Input lag reported in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2

Digital Foundry's analysis has revealed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 suffers from input lag, which can give players a competitive disadvantage. The Switch 2 version of the game, the first Call of Duty title on a Nintendo console since 2013, has significantly higher input lag compared to other platforms.

Switch 2's input lag compared to other platforms

Digital Foundry's tests showed that the Switch 2's command delay can be twice as long as on the PS5 at 60 frames per second (FPS). This lag is particularly noticeable in competitive multiplayer mode, where the Switch 2 targets 60 FPS but may experience a drop in the refresh rate during certain actions, such as looking through the transparent visor of a riot shield.

Importance of 60 FPS in multiplayer mode

The multiplayer mode of Call of Duty is designed for 60 FPS with a high level of stability to ensure a smooth and responsive experience, especially in competitive matches. Ensuring all platforms offer at least 60 FPS is considered essential for fair conditions in multiplayer mode, although the debate over PC players having an advantage over console players has persisted since the introduction of cross-play.

Performance differences in Switch 2 modes

Digital Foundry noted that support for variable refresh rate (VRR) helps mitigate drops in frame rate on compatible screens, though performance issues are more pronounced in portable mode. In connected mode, the Switch 2 had a responsiveness of 81 ms, while in portable mode, it ranged between 83 ms and 125 ms, with the worst-case scenario being double the PS5's 49.1 ms. Digital Foundry described this as "truly detrimental to performance."

Overall assessment of Switch 2 version

Despite these issues, Digital Foundry expressed general satisfaction with the Switch 2 version, developed by Digital Legends with the support of Infinity Ward. However, for fans of multiplayer, the input lag is a significant drawback. Outside of multiplayer mode, the campaign runs at 30 FPS, which is deemed sufficient for the Switch 2 version of Modern Warfare 4.

Return of Call of Duty to Nintendo consoles

The release of Call of Duty on a Nintendo console, 14 years after the last time, is linked to Activision Blizzard's acquisition by Microsoft for $69 billion. At the time, one of the announcements intended to secure regulatory approval for the merger was a 10-year commitment to offer Call of Duty on Nintendo after the merger. Phil Spencer, then head of the Xbox division, stated in December 2022 that Microsoft is committed to contributing to offering more games to more people, regardless of how they choose to play. Four years later, with the acquisition finalized, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is now available on the Switch 2.