Fans of Bethesda‘s The Elder Scrolls series look at Skyrim as one of the best games in the series. After all, the game’s many special editions can give players better experiences with upgraded visuals and more gameplay options in the form of mods. Moreover, players can access Skyrim in a variety of systems, including the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4.
However, in terms of ports, where should players take their Skyrim experience? Would they get the most out of this acclaimed title in the portable nature of the Switch? Or should players rely on the PS4 for their definitive experience?
10 Switch Wins: The Definite Portable Experience
When folks from Nintendo revealed a Switch port for Skyrim, fans were extremely surprised. After all, how can a portable console get a port for such a massive game? As such, when Skyrim released for the acclaimed Nintendo console, fans got treated to what can be described as the best portable experience for Skyrim yet.
In essence, what Skyrim for the Switch lacked in graphics, the game makes up for its portable transformation. Players of the Switch will feel right at home with Skyrim‘s mechanics, which makes more sense on a controller than a keyboard. Moreover, unlike the need for a massive screen for the PS4, players can comfortably play Skyrim on the Switch’s small frame.
9 PS4 Still Rules: Closest Thing To PC
Despite the lack of superpowered mods, Skyrim – Special Edition for the PS4 definitely becomes the closest thing PlayStation has to a PC Skyrim experience. At its core, Skyrim – Special Edition contains the base game and its post-release downloadable content. This means players can play through Skyrim‘s story as well as Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
Moreover, players will appreciate higher-resolution and remastered visuals, dynamic depth of field, and volumetric god rays. Additionally, gamers who play Skyrim – Special Edition on the PS4 Pro will get native 4K resolution aesthetics. While players with higher PC specs get better graphics and unfiltered mod access, the PS4 comes close with its limited mod release and undoubtedly high-end console specs.
8 Switch Wins: A Reasonable Graphical Experience
Thanks to Switch’s two modes, players can get quite different graphical experiences when playing Skyrim. When undocked, Skyrim holds up as a portable port. Its details aren’t as plentiful compared to other console versions. However, the core open-world experience – the landscapes, the larger plantation, and the structures – remains the same.
However, what’s impressive is Skyrim‘s docked mode. When docked, the game’s graphics get a reasonable upgrade. Of course, its graphics aren’t up-to-par with the PlayStation’s, but some may say its visuals still look better compared to the vanilla release on the PC. In turn, players of Skyrim on the Switch get two graphical experiences based on their needs.
7 PS4 Still Rules: A Superb Graphical Remaster Of An Old Game
Let’s face it, Skyrim is getting old for a 2011 title. However, comparing Skyrim – Special Edition to its vanilla release does make the former shine in terms of graphics. Of course, given its age, the Special Edition does show hiccups in terms of larger textures and the 30 FPS cap.
However, the edition’s new additions have vastly improved Skyrim, making it almost go toe-to-toe with more recent graphical mods of the game. For instance, fans will love the increased foliage across the map, making for more dynamic scenery. Moreover, its draw distance has vastly increased, allowing players to see more objects from a distance. Overall, Skyrim – Special Edition retains its status as a graphical masterpiece.
6 Switch Wins: A Portable Experience That Makes Sense
Players no longer have the need to sit on a gaming chair and boot a console and a large screen just to go to Skyrim. Thanks to the Switch, players can embark on their adventures whenever they wish. Moreover, the game’s latter Radiant Quests (or repeated errand quests) will now make better sense for players who want to play Skyrim outside the house or even while traveling. Moreover, players can try challenge runs just to past the time with their portable device.
As Skyrim on the Switch is essentially the same as the vanilla experience, there’s no change in what players will encounter should they choose to play with another port. In turn, why even choose a clunkier console if the portable Switch is already there?
5 PS4 Still Rules: A Bigger Console Experience
Fans who want to enjoy Skyrim outside their PCs would delight in the sheer graphical and gameplay offerings of Special Edition. Players would undoubtedly feel a bit jarred by the PC’s original keyboard controls, of which the PS4 improves upon with a reasonable button layout and easy-to-access menus.
As a result, Skyrim – Special Edition becomes a delight to play with controllers and a larger screen. Gone are the days of being interrupted by antivirus prompt, desktop notifications, or the sheer temptation of playing other games. With Skyrim on the PS4, players can do their obligations as the Dragonborn without any hindrances.
4 Switch Wins: Small Device, Massive Gameplay
As mentioned, Skyrim on the Switch packs a lot of punch for a portable experience. Graphics-wise, the Switch alternates between 720p and 1080p resolutions when undocked and docked, respectively. In turn, graphics can become well-detailed or barely-noticeable, depending on the version of the game played. However, considering Skyrim‘s age, the Switch’s version seems considerably better compared to other ports. As a plus, using Link’s Amiibo gives players access to his special armor, as well as his trademark Master Sword and Hylian Shield!
Surprisingly, the Switch proves to be a small device packing with a lot of power when playing Skyrim. Despite the lack of some visual details, the Switch does feature detailed grasses and trees, and even armor when properly lit. Moreover, while it lacks bigger details to fully immerse the player, it gives more details to things within the player’s vicinity to avoid breaking immersion.
3 PS4 Still Rules: Small Improvements, Better Experience
At its core, Skyrim for the PS4 is essentially a console transformation of the vanilla game. Moreover, outside its improved graphics, there’s not much overhaul when it comes to its core features. However, Skyrim‘s small improvements do enhance the overall experience, making it a much-preferred version compared to the base PC game.
For instance, Skyrim – Special Edition finally has faster load times, a welcome change to those who can make tea in between loading areas. Moreover, the handy quicksave button enables players to have a more seamless experience. In turn, this experience fares much better compared to the jarring and clunky options menu of the original release.
2 Switch Wins: Motion Control Is A Godsend
Fans of the Switch know that some of its games support motion control. For instance, Arms combines the delight of 3D arena fighting games with boxing. For Skyrim in the Switch, players enjoy the same – albeit as a sword-swinging, bow-toting, spell-slinging fighter. Moreover, motion controls for Skyrim provide a new dimension of gameplay for players to enjoy.
For instance, players can aim their bow and arrow by pulling on their Joy-Cons. Moreover, players can literally slice through their opponents with their sword using the same controller. Admittedly, the mouse can pull off more accurate combat “stunts.” However, motion controls for Skyrim just add a lot to immersion.
1 PS4 Still Rules: Minimal Mods Is Better Than No Mods
Unlike its Xbox One counterpart, the PS4 Special Edition has a limited amount of mods available for players to tinker around with. After all, Sony finally allowed Bethesda to include mods in PS4’s Skyrim Special Edition provided the mods only used in-game assets to save space.
Despite the limitation, the inclusion of some mods for the PS4 Skyrim is already enough for players to tinker with their imagination, especially if they’re not planning to play Skyrim on the PC. Moreover, this feature also helps players avoid going over-the-top with their mod choices, enabling them to enjoy a Skyrim experience enhanced by mods instead of crazy visuals and effects.
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