Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga feels great on both Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2

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I recently got to play the complete version of Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga, which launches tomorrow on Steam and Nintendo Switch. I tested it both online and offline and was really impressed with the effort put into making it run well on both handheld devices and newer screens. I’ll be sharing my recommended settings for the Steam Deck, as well as my thoughts on how the game performs on PC and Nintendo Switch.

The game currently works on Switch, but we’re releasing an update that will make it look even better on the new Switch 2 console with improved resolution and graphics. We’ll share more information about this update soon.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga PC port impressions

Playing Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga on PC offers more customization than the console versions. You can choose between English and Japanese voice acting, and also select your preferred text language. Other options include displaying gameplay info in third-party apps, skipping the opening movies for faster loading, choosing your button style (compatible with keyboard, mouse, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and Steam Deck controllers), customizing button controls, and adjusting graphics settings. In the sound settings, you can choose to display information about the music whenever a new track starts, or disable this feature.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga PC graphics options






The game offers extensive graphics options, letting you customize your display with settings for resolution (from 320×200 up to 4K), refresh rate, and aspect ratio (including 21:9 and 16:10). You can also fine-tune visual quality with options for v-sync, anti-aliasing (with several levels), and anisotropic filtering. While the game fully supports 21:9 ultrawide displays during gameplay, adapting the user interface to the wider screen, the menus themselves remain in the standard 16:9 format with black bars on the sides. This is understandable, as many of the game’s visuals were originally created for 16:9 screens, but it’s worth pointing out. I’ve added some screenshots showing how the game looks in 21:9 below.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga PC ultrawide gameplay








Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Steam Deck recommended settings

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga runs great on the Steam Deck! On the original Steam Deck LCD model, it works perfectly without any adjustments. If you’re using the Steam Deck OLED, you’ll need to limit the game’s refresh rate to 60Hz through the quick access menu to ensure smooth gameplay. Without this setting, it might not run as well. Otherwise, the game offers full 16:10 support during gameplay (though you’ll see some black bars in menus and 2D scenes). I was even able to use arcade controllers without any problems. Plus, online multiplayer is fully working, and I even played with Switch users in the same lobby! It wouldn’t be surprising if the game gets Steam Deck Verified soon, if it hasn’t already.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Steam Deck gameplay





Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga for Switch on Switch 2 

As mentioned earlier, a patch is on the way to enhance the graphics and resolution of *Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga* when played on the Switch 2. Even without the patch, the game runs smoothly and looks good on the Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility. Currently, the main visual issue is that the 2D artwork can appear a little blurry on the Switch 2’s screen, but the upcoming patch should fix this – the art looks sharp on the PC version. The patch will also add a feature to display the current song title and its origin, improved HD Rumble, subtitle corrections, and other improvements. I tested the game extensively in arcade and free modes, and everything worked perfectly. After two hours of playing story mode, I only encountered minor slowdowns during cutscenes, which the patch is expected to resolve.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga for Switch on Switch 2 docked











Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga cross play online multiplayer impressions

I tested the online multiplayer for Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga and it works between the Switch and Steam versions. I was able to connect my Steam Deck and Switch to the same online lobby and play together. The online mode has useful features like adjustable network delay and displays network information – it’s more robust than I anticipated. Besides online play and LAN mode on both Switch and Steam, the Switch version also supports local wireless multiplayer, though I haven’t been able to test that specific feature.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga multiplayer


I’ll update this information once the Nintendo Switch version receives an update to improve its graphics on the future Nintendo Switch 2. For now, I hope this was helpful if you’re considering buying *Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga* on Steam to play on Steam Deck, PC, or even on the Switch version to play online with others on the Switch 2 through cross-platform multiplayer.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga will be available digitally on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store) in Western regions starting October 10th.

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2025-10-09 22:27