Here’s how every Ys game runs on Switch 2 – Ys VIII, Ys IX, Ys Origin, Celceta, Felghana, and X Nordics tested

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For this week’s article, I’ll be focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2’s backward compatibility with Nihon Falcom’s exceptional Ys series. As Ys X: Proud Nordics is set to debut exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan next week, I wanted to explore this franchise and discuss how each game performs on the Nintendo Switch 2. This is an extension of my recent articles where I reviewed Fire Emblem, Tales of, Monster Hunter, Dragon Quest, Xenoblade, and SaGa games played on the Nintendo Switch 2.

In most cases, Ys series releases consist of ports and remasters. However, the latest mainline game debuted simultaneously on Switch as well as PlayStation consoles. Similar to my previous articles discussing various franchises, I’ll be evaluating factors like load times, performance, among others when testing on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Today’s games under review are Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, Ys: Memories of Celceta, Ys Origin, and Ys X: Nordics.

In conducting load time tests, I installed each game on both the internal memory and SD card of both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch OLED devices. To ensure accurate results, I repeatedly pressed the A button to hasten any loading sequences and skipped publisher and developer logos where feasible. Since a localization hasn’t been announced for Ys: Memories of Celceta, I tested the Japanese version available on the eShop. Similarly, as I currently own both digital and physical versions of Ys X: Nordics, I tested the Japanese release in this case.

How does Ys IX: Monstrum Nox run on Nintendo Switch 2

In my enthusiasm to acquire the original Japanese version of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox for PS4, I was taken aback by its subpar performance on Sony’s console. Following some updates, it ran smoother on the PS4 Pro, but still fell short in terms of technical aspects, plagued by performance issues, poor draw distance, and other snags. Despite my affection for the game, it fell short visually and technically. It truly shone only on the PS5, either through backward compatibility or the native PS5 release. Regrettably, the Nintendo Switch port was a technical disaster as anticipated, filled with frequent slowdowns and performance issues compounded by what I had experienced on the PS4 version.

On the Nintendo Switch 2, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox performs significantly better, boasting faster loading times and consistently maintaining its 30fps in combat. However, the game’s draw distance and resolution could still use some improvement. If you had previously abandoned Ys IX: Monstrum Nox on Switch due to performance issues, it is now a much more enjoyable experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Test conditionNintendo SwitchNintendo Switch 2
Dashboard to title screen117
Loading a save from title screen to in-game145

Note: All load times above are in seconds.



What we want from an Ys IX Monstrum Nox  Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade

A new port of the game Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, modeled after its PC version, would significantly enhance the gaming experience on Nintendo Switch 2. Given that it performs well on Steam Deck, a potential port from PH3 could lead to an exceptional gaming experience on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Updating or upgrading the current Switch version doesn’t seem promising, as it doesn’t offer a satisfying gameplay experience unless you have no other means of playing Ys IX.

How does Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana run on Nintendo Switch 2

I vividly recall firing up Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana on Nintendo Switch before its official release, and was thrilled when I witnessed the loading screen running at a smooth 60fps. Despite initial excitement, the gameplay experience was less than ideal but still playable. To provide some background, I had previously played Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana on PS Vita and PS4 for its western debut. The PS Vita version was an impressive and ambitious release, yet it didn’t live up to expectations on Sony’s handheld compared to the PS4 edition. The PC version was initially a disaster until PH3 came along and improved it significantly, making it the optimal way to experience Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch version offers a visually rough gaming experience with fluctuating performance, despite incorporating all the new content from the PS4 version. Simply put, it didn’t compare favorably to playing on other platforms.

In the game Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana on Nintendo Switch 2, loading times have significantly decreased and overall performance has become more consistent. However, despite these improvements, the graphics remain subpar with noticeable shimmering effects all over.

Test conditionNintendo SwitchNintendo Switch 2
Dashboard to title screen20-2110-12
Loading a save from title screen to in-game9-103

Note: All load times above are in seconds.



What we want from an Ys VIII Lacrimosa of Dana Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade

During an interview for Trails Through Daybreak II featuring PH3’s Durante, I inquired about possible Switch 2 editions of Ys VIII and Ys IX, considering that I believed (at the time) PH3 could produce the ultimate versions for the Nintendo Switch 2. He responded by suggesting it was a publisher’s decision, but acknowledged the potential to create an outstanding version of cherished games like Ys VIII, which have not yet had impressive showings on handheld consoles. I remain hopeful that future versions of Ys VIII and Ys IX from PH3 will deliver unparalleled experiences, given their merit and the need for exceptional handheld gaming experiences.

How does Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana run on Nintendo Switch 2

Experiencing Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 was a great way to delve into one of Falcom’s top games, but it fell short in terms of visual perfection due to suboptimal upscaling of textures and using the PSP version as its foundation instead of XSEED’s updated PC release. On Switch, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana faced some performance issues, but still offered a solid portable gaming experience that I endorsed.

On the newly released Nintendo Switch 2, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana stands out as one of the surprising backward compatibility titles, offering 1080p visuals similar to Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition when played in handheld mode. Remarkably, this improved graphics quality was achieved without any updates. It appears that the original Switch version of the game rendered at 1080p and was downsampled to 720p for handheld play. If you haven’t yet tried Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, it offers a terrific portable gaming experience on Nintendo Switch 2. However, I advise steering clear of the 1.5x speed mode as it still suffers from poor camera scrolling issues.

Test conditionNintendo SwitchNintendo Switch 2
Dashboard to title screen53-4
Loading a save from title screen to in-gameInstantInstant

Note: All load times above are in seconds.


What we want from an Ys Memoire The Oath in Felghana Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade

I’d be thrilled if Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana could receive native 4K support for docked play, along with the possibility of 120fps. Given its impressive performance on PlayStation and Switch, Falcom could create an exceptional experience featuring sharp visuals and smooth portable gameplay at 120fps. If a new version of Ys: The Oath in Felghana were to emerge, I’d prefer it to be based on the PC version with higher-resolution textures, rather than the oddly upscaled textures we observed in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. Additionally, I hope they address the camera movement speed issue in the 1.5x speed mode.

How does Ys Origin run on Nintendo Switch 2

The original Ys game for Nintendo Switch, Ys Origin, was the first in the series to be released on this platform. It didn’t encounter any significant performance problems and was a significant improvement over its PS Vita release. To this day, I consider the Switch version of Ys Origin as my preferred portable adaptation. From a technical standpoint, I was slightly let down by the lengthy load time from the console dashboard to the game title screen. On Nintendo Switch 2, Ys Origin continues to perform well, but there haven’t been significant enhancements in initial loading times. Although it doesn’t offer native 1080p resolution in handheld mode, the Switch version of Ys Origin remains an excellent portable gaming experience when played on Switch 2.

Test conditionNintendo SwitchNintendo Switch 2
Dashboard to title screen3024
Loading a save from title screen to in-game21-2

Note: All load times above are in seconds.



What we want from an Ys Origin Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade

It’s possible that Ys Origin, being relatively old, won’t receive any updates. However, there could be an opportunity for a new release of Falcom’s Ys Memoire series on Nintendo Switch 2, which could offer high-definition handheld gaming at 1080p and smooth 120fps performance. If that doesn’t happen, I would appreciate the option to skip all introductory cutscenes in any potential Switch 2 version of the game. Replaying Ys Origin has sparked my desire to play through the entire game again, and after finishing this article, I might do just that on the hypothetical Switch 2.

How does Ys X: Nordics run on Nintendo Switch 2

As a gamer, I can confidently say that playing Ys X: Nordics on my Nintendo Switch was an incredible experience compared to other Ys series games on the same console. Although it wasn’t flawless, this version felt like it was specifically tailored for the Switch, making it stand out from its counterparts on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.

While running at a steady 30fps target, I did notice occasional drops, but nothing too significant to disrupt my gameplay. The resolution wasn’t native to the Switch’s screen, and when docked, it fell short of 1080p. However, despite these minor hiccups, Ys X: Nordics on Switch remains the most polished Falcom release for the platform, excluding the Crossbell games from PH3.

Migrating to Nintendo Switch 2, the game Ys X: Nordics loads quicker overall and maintains its 30fps rate more consistently. However, the slightly less sharp visuals on Switch are more apparent when played on the Switch 2’s 1080p display. I previously thought Ys X: Nordics was a solid suggestion for Nintendo Switch users, but despite improvements on the Switch 2, I wouldn’t advise purchasing it now due to the upcoming release of Ys X: Proud Nordics in Japan.

Test conditionNintendo SwitchNintendo Switch 2
Dashboard to title screen28-2910-11
Loading a save from title screen to in-game14-154-5

Note: All load times above are in seconds.



What we want from an Ys X Nordics Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade

Instead of guessing about this, as I often do with other Ys games, we have a new version coming for the Switch 2 next week – Ys X: Nordics (Proud Edition). This updated version includes additional story content and improved visuals. Moreover, it promises a performance mode that can reach up to 120 frames per second. Whether it lives up to this expectation or not is yet to be determined, but those eager to play Ys X: Nordics on the new Switch should wait for the release of Ys X: Proud Nordics to see how it turns out. At the very least, it’s bound to be a superior experience compared to playing Ys X: Nordics on the original Switch.

How does Ys Memoire: Memories of Celceta run on Nintendo Switch 2

The game Ys: Memories of Celceta is what sparked my love for Falcom. It might seem odd considering the game itself, but playing it on PS Vita was what led me to explore Falcom’s earlier works, including Felghana which I hold dear. While Ys: Memories of Celceta isn’t my favorite Ys title, I’ve played numerous versions of it across Vita, PC, and PS4 over the years. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been announced for release in the West yet, although a version called Ys Memoire: Memories of Celceta was recently released in Japan on Switch. For this article, I purchased the Japanese version from the eShop.

On the Nintendo Switch, Ys Memoire: Memories of Celceta falls short compared to expectations. The game doesn’t appear as sharp in handheld mode as The Oath in Felghana, and it fails to maintain a steady 60fps performance. However, on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, the game runs smoothly at 60fps without any issues, and it also loads faster overall compared to playing on the original Nintendo Switch. If a localized version becomes available, I’d suggest choosing the Nintendo Switch 2 for the best gaming experience on Nintendo systems, despite the fact that the graphics still appear somewhat soft, with the exception of the UI which is crisp.

Test conditionNintendo SwitchNintendo Switch 2
Dashboard to title screen10-115
Loading a save from title screen to in-game5-62

Note: All load times above are in seconds.



What we want from an Ys Memories of Celceta Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade

If Tales of Graces F: Celceta’s western version isn’t revealed yet, I’m hoping for a Nintendo Switch 2 update that offers full HD handheld visuals at 1080p and up to 120fps support. Currently, the game only manages 3D elements in 720p on the original Nintendo Switch. Additionally, it would be great if the game could run in 4K resolution when docked in a possible Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade. However, considering the age of the game, I’m not optimistic about this happening. But since we haven’t seen a western release yet, I can still hope for an improvement.

This collection encompasses all Ys games currently accessible on Nintendo Switch, with the exception of those emulated EGGCONSOLE releases, which I don’t own at present. However, if additional Ys ports become available in the future, I may consider purchasing them when I revisit this article. As for the franchise, its next major release is Ys X: Proud Nordics, though as of now, it has not been confirmed for Western distribution.

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2025-07-26 16:57