EA Sports has confirmed the performance details for FIFA's latest title, FC 24, on the Nintendo Switch. Importantly, this installment will be the first to run using EA's Frostbite Engine, enhancing gameplay to match versions for PS4 and Xbox One. The upgrade resolves criticisms from Switch owners who felt previous editions were merely "legacy" versions of FIFA 19. FC 24 will also see enhancements to the Ultimate Team mode, making it on par with its counterparts on other platforms.

Historically, FIFA 19 was rated 5/10 on Switch, FIFA 20 a meagre 4/10, while the following three versions scored just 2/10 each. The low ratings were attributed to minimal updates resulting in maximum profit. However, EA Sports hopes to turn the tide with FC 24, which they view as a fresh chapter for the franchise on Nintendo's console.

Line Producer, Doru Logigan, mentioned the significant efforts made by multiple teams to ensure FC 24 runs smoothly on the Switch platform. The process involved stripping down FC 24 and reconstructing a foundation that would work well with Nintendo's console. Iterative tests were run, and gradual improvements were made geared towards optimizing performance.

Performance-wise, FC 24 on Switch will run at a maximum 30 frames per second. Resolution will be the maximum the Switch allows, which is 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode. Historically, FIFA has run at 60fps across platforms. But the lower frame rate signifies a new starting point on the Switch, according to Logigan.

This launch will also introduce a higher cadence of patches that include bug fixes and quality of life improvements, and live campaigns in Ultimate Team, Volta, and Clubs throughout the season.

EA Sports FC 24 is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch on September 29. Looking ahead, EA Sports is expected to release versions of FC 24 for Nintendo’s heavily rumoured Switch 2, set for release in 2024.