Trails beyond the Horizon on console for PS5, Switch 2, PS4, and Switch compared across visuals & performance

Next week marks the release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. I recently tested all the console versions to see how well the game performs on different hardware, including the new Switch 2 and Switch ports designed for Western audiences. The game initially launched in Japan on PS5 and PS4, with a later PC release in Asia. If you’re interested in details about the Western PC release from NIS America and PH3, you can find more information here.

NIS America recently launched a demo for the Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. A demo for the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t available yet. Before the full game was released, information about the Switch 2 version came from previews, like the one James wrote. Now, after playing both the Switch 2 and PS5 versions for around twelve hours each, and the original Switch and PS4 versions for a few hours, I’m happy to say we finally have a great Trails game that runs well on a Nintendo console right from the start.

In my previous review of Trails Through Daybreak II on consoles, I expressed hope that the Switch version of its sequel, Trails into the Horizon, would perform better. I’m happy to say it does! However, all console versions currently have some issues, and the best way to play depends on your preferences.

Trails beyond the Horizon Nintendo Switch 2 full game impressions

Let’s talk about how Trails beyond the Horizon performs on the Switch 2. Right now, it’s a really strong handheld experience. It looks fantastic when played on the go, and the variable refresh rate with 120hz support makes a big difference compared to the standard 30fps. While you won’t consistently get a locked 60fps (except in certain areas), the 120hz mode and VRR features make the game feel much smoother when playing handheld.

Trails beyond the Horizon on the Switch 2 looks significantly better than Trails Through Daybreak on the original Switch, both when played handheld and on a TV. The visual quality is somewhere between the PS4 and PS5 versions, but the biggest benefit is being able to enjoy a great-looking game on the go. Unlike the previous Trails games on Switch, there are no significant drawbacks to playing portably.

Trails beyond the Horizon on the Switch 2 is a solid game and a noticeable improvement over other Falcom titles on Switch. While it doesn’t look quite as good as the PS5 version, the Switch 2’s ability to be played both on the go and on a TV makes it my preferred way to experience the game. If you only plan to play on a TV, the PS5 version is the better choice, but the Switch 2 offers a fantastic portable experience alongside a good TV mode.

Just so you know how I got all the comparison pictures in this article – I used a 4K capture card to grab screenshots from my Switch, PS4 Pro, and PS5. For the handheld shots, I used the built-in capture features on my Switches, and Steam’s screenshot tool for the Steam Deck and ROG Ally versions. I did crop everything to make the comparisons easier to see, of course!

Trails beyond the Horizon Switch 2 vs Switch 1

Just so you know, you can’t upgrade from the first Switch to the second, and save data can’t be transferred like it can from a PS4 to a PS5. The PlayStation digital version includes both console generations, but the two Switch versions are separate games. The second Switch version also costs $10 more, both digitally and as a physical game card. I’m pointing this out because some people might think they can buy the first version and still play it on the second through backwards compatibility, but that’s not possible.

Although this version runs more smoothly and loads quicker, the graphics and resolution aren’t as sharp as they are on the newer Switch 2. This game really shows how much better the Switch 2 is compared to the original Switch, especially for games released on both systems. It’s a shame you can’t carry over your progress or saves from the older version, though.

Trails beyond the Horizon — PS5, Switch 2, PS4, and Switch 1 visual differences

I’ve played Trails beyond the Horizon on all consoles, and the differences go beyond just how sharp the game looks. The PS5 version lets you choose between prioritizing graphics for a clearer picture or performance for a smoother frame rate. On a 1440p monitor, the performance mode doesn’t look as sharp, but the graphics mode does. As for the Switch 2, playing it docked feels like it falls somewhere between the PS5 and PS4 Pro in terms of quality. It has some visual details that are a step down from the PS4 Pro, like filtering and textures, but it’s more stable thanks to improved post-processing. Honestly, I was hoping the docked Switch 2 version would have a higher resolution. It appears a bit blurry on my 1440p monitor, and both the 30fps and variable framerate modes seem to use the same settings.

Compared to the PlayStation 5, the Switch 2 version of the game has noticeably simpler shadows and objects appear further away. This makes the Switch 2 version look less detailed and somewhat flat. I’ve put together a comparison showing the game on PS5, PS4 Pro, Switch 2, and the original Switch (all played while docked to a TV) to highlight these visual differences. The original Switch version has the most cutbacks, with objects having less detail and even more settings turned down than on the other consoles.

I’m okay with the reduced shadow quality on the new Switch, but I was hoping the graphics would have sharper textures and more realistic lighting. Hopefully, these things can be fixed with updates, though the inconsistent performance makes me doubt it.

Trails beyond the Horizon — PS5, Switch 2, PS4, and Switch 1 performance differences and frame rates

When it comes to how well the game runs, neither the ‘performance’ nor ‘graphics’ settings on the PlayStation 5 consistently hit a smooth 60 frames per second. If you have a VRR-compatible TV, the ‘performance’ mode feels much better, at least based on my experience with the Japanese version. I can’t test it myself right now because my monitor doesn’t support VRR. If you’ve played Trails Through Daybreak II on PS5, the experience is similar – though I’d hoped the ‘performance’ mode would actually lock the frame rate at 60fps instead of letting it fluctuate.

Okay, so I’ve been playing this on both PS4 and PS5. On the PS4 Pro, the framerate isn’t capped, but honestly, it doesn’t feel as smooth as the performance mode on the PS5. But here’s the cool part: if I play the PS4 version on my PS5, it locks to a solid 60fps in all the areas I’ve checked out. If you’re like me and prioritize how the game plays over how pretty it looks, playing the PS4 version on PS5 is definitely the way to go on consoles.

Trails beyond the Horizon load times compared — PS5, Switch 2, PC, PS4, and Switch

To test how long it takes each version of Trails beyond the Horizon to start, I installed it on several different systems. This included the PS4 version on a PS4 Pro, the PS4 version and the PS5 version on a PS5 (using both internal storage), two Switch versions on a Switch OLED (one on an SD card, one on internal storage), and the Steam and Clouded Leopard Entertainment PC versions on both the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally (using internal SSD/storage). The load time results are shown below.

Platform	Dashboard to title	Loading save
PS4 Pro	11	11
PS4 on PS5 SSD	4-5	6
PS5	4	3-4
Switch 1	13-14	6-7
Switch 1 on Switch 2	10-11	3-4
Switch 2	12	4-5
Steam Deck	12	6
Steam Deck CLE	12	4
ROG Ally	5	6
ROG Ally CLE	12	15

Note: All load times above are in seconds.

Generally, loading times are quite good across all platforms except for the PS4 version running on a PS4 Pro and the CLE version on Windows. While the initial load takes a bit longer on the original Switch, it’s not a significant difference compared to other systems. The console versions of Trails through the Horizon do have some performance and visual hiccups, but thankfully, loading isn’t a problem.

Which is the best console version of Trails beyond the Horizon?

Okay, so it really comes down to how you want to play. If you’re planning on gaming on the go, the Switch 2 version is seriously good. The graphics look amazing, and it runs really smoothly – honestly, it’s the best way to play a modern Trails game on a Nintendo console, period. The only ones that beat it are the Crossbell ports on Switch. It’s a huge improvement over Trails of Cold Steel III and IV, and even the Daybreak ports on Switch. I’m really impressed with how much better it is!

Currently, the biggest drawbacks are the image quality when playing on a TV and how the graphics compare to the PS5 version. If you primarily play on a TV or while docked, the PS5 version offers the best visual experience, though it doesn’t consistently maintain a smooth 60 frames per second in performance mode. Using a VRR-compatible TV with your PS5 can help with this. To get a stable 60fps on consoles, you’d need to play the PS4 version on a PS5 through backward compatibility. I haven’t tested the game on a PS5 Pro, so I can’t comment on its performance there.

I think the Switch version of Trails beyond the Horizon is actually better than the two Trails Through Daybreak games on Switch. While it doesn’t look or run as well as the PS5 or Switch 2 versions, it’s impressive that it runs at all on the original Switch, considering how demanding the game is. I played the Japanese demo on PSN and was surprised by how well it performs. If you were able to enjoy Trails Through Daybreak II on the original Switch, you should be able to play Trails beyond the Horizon without any major issues.

This latest version is for the PlayStation 4. I didn’t play it for very long, but it ran smoothly on the PS4 Pro without a frame rate limit. While it performed well, I would have preferred an option to cap the frame rate at 30fps for a more consistent experience. Considering that the first Trails in the Sky game wasn’t released on PS4, this might be the last new Trails game we see on that platform.

Which version of Trails beyond the Horizon should you buy on console?

First, let’s talk about save data bonuses. I didn’t have access to them in the versions I tested, but I know Daybreak games usually offer some kind of bonus for existing save files. Aside from that, here’s what I think differentiates each version of the game:

Trails beyond the Horizon on PlayStation 5 and 4: This is a single digital purchase so I’ve listed it together here. Trails beyond the Horizon on PS5 provides the best TV experience right now and you also have the option of playing the PS4 version on PS5 for the best performing console experience. Note that you can bring your PS4 version save into the PS5 version, but not vice versa. Both versions are available physically.
Trails beyond the Horizon on Nintendo Switch 2: Trails beyond the Horizon on Switch 2 is the best portable console experience and having the ability to play on the go or docked on the TV with a solid experience makes this worth getting if you value that hybrid experience for a very long RPG like this. Note that the physical release for Trails beyond the Horizon on Switch 2 is a Game Key Card and that the physical and digital Switch 2 versions cost $10 more than all other platforms.
Trails beyond the Horizon on Nintendo Switch: Trails beyond the Horizon on Switch is definitely the worst version right now, but it is still better and more stable than Daybreak II was based on my testing. Hopefully it sees some more patches to improve the technical aspects. This version is available physically if you value that, but there is no save transfer or upgrade option to Switch 2 from Switch 1.
Trails beyond the Horizon on PC: As for the PC version, I think it is the best way to play Trails beyond the Horizon. You can read my thoughts on the port, features, handheld impressions, and more here.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon will be released on January 15, 2026, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

2026-01-08 17:04