MotoGP 26’s Switch 2 resolution and performance are “in the ballpark” of PS4 Pro and Xbox One X according to Milestone.
Next month, MotoGP will make its Nintendo Switch 2 debut with the release of MotoGP 26. While Motorcycle simulations are rare on Nintendo’s console, with Ride 6 skipping a port, Milestone’s MotoGP series was a staple for bike enthusiasts on the original Switch.
Speaking to Traxion, Lead Game Designer Stefano Talarico confirmed that MotoGP 26’s resolution and performance will be “in the ballpark of PS4 Pro and Xbox One X” on Switch 2, targeting 1080p at 30fps in docked mode.
MotoGP 26’s Pro controls won’t be the same on Switch 2
Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 still doesn’t feature analogue triggers for acceleration or braking. As such, this setup isn’t ideal for racing games that require subtle control inputs. For Switch 2 players, Milestone recommends playing the Arcade mode first introduced in MotoGP 25.
“I think the arcade experience is a lot easier this year,” said Game Director Matteo Pezzotti. “We made the first step in last year’s game. This year, I think we went further in that direction for Switch 2.”
While players on Nintendo’s platform can still switch to the Pro mode for a more authentic experience, Milestone has adapted it to compensate for the lack of analogue controls.
“The Pro experience on Switch 2 is not similar to the experience you have on PC or other consoles,” explained Pezzotti. “We had to work on the triggers for the accelerator and brakes because you can’t have the same feel. In a way, it’s easier on Switch 2.”
In terms of game modes, the Switch 2 version will be “mainly equal to other platforms” with the “same features.” These include the revamped career mode, which introduces rider ratings and a new 3D paddock, and the introduction of production bikes.
No Switch 2 crossplay support is a “design choice”
One notable difference, however, is that the Switch 2 version won’t support crossplay multiplayer like every other platform.
“This was a design choice because it doesn’t seem fair for players to compete against each other with different controls on Switch 2,” explained Pezzotti.
“We use an Epic anti-cheat system that is not supported [on Switch 2],” added Lead Game Designer Stefano Talarico.
“Besides the fact that the physics are different and the frame rate impacts performance, we also have to manage the Epic anti-cheat. We prefer to use the system that Epic provides rather than developing one for ourselves.”
Despite ditching the PS4 and Xbox One, MotoGP 26 will also launch on the original Switch. Working with the restrictions of the older hardware means the number of on-track riders will be reduced to 16. This won’t be the case on Switch 2, which will feature full grids.
“We have the same limitations [on the original Switch] as last year,” explained Talarico. This also means that online multiplayer will be omitted from the original Switch game, but split-screen multiplayer will still be available.
“We tried to add everything we could,” continued Talarico. “What’s left out is mainly because of hardware limitations.”