Which is the best version of Ys X: Proud Nordics? PS5, Switch 2, PC and the original game tested and compared

Ys X: Proud Nordics, developed by Falcom and published by NIS America, came out in Western regions less than two weeks ago for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It follows its initial release in Japan last year. This version of Ys X: Nordics is an improved and expanded edition of the original game, released shortly after the base game became available in the West. When the PS5 version launched last month, a bug affected its 120fps mode, so I waited for a fix before comparing the versions.

I’m comparing both versions of Ys X – Proud Nordics and simply Nordics – to help you decide if upgrading or buying is worthwhile. I’ll cover how the newer versions are better than the original, which one suits you best, and more. Since the original game isn’t really worth buying now, this comparison will mainly focus on Proud Nordics.

Ys X release timeline

Okay, before we dive into the different versions of Ys X and what sets them apart, let me quickly break down when the game came out on each platform and in different parts of the world. I want to get that timeline sorted for you first.

September 2023: Ys X launches in Japan for PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. This is the series’ first Nintendo and PlayStation simultaneous launch in Japan for a new game. It also was released through Clouded Leopard Entertainment in Asia the same month.
March 2024: Ys X launches for PC through Clouded Leopard Entertainment with Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean subtitle support.
October 2024: Ys X launches in the West for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms featuring a new PC port. This PC release is also the only version that featured Japanese subtitles.
July 2025: Ys X Proud Nordics launches in Japan for Nintendo Switch 2 as an enhanced and expanded version of Ys X Nordics.
August 2025: Ys X Proud Nordics launches for Nintendo Switch 2 and PC in Asia through Clouded Leopard Entertainment.
February 2026: Ys X Proud Nordics launches in the West for PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The PS5 version also launches in Asia and Japan with the Western release.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the version newcomers should buy

If you’re new to the Ys X series, start with Ys X: Proud Nordics. It includes all the original game’s downloadable content, plus great new features and improvements that really showcase what makes Ys X special, as we’ve discussed. I’m covering the original Ys X release to highlight the visual differences on certain platforms, but I strongly recommend that new players purchase Ys X: Proud Nordics instead.

Ys X: Nordics and Proud Nordics feature differences across platforms and versions

Normally, when I check out a game on different consoles, I focus on how each version stacks up feature-wise. But Ys X is a little tricky. There are two main releases – Ys X: Nordics and Proud Nordics – but even within Proud Nordics on Switch, the Japanese and English versions have some differences. So, I’ve put together a breakdown of how Ys X: Nordics and Proud Nordics compare across all the platforms.

Ys X: Nordics on Switch, PS4, PS5: This is the original release of Ys X: Nordics.
Ys X: Nordics on Steam: The Steam release of Ys X: Nordics from PH3 and NIS America features a plethora of visual and performance improvements over the console versions including a suite PC-exclusive features like co-op support, HDR, and more as covered here.
Ys X: Proud Nordics on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2: Ys X: Proud Nordics on PS5 and Switch 2 feature a majority of the original game’s paid DLC in the base release, new content, visual improvements to lighting, a 120fps performance mode, and more.
Ys X: Proud Nordics on Steam: Ys X: Proud Nordics on PC from PH3 and NIS America features even more improvements compared to the original PC release offering new upscaling options including DLSS 4.5 and everything the original included barring co-op support.

Ys X: Proud Nordics visuals and performance differences across PS5, Switch 2, PC, and compared with the original game

I recently got some 4K screenshots from a friend who owns Ys X: Proud Nordics on both the standard PS5 and the PS5 Pro, allowing me to compare their performance. The biggest difference between the two versions is image quality and detail. For example, distant objects like chains are only partially visible on the standard PS5, but appear fully rendered on the PS5 Pro. I’m preparing to capture gameplay footage from the PS5 Pro for a more detailed comparison soon. Because Durante and PH3 specifically improved the PSSR technology for the PS5 Pro, I wanted to share this information. The images below compare 4K captures from the PS5 Pro (using the console’s built-in capture), the Japanese and Western Switch 2 release (captured with my capture card), and the PS5 version of Proud Nordics.

If you’re playing on a PC, especially a gaming one, you’ll likely get much better graphics and performance than on consoles. However, the PC version doesn’t load quite as quickly as the PlayStation 5 version. The PC version also offers features like HDR, frame rates exceeding 120fps, and improved details. Currently, the PlayStation 5 Pro and standard PS5 offer the best experience, but the Nintendo Switch 2 (in Western regions) is surprisingly good thanks to its DLSS technology. If you have a 1440p monitor and prefer playing on your TV, the Switch 2 is a great choice. However, the PS5 delivers more consistent performance and sharper visuals, particularly noticeable on 4K displays.

When playing on the go, the Switch 2 offers a better visual experience than both the ROG Ally and Steam Deck, as it consistently achieves 120fps without sacrificing image quality. However, PC handhelds offer more features and allow for higher graphics settings. After testing Ys X: Proud Nordics on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, the original Switch, and the new Switch 2 – in both Japanese and English – I found the Western Switch 2 version to be the best way to enjoy the game while traveling, thanks to its improved visuals. To compare the different versions, I used Steam’s screenshot tool on the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, and the Switch/Switch 2’s built-in capture features, as these were the only reliable methods for capturing handheld gameplay.

The performance of the game differs across platforms. The original Ys X: Nordics was limited to 30fps on Switch, offered 30 or uncapped framerates on PS4 Pro, 60fps on PS5, and up to 360fps on PC. The new version, Ys X: Proud Nordics, runs at 60 or 120fps on both PS5 and Switch 2, and also supports up to 360fps on PC. While the game is well-optimized on all platforms, Switch owners upgrading to the Switch 2 will see the biggest improvement. The original Ys X: Nordics on PS5 had solid performance, and the lack of loading screens was a plus – a feature carried over to the new PS5 version. However, the Switch 2 version of Proud Nordics still includes loading screens, which is a bit disappointing.

Even considering graphics and how smoothly the game runs, I’d choose to play Ys X: Proud Nordics on the Switch 2 over the Steam Deck and ROG Ally right now. While PC versions usually have extra features that make playing easier, the Switch 2 offers a significantly better overall experience in this case – I’d even prefer it to both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Ys X: Proud Nordics load times across Switch 2, PS5, PC, and the original

Okay, so I really wanted to see how fast Ys X: Proud Nordics loaded on everything. I installed it on the internal storage of my Switch 2, the PS5’s console storage, and the SSDs in my Steam Deck and ROG Ally. I also tested Ys X: Nordics itself on those same devices. For the PS4 versions, I put them on an external hard drive connected to my PS4 Pro and PS5. I even tested the original Ys X game – I installed that on the internal storage of my Switch 2 and on an SD card in my Switch OLED. To get the load times, I basically hit confirm on every loading screen to skip as much as possible. All the times you’ll see are in seconds, and they’re based on the latest versions of the game I tested on March 6, 2026, across all platforms. Just to be clear, ‘OG’ means the original Ys X: Nordics release.

Platform	Dashboard to title	Loading a save
Switch 2	13	3-4
PS5	8	2
Steam Deck	16	4
ROG Ally	15	4
Switch 1 on Switch 2 OG	11	3-4
Switch 1 OG	27	10
Steam Deck OG	15	5
ROG Ally OG	11	4-5
PS4 Pro OG	27	4-5
PS4 OG on PS5	13	3-4
PS5 OG	8	1-2

Loading times are generally quick on all versions of the game, except for the original Switch and PS4 versions. The PS5 version stands out because it completely removes loading screens, using only brief fade-in and fade-out transitions. While the PC version lets you cache assets to speed things up, the PS5 is still the fastest overall. The newer Switch version is faster than the original, though not as quick as the PS5, but it’s still a significant improvement and runs better than many other games.

Which version of Ys X: Proud Nordics is the best?

When it comes to Ys X: Nordics, the PC version was consistently the best choice for playing on both handhelds and TVs. However, with Ys X: Proud Nordics, the ideal version depends on your priorities. If you prioritize graphics, the PC version offers superior visuals thanks to its better draw distance, shadows, and post-processing effects. For the fastest loading times, the PS5 version is still the best. While the PC version on handheld PCs offers features like HDR, the Switch 2 version provides a better overall portable experience.

Which version of Ys X: Proud Nordics should you buy today?

Since everyone has different preferences, I’ll wrap up this article by going over the pros and cons of each version of Ys X: Proud Nordics.

Ys X: Proud Nordics on Switch 2: If you value the hybrid nature of the Switch 2 and want the best portable experience that also scales well docked on a 1440p display, the Western Switch 2 version is the way to go.
Ys X: Proud Nordics on Steam: If you play on Steam Deck or PC in general, this is the only version you should consider. It plays fantastic on Steam Deck out of the box, and while it isn’t as good of an experience as the Switch 2 version overall, the PC-exclusive features make it shine with the desktop experience scaling well above the console versions.
Ys X: Proud Nordics on PS5: If you want to mainly play on your TV or at 4K, care about trophy support, and don’t care about portable play (unless you stream to a PlayStation Portal or phone), this is the version to get. It is also the fastest version when it comes to load times and has very good PS5 Pro support with image quality boosts over the PS5 version.
Ys X: Nordics original game on PS5, PS4, Switch, or PC: If you only have a PS4 or Switch 1 and no other way to play Ys X, it is fine to play it there, but you aren’t getting the best experience. If you already own Ys X: Nordics on PC, I recommend getting the Ys X: Proud Nordics Special Upgrade Pack discount and playing Ys X: Proud Nordics instead of wasting your time with the original. The new content doesn’t justify a full purchase if you recently played Ys X: Nordics, but I recommend Ys X: Proud Nordics for all newcomers to Ys X.

We hope this comparison of Ys X: Nordics and Ys X: Proud Nordics has helped you decide which version to play. If you’re interested, you can read Adam’s review of Proud Nordics here, my article about the PC port here, and my in-depth interview with PH3’s Durante covering both the console and PC versions of Proud Nordics and Trails beyond the Horizon here. You can find details about all the DLC and save data transfer in my articles here and here.

I’m so excited! It looks like Ys X: Proud Nordics is coming to a lot of platforms! You can get it on PS5, the new Nintendo Switch 2, and on PC through Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. It’s also available on the older PS4 and the original Nintendo Switch, which is awesome!

2026-03-06 21:59