First Impressions: Testing Hogwarts Legacy on the New Nintendo Console

With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, I couldn’t wait to see how much the new hardware improves the experience of playing titles that previously struggled on the original Switch. Naturally, I started with Hogwarts Legacy — an ambitious open-world Harry Potter game that faced significant performance issues on the older console. To truly appreciate the upgrade, I revisited the game on the Switch 1 before diving into the new version.

What We Thought About Hogwarts Legacy in 2023

The Original Switch Version: Nearly Unplayable

Before testing the Switch 2, I replayed the first few hours on the original Switch to gauge its performance. The experience was disappointing—character models and environments appeared pixelated, framerates constantly dropped, and load times were painfully long, especially when fast traveling or exploring the castle. Walking through Hogwarts felt frustrating, as doors would often take several seconds to load, sometimes displaying a loading icon for so long I thought they were inaccessible. Occasionally, I’d mistakenly think a door was locked, only to have it suddenly swing open after moments of waiting.

The performance gap between the Switch 1 and other platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or high-end PCs is staggering. It’s difficult to recommend playing the game on the first Switch at all, as the experience is marred by constant technical hiccups that detract from what is otherwise a captivating adventure.

Nintendo Switch 2: A Significant Performance Leap

The good news is that the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware dramatically improves gameplay. While it still doesn’t match the raw power of the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or top-tier gaming PCs, it’s comparable to what I remember from the Xbox Series S — not 4K, but more than enough to enjoy the game without constant frustration. There are still minor issues like pop-in textures and occasional bugs that may require a reset, but overall, the game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes. This is a huge upgrade from the original Switch and makes exploring Hogwarts a much more enjoyable experience.

New Features and Enhancements on Switch 2

Since my last playthrough, Hogwarts Legacy has received several updates that enhance gameplay. Notably, a new photo mode allows players to capture magical moments — a perfect addition for a game set in the Wizarding World. You can also now reset your skill tree, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different character builds without penalty. Additionally, the developers removed some platform-exclusive content, like certain side quests only available on PlayStation 5, and added new cosmetics to collect, enriching the game’s replayability.

For the Switch 2 specifically, the game supports a new mouse mode. This feature lets you switch between traditional joystick controls and using one of the Joy-Cons like a mouse, which makes aiming in combat more precise. The controls work surprisingly well, although I found holding the Joy-Con on its side for extended periods somewhat uncomfortable. Still, it’s a clever option for those who prefer aiming with a mouse-like interface.

Why I Still Love Hogwarts Legacy

Even over two years after its initial release, I find myself still captivated by Hogwarts Legacy. The level of detail in the game’s environment is extraordinary, making hours of exploration and spell-casting endlessly enjoyable. Combat, surprisingly, remains engaging — whipping around a wand, juggling enemies, and timing parries makes fighting a lot more fun than it looks in the movies. You can even choose to wield illegal curses against foes if you’re feeling mischievous.

The main storyline, however, continues to be the weak point. The villain is a generic goblin antagonist, and the plot often feels vague with references to ancient magic. Yet, the characters— from classmates to professors — bring life to the game and compensate for its narrative shortcomings.

Enemy variety still leaves something to be desired, with frequent fights against spiders making the experience feel repetitive. Some technical issues persist, but they don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. For Harry Potter fans, this game delivers nearly everything they could want — and playing it on a portable device like the Switch 2 makes it even more appealing. It’s exciting to think I can enjoy Hogwarts’ magic anywhere, whether commuting or traveling.