GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives as one of the system’s first high-profile racing ports, and Feral Interactive’s effort to adapt Codemasters’ blend of accessible “simcade” racing for Nintendo’s hybrid console largely pays off. The core premise – heart-pounding motorsport across a wide array of disciplines with a hefty dose of content – remains intact, and the inclusion of all post-launch DLCs in the Deluxe Edition gives this version an impressive breadth right out of the gate, representing great value for money. The narrative centerpiece, the live-action Driven to Glory story mode, retains its cinematic flair here, serving more as an atmospheric prelude to the action than a deeply compelling drama. Its inclusion adds variety to what could otherwise feel like a pure succession of races, though players seeking a rich plot should temper expectations.
At the heart of the experience is the racing itself. GRID Legends on Switch 2 delivers a well-judged balance between arcade accessibility and simulation depth, letting newcomers get up to speed quickly while still offering layers of challenge for seasoned drivers. A standout aspect of the gameplay is the variety of vehicle classes – from lithe open-wheel cars to heavy trucks – each of which feels distinct on the track. Career mode’s progression across ten disciplines gives racers plenty to chew on, and the robust Race Creator allows players to tailor events with surprising freedom, enhancing longevity and adding a creative edge to the core package.
Feral’s porting work is technically impressive. Switch 2 benefits from multiple display modes, including performance and graphics presets, as well as balanced and battery-saver options for handheld play. These choices let players decide what matters most – smoother frame rates or higher fidelity – with up to 60 fps in handheld performance configurations that suggest a commendable optimization effort. The visuals themselves are striking: dynamic lighting, detailed car models, atmospheric weather effects, and trademark sparks and tire smoke all contribute to a sense of speed and spectacle that belies the hardware’s constraints.
Controls on Switch 2 are competent, though not without compromise. Analog trigger support offers a more precise feel for acceleration and braking, but traditional controller layouts work well overall. That said, the absence of true online multiplayer in this version – a notable omission compared with other console and PC releases – marks a significant drawback. Players hoping to test their mettle against human opponents will instead be limited to global leaderboards for lap times, a pared-down alternative that might disappoint competitive racers.
Sound design complements the visual package with robust engine roars, impactful tire screeches, and a soundtrack that underlines the intensity of each race without ever becoming intrusive. Ambient effects, weather cues, and the way audio shifts with camera perspective all help draw the player into the moment on track. While the live-action elements of Driven to Glory don’t lean on musical choices as heavily as some cinematic modes elsewhere, the overall audio presentation remains polished and supportive of the racing focus throughout.
Despite these strengths, GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition on Switch 2 is not without its flaws. The lack of online multiplayer diminishes the social aspect of a game that thrives on head-to-head competition on other platforms. The story mode, while novel and occasionally entertaining, never quite transcends its functional role as connective tissue for races, and some players may find it less engaging over the long haul. Additionally, while the visuals are very impressive for Switch-class hardware and even stunning for a racer you can now play in handheld mode, they don’t quite reach the level of high-end console or PC counterparts, and occasionally subtle drops in detail hint at the compromises necessary to hit performance targets.
Still, the Switch 2 edition of GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition stands as a testament to how far portable hardware has come. Its expansive content offering, well-tuned handling, and thoughtful performance options make it a compelling choice for racing fans on Nintendo’s newest system. However, the omission of certain online features and a narrative mode that feels more like window dressing than a fully immersive experience prevent it from achieving outright excellence. For fans of packed, versatile racing titles on the go, this remains a highly enjoyable ride. At its price point, it shouldn’t be missed if you’re interested in a racer to play while on the go.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 