Hollow Knight: Silksong was announced during a Nintendo Direct back in 2018, so seeing this sequel stay on Nintendo’s original Switch is a treat. The original game arguably made its name through Nintendo’s now-last-gen console, so seeing it now break the Steam, eShop, PSN, and Xbox digital stores was a sight to see.
It might be the cool indie game on a bunch of systems now, but many will always associate this duology with the Switch.
But how is it like playing Silksong on the regular Nintendo Switch? Seven years have passed, so that means a lot of changes in technology and optimization. While the first Hollow Knight was able to look good and run well on this system, some questions were raised when the sequel got announced for current-gen systems like the PS5 and Xbox Series.
So, here’s everything we know about Hollow Knight: Silksong on Nintendo Switch, how it runs, and if it’s any good.
How does Silksong run on the original Nintendo Switch?
Team Cherry did it again! Hollow Knight: Silksong is a treat on the original Switch, running at a smooth 60 FPS at a crisp 720p. If you really want to see this game pop, run it on a Switch OLED, where the game looks phenomenal.
While smooth performance should have been expected, ports of juggernaut games like Arkham Knight and even 2D titles like Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound had fans in doubt. Everyone knows about Arkham Knight’s performance issues on Switch, but some fans were disappointed when Ragebound was only running at 30 FPS on the hybrid console. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance also had resolution issues, though SEGA is working on a patch for that one.
Luckily, Team Cherry made sure to come out swinging with Hollow Knight: Silksong on the Switch. Loading times are quick, gameplay is silky smooth, and the 2D visuals are incredibly crisp. The game’s opening menu even runs at 60 FPS, which feels like a flex.
Don’t be scared; Silksong is a totally viable option on the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite.
How much space does Silksong take up on Nintendo Switch?
In a really impressive move, Silksong only takes up 2.6 GB on the Nintendo Switch. That’s half of the original Hollow Knight’s space, which took up 5.2 GB. When you consider that this is on Switch, this is probably the smallest version of Team Cherry’s anticipated sequel.
Fans who have an SD card probably don’t find game space a big deal, but it’s good to know Silksong can be placed in the console itself and barely takes up space. If you don’t have an SD card, placing Silksong on the console is a great option. 2.6 GB will barely take up space on a 32 GB Switch Lite or a 64 GB Switch OLED.
Is There a Switch 2 Upgrade Path?
Yes. Team Cherry has confirmed that Switch owners of Hollow Knight: Silksong will get a free Switch 2 upgrade when they eventually get Nintendo’s current-gen system.
Players can simply go to the eShop and download the upgrade pack at no cost. When upgraded, the Switch 2 version will have increased resolution, higher framerate, and “additional effects.” There are probably additional particle effects that couldn’t be added to the original Switch. Playing this game at 120 FPS should also be impressive, especially since the Steam Deck OLED maxes out at 90 FPS.
Overall, Hollow Knight: Silksong on Nintendo Switch is an amazing accomplishment, even if it technically isn’t. The first Hollow Knight ran at a smooth 60 FPS, so we should have expected a similar or identical performance here. Unfortunately, a history of poor Switch ports conditioned us into thinking this could be a lesser version.
Thankfully, Team Cherry showed everyone how these ports should be done. Developers won’t struggle as much on the Switch 2, with its stronger hardware that’s at least PS4 Pro level, but seeing this indie gem get the most out of Nintendo’s last-gen potato system is enough to make a grown gamer cry.
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