Ys X: Nordics Switch vs PS5 and PS4 Pro compared across visuals and performance

While prior games like Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and Ys IX: Monstrum Nox were ported to Switch by third parties after the games debuted on PlayStation, Ys X: Nordics simultaneously released on Switch, PS5, and PS4 in Japan last year with all versions handled internally at Falcom. I imported the Switch release and have played it since day one and through its few patches. I also tested the Japanese PS5 demo of the game before getting my full game review codes for Ys X's Western release on PS4, PS5, and PC. As with most Falcom games, I'm sure many folks are wondering how the game scales across consoles and I'm going to help you decide which version of Ys X: Nordics is best for you covering the PS5, Switch, and PS4 (on PS4 Pro) versions of the game. 

If you're curious about the game itself, make sure to read Adam's review of Ys X: Nordics here and check out my Steam Deck and PC port feature here. For this comparison, my testing setup includes a 1080p display, a 1440p display, the English PS4 build on my PS4 Pro and PS5, the English PS5 version on my PS5, and the Switch version tested on my OLED docked (1080p, 1440p) and handheld. This is based on about 35 hours played on Nintendo Switch since launch and 25 hours played across the PS5 and PS4 Pro versions.

Ys X: Nordics — PS5 vs Switch vs PS4 content and differences

All versions of the game have the same content as far as I can tell, and the only differences are with graphics modes, performance targets, and visual changes. The PS5 version completely eliminates loading screens compared to PS4 and Switch. The PS4 version has some loading with the Switch having the longest load times here. 

Does Ys X: Nordics have a save data bonus for Ys VIII and Ys IX?

Since this does involve in-game content and bonuses, I also wanted to cover the fact that there is no save data bonus right now as far as I can tell for Ys X: Nordics. I was surprised to see this as Falcom game usually do this, and I expected Ys VIII, Ys IX, and even Ys: Memories of Celceta related bonuses. The current builds of the game I have across platforms do not grant any bonus for existing game save data. 

Ys X: Nordics — PS5 vs Switch vs PS4 visuals

Having played and completed Ys X: Nordics on Switch through the Japanese release last year, I did sample the Japanese PS5 demo to see how the game scaled up back then. While Falcom's recent games usually feel like they're built to target PS4 and then scale, Ys X: Nordics felt like it was built with Switch in mind. This has resulted in a Switch version that is a lot better than the ports of Ys VIII and Ys IX, but it still is quite lacking compared to the PS5 version, after I've now played the full English build. 

Note: The comparison image below is from the opening hour of the game when you first take control of Adol. This has a Switch screenshot from when it has been played docked and a PS5 screenshot of the native PS5 version on my 1440p display. Both screenshots have been zoomed in and cropped to showcase the differences for those reading this article on a small screen. 

Aside from resolution (which is lower than 1080p on Switch docked and lower than 720p handheld based on the softer image), Ys X: Nordics on Switch sees noticeable cutbacks to shadow quality, draw distance, and lighting. The lighting changes are noticeable right from the start with shadows and draw distance more noticeable when you get to the first hub location. 

The PS4 Pro version of Ys X: Nordics feels like a middleground between the lower resolution on Switch, but trying to retain the visual features of the PS5 version. It looks soft even on my 1440p display. 

Ys X: Nordics — PS5 vs Switch vs PS4 performance differences

The good news for Ys X: Nordics on Switch is that performance is a massive improvement over what we saw on the ports for Ys VIII and Ys IX. Ys X: Nordics holds its 30fps target very well with drops in some areas only rather than just being unstable across the board. All things considered, Ys X: Nordics on Switch is a competent portable experience, and I don't regret buying that version twice. I would not recommend the Switch version to play docked if you have access to another platform though. 

The PS5 version runs at a locked 60fps with superb image quality and instant loading. Even the PS4 version on PS5's SSD doesn't load as fast as the native PS5 release. I even tested the PC version on my Steam Deck's SSD and it wasn't as fast as the native PS5 release. The PS5 version is basically perfect and I have no caveats to recommending it as the best console version. 

The PS4 version surprisingly doesn't run at a locked 60fps (unless you play it on PS5 via backward compatibility). When played on a PS4 Pro, Ys X: Nordics has a 30fps cap or an uncapped option. The latter does not deliver a locked 60fps on PS4 Pro. Given the visuals, I'm quite surprised at this. I thought it might have been uncapped on base PS4 but locked 60fps on PS4 Pro. It doesn't run as bad as Ys IX does, but it still isn't ideal.

Regardless of platform, I want to point out that the camera feels sluggish by default. I recommend adjusting the movement speed and inertia based on your preferences. I set speed to maximum and turned inertia all the way down for the most responsive experience.

Ys X: Nordics — PS5 vs Switch vs PS4

On the home console side, while I thought Ys VIII and Ys IX's PS5 versions were a bit lacking, Ys X: Nordics is definitely a big step up over the PS4 version, but I wish it had a 120fps option given the visuals. The best console version of Ys X: Nordics is definitely PS5 by a big margin, but I'm happy to see Falcom deliver a competent Switch version of a modern Ys game for the first time here. 

While I know not many people are going to get more than one version of a game like I do with franchises I love, I'm happy with the PS5 version for playing on my monitor at home and the Switch version to play on my Nintendo Switch OLED model on the go. The PS4 Pro version felt the most lacking here.