Coming from a technical analysis of Pikmin 3 Deluxe Edition’s recently launched demo, a striking conclusion is seen, making the Nintendo Switch port comparatively displaying a slight improvement over the original Wii U version.
In a video by VG Tech, it was found out that Pikmin 3 Deluxe Edition runs at 720p display and 30 frames-per-second in docked mode. Put in handheld mode, and the game regresses to 576p to fit the hybrid console’s display.
Technical comparison
The benchmark, while shows superiority from the Wii U version, is underwhelming. This is considering the original disparity, which sees a similar performance, albeit the Wii U version offers a smaller display on the gamepad at 480p.
The lame comparison result also boils down to the fact that previous Wii U ports to the Switch have seen better results. For example, Hyrule Warriors and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are both capable of running at a steady 60 FPS and at 1080p display in docked mode.
In fact, those were but only a few of the several others that demonstrate a similar performance, highlighting the Switch’s true capability as a gaming platform.
Although it is hard to scale one game to another based on presentation alone, we have games like Breath of the Wild that also highlights the console’s great potential. It is possible, and quite ironically, a title pushing the Switch’s functionality to its limits since launch.
As dismaying as the idea of getting only a slight boost from the original, Pikmin 3 Deluxe Edition, however, is more than just a port. As part of its jump to a modern platform, the game also sees additional content to it. They include full cooperative support, new story contents, as well as the quality of life improvements.
Specific enhancements
Specifically, the game will feature some fresh prologue and epilogue missions, which highlights the game’s two protagonists, Olimar and Louie. Furthermore, the cooperative mode will let players enjoy the game with other players throughout the game’s campaign or, otherwise, play head-to-head multiplayer matches via Bingo Battle.
As for the quality of improvements, Pikmin 3 Deluxe Edition will now feature a Piklopedia. A database for every creature that the player encounters throughout his journey in the game.
Adding more excitement to the game are in-game badges that can be collected by simply meeting certain in-game conditions.
Catering to two types of players on the opposite ends of the spectrum, the game will now also offer both harder and easier difficulty.
Lastly, the game also adds in a lock-on mechanism, which will make the gameplay experience more manageable for everyone.
Image used courtesy of Nintendo/YouTube Screenshot