Marvel’s ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy: Encore Edition’ On Switch 2: How It Stacks Up Against PS5, PS4 & Steam Deck
by uGames Editors
'Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Encore Edition' (Image: Marvel)
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is finally getting a proper Nintendo release. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Encore Edition launches Nov. 5 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, and early reviews say the native port is a big step up from the game’s much-maligned cloud version on the original Switch, though it comes with some performance caveats.
Developed by Eidos-Montréal, the action-adventure game was first revealed at Square Enix’s E3 2021 showcase and launched later that year on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. It follows Star-Lord and his fellow Guardians across a galaxy-spanning story, with players controlling Peter Quill while directing the rest of the team’s abilities in combat.
When docked, the Encore Edition offers two graphics modes. Quality mode targets 1440p at 30fps, while Performance mode targets 1080p at 40fps, though Vooks notes that Performance mode requires a 120Hz TV. In handheld, the game aims for 30fps.
RPG Site, which tested the Switch 2 version against PS5, PS4 and the Steam Deck, found the docked experience fine overall, but stressed that the 30 and 40fps figures are targets. The outlet was less impressed with handheld play, saying it did not like how the game felt on the go in its current version, 1.2.1, and that it would revisit the port if patches improve performance.
Other reviewers echoed that. Pocket Tactics noticed slight frame rate drops and stuttering as early as the first mission and said the issues were more frequent in handheld than docked. Vooks reported that performance got rougher later in the game in both modes, with one sequence noticeably choppy throughout.
Loading times are another sore spot. Nintendo Life said loading screens on Switch 2 last about 15 seconds.
The Encore Edition includes several Switch 2-exclusive features. Players get new Glam Rocker-inspired outfits for the Guardians and additional songs from Star-Lord, the in-game band. The port also supports HDR, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and gyro controls.
Despite the technical hiccups, critics largely agree the game is worth playing for newcomers.
Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics each gave it an 8/10, with Nintendo Life saying the performance is “miles better” than the cloud version. Checkpoint Gaming called the port “pretty great,” praising its consistent 30fps even during chaotic fights.
Not every review was as kind. Nintendo Everything gave the port three stars, citing persistent glitches and errors, while saying it would have added a star if not for the port’s problems.
Several outlets noted that the new content probably isn’t worth a repurchase for those who already own the game on another platform. For players who missed it the first time, however, the Encore Edition offers a chance to catch up on a game many consider underrated.
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