Tomb Raider Definitive Edition Review (Switch 2) – Almost the Perfect Port

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition finally arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2, and for many players, this feels like a dream. The idea of playing one of the best action-adventure reboots ever made at 60 FPS, with better resolution, and in a handheld form, is exciting. The game itself is still amazing even after more than a decade. But the Switch 2 version also leaves a few missed opportunities on the table.

This review breaks down everything you need to know: story, gameplay, visuals, audio, performance, value, and whether this version is worth buying today.

What Is Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition?

Tomb Raider (2013) is the reboot that completely changed the direction of the franchise. Instead of the classic “stylish adventurer” Lara, we meet a much younger and more vulnerable version. This is the beginning of the “Survivor Trilogy.”

The game follows Lara Croft after her crew becomes shipwrecked on the mysterious island of Yamatai, a place filled with storms, ruins, fanatics, and the legend of the Sun Queen Himiko. What starts as a simple expedition soon becomes a fight for survival.

The Definitive Edition brings improved visuals, all previous DLC, and overall better performance — and now arrives on Switch 2 with enhanced framerate and resolution.

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Story – 9/10

The story is still one of the reboot’s strongest points. It is simple but very effective. The narrative focuses heavily on Lara’s emotional journey as she transforms from an unsure explorer into a confident survivor.

The island itself plays an important role. Its dangerous environment, the violent Solarii cult, and the supernatural storms create a constant threat. Lara’s reactions feel believable, especially in the early chapters when she is shaken, scared, and exhausted.

The pacing is also strong. The story rarely slows down too much, and each chapter leads into the next seamlessly. Some characters outside Lara are forgettable, but the emotional weight still hits hard because the focus is on her personal growth.

Gameplay – 7/10

The gameplay remains fun, even after all these years. The mix of gunplay, stealth, climbing, exploration, and basic puzzles still works well.

Here are the key gameplay features:

• Third-person shooting
• Stealth takedowns
• Bow combat
• Light crafting and upgrades
• Optional tomb puzzles
• Quick-time events (QTEs)

The gun combat still feels tight and responsive, and the bow remains one of the best weapons in the game. Optional tombs add variety, but there could have been more of them to balance out the heavy action.

Switch 2 Controls

The Switch 2 version adds gyro, touchscreen, and even mouse-style aiming. Sadly:

• Gyro works only on menus
• Touch controls also only work in UI
• Mouse mode feels awkward and not practical

These extra controls feel unnecessary and don’t add much to the experience.

Visuals – 7/10

This is where the Switch 2 version could have been much better.

The game runs at a stable 60 FPS and uses higher resolution compared to the base Switch, which is a huge improvement. Playing in handheld mode looks smooth, sharp, and very clean.

However, the port does not use the Switch 2’s full power. The PS4 version of Definitive Edition had:

• Better lighting
• Improved textures
• TressFX hair physics
• Updated character models

Most of those enhancements are missing here. The Switch 2 port is essentially the same as the old Switch version, just running smoother and sharper.

Because the resolution is higher, the older textures and weak anti-aliasing become even more noticeable.

It still looks good enough, but this port could have looked amazing with more effort.

Audio – 7/10

The audio holds up well.

• Voice acting is strong
• Sound effects are realistic
• Environmental audio builds tension

There are no major issues with sound quality on the Switch 2. It’s not groundbreaking, but it works and supports the game’s atmosphere well.

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Value for Money – 8/10

At $19.99, the Switch 2 version is a great deal. You get:

• 12 to 25 hours of gameplay
• Optional tombs and collectibles
• A strong story
• Full campaign replayability
• Smooth 60 FPS performance

The main drawback is the lack of a free Switch → Switch 2 upgrade. Players who bought the old version must repurchase it.

Still, the content and performance make the price worth it.

Switch 2 Performance – A Big Win, But Not Perfect

The best part of this new port is performance:

• Stable 60 FPS
• Smooth gameplay
• Better clarity
• Great for handheld play

Playing action-adventure games on handheld systems feels natural, and Tomb Raider is no exception. The Switch 2 version shines in portable mode.

But the port still feels like a “safe” upgrade. Aspyr could have:

• Added PS4-level improvements
• Improved textures
• Reduced screen shake
• Added better motion controls

The screen shake issue, especially during cutscenes, remains unchanged and can be uncomfortable for some players.

What Could Have Been Better

Here are the biggest missed opportunities:

• No PS4-quality visual upgrades
• New control schemes feel unnecessary
• Screen shake option still missing
• No upgrade path for previous owners
• Lighting and textures remain outdated

For a stronger console like Switch 2, this version feels like a half-step instead of a full upgrade.

Is Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Worth It on Switch 2?

Yes — absolutely.

This is still one of the best action-adventure reboots ever made, and it runs beautifully on the Switch 2. If you want a portable version of this legendary game, the Switch 2 port gives you:

• Smooth performance
• Better clarity
• Strong gameplay
• Great story
• Long playtime

It is not the perfect version, but it is easily the second-best way to play the game, right after PC or PS4.

If you love action-adventure titles, survival stories, or want a good handheld experience, this version is worth picking up.

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