Metaphor: ReFantazio is the epitome of a fantasy RPG, and in my eyes, the game delivered on the hype and anticipation that its status as “Project Re Fantasy” warranted after several years of development. However, there was always a thought that I had while playing the game back in 2024—I seriously wished this experience was on Nintendo Switch. My wishes have been answered with the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Metaphor: ReFantazio, and while this port isn’t perfect, there’s no monkey’s paw or caveat with this one.
First and foremost, I highly recommend checking out my original 4,000-word review of Metaphor: ReFantazio on Final Weapon if you want a more in-depth look into the game and my experience with it. To sum it up, Metaphor: ReFantazio is exactly what I wanted in a fantasy RPG at the time. The game offers an intriguing story with a very well-written antagonist, a captivating sense of wonder and adventure, and engaging gameplay that brings some twists to what I enjoy so much about the Shin Megami Tensei combat system. Studio Zero really outdid themselves with a new IP like this, and it’s one that ATLUS is still celebrating the success of to this day.
Metaphor: ReFantazio for Switch 2 is a Really Solid Port
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Metaphor: ReFantazio is exactly what I expected—a really solid port that holds up well visually with performance that varies on the instance you’re playing through. To be fair, the PlayStation 5 version also had plenty of issues with its performance, never quite hitting a locked 60 FPS unless in very limited cases. On Nintendo Switch 2, the frame rate is unlocked and rarely never drops under 30 FPS, with several areas and dungeons hitting frame rates somewhere in the 40s and 50s. Personally, I had no problem with this since it’s not a hitchy or stuttering port by any means, but I can see why someone would have an issue with this.
Metaphor: ReFantazio includes “Performance,” “Balanced,” and “Graphics” pre-sets, all of which can be selected at any time from the settings menu for both docked and handheld modes. The game looks at its best in Graphics mode with the frame rate going down to 30 FPS. I found that Balanced wasn’t far off in terms of visual quality, so I kept it on that pre-set the whole time to get a smooth frame rate at or above 30 FPS at all times. Metaphor: ReFantazio looks good on Switch 2, but objects and characters have this jagged and shimmering coat to them if they’re a little further away from you. I’m not exactly sure what’s the cause of this, but I’m guessing it’s a bug. As expected, docked mode mitigates this issue and offers the most clear image quality across its pre-sets.
In handheld mode, this issue is more noticeable since you’re closer to the screen compared to playing in docked mode on a 4K TV at a distance. However, the severity varies depending on the specific scene. For example, if you’re standing in downtown Grand Trad, you’ll notice that many of the details close to you are very clean and sharp while buildings in the distance have that aforementioned issue. Performance mode makes those jagged lines on textures and character models look even worse due to the lower image quality, so I recommend Balanced or Graphics in handheld mode. Thankfully, the game’s stunning UI and artwork look really good in any graphics mode you choose.
That being said, I really enjoy playing Metaphor: ReFantazio on Switch 2. I’d prefer to play it this way since the game runs and feels good to play in both handheld and docked mode with the added convenience factor. In motion, Metaphor: ReFantazio looks just as I remembered it being back when I first played it, and that’s due to the game’s incredible art direction. There’s definitely room for improvement though, as a game like Persona 3 Reload was able to hit 60 FPS with post-launch optimizations. In regards to gameplay, I’ve always thought that ATLUS’ Megaten titles were tailor-made for portable systems, and that still stands with the gameplay system of Metaphor: ReFantazio.
As for Switch 2 specific features, Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t support Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, but the game does support touch screen inputs and swiping. You can touch the screen to advance dialogue, press on button prompts on the UI to perform its actions such as opening a map or saving the game, or swipe up and down menu options. It’s rather limited in what it can do, but I can see it have its uses here and there in handheld mode. Haptic feedback is also supported in the form of HD Rumble 2, which is the standard for most games on the platform.
It’s Still an Instant Classic
Metaphor: ReFantazio is still the game I know and love for its many qualities, all of which are preserved and uncompromised on Switch 2. While the technical issues are certainly noticeable, it can and should be addressed in the game’s post-launch patches, which ATLUS is already working on. These issues weren’t nearly enough to make it an outright inferior version of the game—it looks and feels really great to play in handheld and docked modes. If anything, this version compelled me to play through Metaphor: ReFantazio again and optimize the time I spend in dungeons and bonding with the many characters in the game.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a lengthy game that you can easily pour 100 hours, since there are so many locations to explore and moments to experience in the story. It feels like an adventure the entire way through, and in every sense, Metaphor: ReFantazio lives up to its description as a fantasy RPG. The premise of the Royal Tournament, the various tribes, and the lore behind the United Kingdom of Euchronia all make Metaphor: ReFantazio’s world feel vast and well-thought-out. The game also has a meaningful message that makes it feel worthwhile to play through to the very end.
You can get immersed in this game real easily, and if you’ve played Persona and Shin Megami Tensei already, that sense of familiarity will engross you even faster. The game’s action-based field combat complements the Archetypes, time management system, and Press Turn system that are all derivative of ATLUS’ past works. As ATLUS’ 35th anniversary title, Metaphor: ReFantazio lives up to the company’s legacy while offering so much that makes this IP stand out on its own. From the incredible music to the gauntlet runner you use to explore the world, so much of what makes Metaphor: ReFantazio special is also what it can call its own.
If you enjoy playing ATLUS games and somehow haven’t played Metaphor: ReFantazio yet, playing it and experiencing Studio Zero’s vision of a fantasy RPG is a no-brainer at this point. Fortunately, you can do so on all platforms for free with the Metaphor: ReFantazio Prologue Demo. It’s a good way of testing out the Nintendo Switch 2 version and its Balanced pre-set through the early game hours, and you can pick up from where you left off with save data transfers.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will launch on November 12 in the Nintendo eShop digitally and physically (Game-Key Card) at retail.
Disclaimer: ATLUS provided a Nintendo Switch 2 copy of Metaphor: ReFantazio for review purposes.
