Bethesda has recently released a substantial update, version 1.2, for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the Switch 2. This update aims to significantly enhance the player experience by addressing numerous technical issues and introducing new performance options. Since its initial launch, the game has received several patches to refine its overall functionality, and this latest iteration focuses on critical areas such as frame rate, stability, and control responsiveness.
Detailed Improvements in Skyrim Switch 2 Update 1.2
The recently launched Update 1.2 for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the Switch 2 introduces a suite of significant enhancements, aiming to refine the gameplay experience for enthusiasts. Officially announced by Bethesda, this patch meticulously targets several critical areas, from performance optimization to addressing various in-game anomalies. Players can now access a newly integrated 60 Hz mode through the display settings, providing the flexibility to prioritize either stunning visual fidelity or smoother performance. When visual quality is selected, the frame rate is specifically capped at 30 frames per second to ensure a more consistent and fluid graphical presentation.
Beyond frame rate adjustments, the update tackles numerous stability issues that have occasionally hindered gameplay. Several crash-related bugs have been resolved, including one that occurred when reading "The Crimson Dirks Vol. 4" book during a specific quest in the German language version, along with an audio-related crash. Furthermore, the development team has rectified instances of crashes, infinite loading screens, and game freezes that could arise from rapid selection of the "Load" option within the pause menu. Another specific crash tied to repeatedly casting the "Transmute Ore" spell outside the Haltered Stream Camp has also been eliminated.
Performance dips in various in-game locations, which previously impacted the smoothness of the experience, have been considerably optimized. Players will notice improved frame rates during the Hide and Seek quest in Kynesgrove, throughout combat encounters at Secunda’s Kiss, upon discovering the Drelas’ Cottage location, and when engaging in battles with giants at the Talking Stone Camp. Visual imperfections have also been addressed; issues such as water planes shifting when viewed from a distance or within menus, distant aspen trees displaying a blue tint, and outlines of cave entrances lingering during fade-to-black loading screens have all been corrected.
User interface improvements are also a key component of this update. Problems related to switching between mouse and controller modes in dialogue or help menus, which caused incorrect highlighting or failed to update callout prompts, have been resolved. The "Ready/Sheathe" option, previously missing from the Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls menu, has been reinstated. Additionally, the "Delete" prompt in the Load menu now functions correctly when swapping control modes, and the issue where deleting a save reset the highlighted selection to the top of the menu list has been fixed. The cursor no longer gets stuck in a confined screen section when transitioning between docked and undocked modes or interacting with GameChat while in mouse mode.
Control-specific fixes enhance the responsiveness and accuracy of player input. The "Eagle Eye" Archery perk will no longer remain active incorrectly after switching between mouse and controller modes. A bug where reassigning a button while holding down the Right Joystick caused that button to disappear from the controls list has been rectified. The update also corrects an issue where Joy-Con 2 controllers provided haptic feedback in mouse mode, and addresses problems with unresponsive buttons when controls were remapped during Joy-Con 2 mouse mode movement. Map rotation in mouse mode has been made smoother and more efficient, mirroring the controller mode experience. An audio bug involving continuous scrolling sound effects when holding the Left Joystick or buttons in the Save/Load menus has also been resolved. Lastly, localization improvements include correcting the pluralization of "Amiibo" in Spanish, alongside general updates to translations and game credits.
This update represents a crucial step forward for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the Switch 2. Given that previous critical reviews highlighted the game's initial state as "hugely disappointing," particularly regarding its 30fps lock and significant input lag, this patch directly addresses those long-standing concerns. The introduction of a 60 Hz mode and the comprehensive list of bug fixes demonstrate Bethesda's commitment to enhancing the player experience. From a user perspective, this update transforms a once-frustrating experience into a more enjoyable and polished adventure. The attention to detail in resolving crashes, optimizing performance, and refining control mechanisms suggests a renewed effort to meet player expectations. It not only improves the current state of the game but also instills confidence in future support for titles on the Switch 2 platform, showing that even games with a challenging launch can evolve to deliver a quality experience.