Pokémon Scarlet and Violet only hit 30fps on a modded Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can run at 30 FPS, but only on a hacked Switch.
Credit: The Pokémon Company/Game Freak/Nintendo

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can run at 30 FPS, but only on a hacked Switch.
Credit: The Pokémon Company/Game Freak/Nintendo

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet leaks have been running rampant, an unfortunate tradition for the series. These leaks reveal how both games run on Nintendo Switch, falling behind 30 FPS. However, fans with a modded Nintendo Switch can hit that frame rate target perfectly.

While there’s no doubt that fans will have fun with Scarlet and Violet, the performance from trailers and gameplay previews has many fans worried. Seeing these games run on a hacked Switch with the overclock feature is making players wish the Switch was more powerful.

This has led to some discussion on a more powerful Switch since fans want to play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in the best way possible. Until a more powerful Switch is announced, assuming it is, fans can only dream of one, or mod an original model for that sweet 30 FPS.

Unsurprisingly, the footage of Scarlet and Violet running on a modded Switch has been taken down by the usual suspects. Centro LEAKS shared the video on Twitter and that was also taken down, though fans were able to share their thoughts about Nintendo needing more powerful hardware.

Comparing the stock Switch footage against the modded hardware, the new Pokémon games run substantially better. On base hardware, the game sticks around the low-to-mid 20s in big areas, lurching in performance. However, this is mostly fixed when overclocked.

“I think there's a good chance upgraded hardware of some kind will happen next year and if so I think there's a good chance of a visual patch for sv around the same time as the dlc,” says Maroone401.

“Can’t wait for my old ass Switch to sound like a chopper running this game,” chimed in Chris Carbaugh.

Whether it’s due to time constraints or unfamiliarity with the hardware, it’s a shame that fans haven’t gotten a true next-gen Pokémon experience without hiccups. Admittedly, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the best-looking games in the series thus far, but they’re going to look rough at 20 FPS.

Read More: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet cuts beloved monsters from the Pokédex again

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are coming to the Nintendo Switch on November 18. Anyone who gets the game from November 18 to February 23 can get a special Pikachu.