI. I guess I could sit here and go through a list of every issue I have of the game just for you, but I really don't want to since my intention was never to hate on or bash the game. If these issues DO get addressed, then that'll greatly increase my opinion of the game and my chances of snatching it up. I have not displayed any ill will towards the game and have even stated that I want it to do well. What is your problem?
Not going to bother to respond to the rest, as you clearly didn't read any of my comments if you think that's the only thing I post. You know nothing about me and your assumptions about me don't interest me at all.
What is online racing like?
It's honestly a really great game. Only annoyance is the long loading times; hopefully that will be fixed in future updates.
It is a Kart racing game with cartoons. 30fps is fine (they do need to fix the loading time)
Got F12019 on PC for $31,... runs at 2K on Ultra at locked 60fps. There it does matter. Switch not made for that.
I just wish we could change the standard to 60fps. It really isn't any good to have racing games that run at 30fps. Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 7, Super Mario Kart (SNES), Beach Buggy Racing, Gran Tourismo 3, 4, 5, 6, and Sport all run at 60fps and look fabulous in motion. I think that's what all racing games should run at, pretty please!
It’d be easy to spend a huge number of hours with this game ... but that’s mostly due to the load times
I fully sympathize with the complaints about the resolution and FPS issues on some of these games, but It's bloody amazing that a old unmodified, off the shelf Tegra X1 mobile SOC from 2015 can run all of these games such as Crash Team Racing and the upcoming Witcher 3 and Doom Eternal. The Switch mini and Switch Pro revision with an updated and more powerful chip cannot come fast enough....
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