Octopath Traveler I and II for Switch 2 deliver solid improvements over the Switch 1 versions

Key Points:

• Square Enix has released Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II for Switch 2 in Japan, with Western releases scheduled for October 1; these versions have no upgrade path, no save transfer, and are full price with physical Game-Key Card releases.
• The Switch 2 versions offer significant visual improvements over the original Switch 1 releases, including higher native resolutions and a target of 60fps in both docked and handheld modes, although image quality remains slightly below the PS4 Pro versions.
• Performance on Switch 2 is markedly better, with smoother frame rates and faster load times compared to Switch 1, but some frame rate dips are still observed in docked mode; handheld play is recommended for a more stable experience.
• Load times on Switch 2 are notably reduced compared to Switch 1, both when running the new native versions and the backward-compatible Switch 1 versions installed on Switch 2 hardware.
• For existing owners of the Switch 1 versions, purchasing the Switch 2 releases is not strongly recommended due to lack of save transfer and full pricing; however, new players may find the Switch 2 versions appealing for their portability and improved performance.