Nintendo Switch PES 2021: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! So, you're probably wondering about PES 2021 on the Nintendo Switch, right? It's a question many football (or soccer, if you're across the pond!) fans have asked. Let's dive deep and figure out if this version of Pro Evolution Soccer is a worthy addition to your Switch library. When PES 2021 hit the Switch, it was met with a bit of… well, mixed reactions. Unlike its PlayStation and Xbox counterparts, the Switch version was essentially a port of the previous year's game, PES 2020, with updated squads and kits. This immediately raised eyebrows. For a full-price release, many expected a more substantial upgrade, a game built from the ground up for the Switch's unique capabilities, or at least a more modern engine. However, Konami, the developer, opted for a more streamlined approach, focusing on delivering the core PES experience on a portable platform. This meant that the graphical fidelity, the dynamic lighting, and some of the more advanced visual effects that made the console versions shine were toned down considerably. But does that automatically make it a bad game? Not necessarily. For those who don't own a PS4, Xbox One, or a powerful PC, the Switch version offered a chance to play a Pro Evolution Soccer title on the go, which is a pretty big deal. Imagine playing your favorite football game during your commute, on a long flight, or just chilling on the couch without needing a TV. The portability factor is, undeniably, the Switch version's strongest selling point. When we talk about gameplay, the core mechanics of PES are still present. You've got the familiar dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending that PES is known for. The AI can offer a decent challenge, and the general flow of the game feels like PES. It's that satisfying, sometimes slower-paced, strategic football simulation that fans have come to love. However, the lack of the cutting-edge graphics and smoother animations definitely impacts the overall immersion. You won't be blown away by hyper-realistic player models or dazzling stadium details. It's more functional than flashy. But if your priority is the gameplay experience and you're not overly concerned with visual bells and whistles, then PES 2021 on Switch might still offer hours of fun. One of the biggest hurdles for the Switch version was its online performance. Many players reported lag and connection issues, which, as any gamer knows, can be a real deal-breaker, especially in a sports game where split-second reactions are crucial. Competitive online matches can become frustrating if the game isn't running smoothly. This is a common challenge for many games ported to the Switch, as the hardware is less powerful than its competitors, and network infrastructure can be a limiting factor. So, while the online multiplayer aspect might not be its strongest suit, the offline modes still offer plenty to do. Master League, my personal favorite, allows you to take a team from humble beginnings and guide them to glory. It’s a deep and rewarding experience that doesn’t heavily rely on graphical prowess. You can spend hours building your squad, scouting new talent, and managing your club’s finances. The Become a Legend mode is also there, letting you focus on a single player's career. These modes are where the heart of PES 2021 on Switch truly lies for many players, offering a robust single-player experience that is less affected by the graphical limitations. The licensing situation for PES has always been a bit of a mixed bag, and the Switch version is no exception. You'll find many real-world teams and players, but some leagues and teams are represented with generic names and kits due to licensing agreements. This can break the immersion for some, but it's a trade-off that comes with many football games, especially on platforms that aren't the primary focus for developers. Thankfully, the PES community is often quick to create option files that can rectify these licensing issues, allowing you to get real team names and kits back into the game. This is a huge plus for dedicated fans who want the most authentic experience possible. In conclusion, is PES 2021 on the Nintendo Switch worth your hard-earned cash? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're a die-hard PES fan who absolutely needs to have the latest squad updates and wants to play on the go, and you can find it at a good price, it might be a decent purchase. The core gameplay is there, and the offline modes are solid. However, if you're expecting the full-blown, visually stunning experience that the PS4 or Xbox versions offer, or if smooth online play is a major priority, you might be disappointed. It’s a compromise, a functional football game for a portable console. Consider your priorities: portability, core gameplay, offline modes versus graphical fidelity and top-tier online performance. For some, it’s a slam dunk; for others, it’s a miss. Make sure you weigh these factors before hitting that buy button, guys!