The new comparison video for the Switch version of Hogwarts Legacy reveals that it no longer features a seamless open world.
Released on Switch today after numerous delays, the game’s comparison was posted by Mark Walker from the YouTube channel SwitchUp.
Compared to more powerful platforms, the Switch version is visually less detailed, although Walker mentioned that the game “could have been far worse” and is running reasonably well on handheld mode.
However, Walker pointed out “a huge flaw” with the Switch version, highlighting the absence of a seamless open world.
On the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC versions, players can move from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade without any loading times, whereas the Switch version forces a 30 to 50 second load screen when entering Hogsmeade along with additional load times when entering shops.
Walker expresses his disappointment with the Switch version’s need to load between every shop, impacting the overall flow of gameplay. He mentions that those who have not tried the game on other formats might be more tolerant of the loading screens.
Intriguingly, Hogwarts Legacy became Europe’s bestselling game in the first half of 2023, despite the controversial public comments made by book author JK Rowling, which led to boycotts from some of the Harry Potter fan base.
For a detailed overview of the controversy, we recommend reading this article by Glamour.
