As the August 6 release date for Lies of P: Complete Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 rapidly approaches, anticipation within the soulslike community has reached a fever pitch. Round8 Studio and Neowiz have managed to craft one of the most mechanically tight and aesthetically striking entries in the sub-genre to date. Having already established a reputation for technical excellence on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam Deck, the title’s transition to Nintendo’s upcoming hardware is a critical test for the console’s capabilities.
After spending extensive time with the pre-launch build of the game, it is clear that while the foundations of the experience remain stellar, the port is a tale of two distinct hardware states: a mostly competent docked experience contrasted against a handheld mode that currently requires significant refinement.
Main Facts: A Soulslike Icon Hits Portable Hardware
Lies of P: Complete Edition is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 6, with a physical release following on October 2. The title includes the base game and presumably all associated content, marking a major milestone for the Switch 2’s library of third-party AAA titles.
For the uninitiated, Lies of P is a dark, gothic reimagining of the classic Pinocchio tale, set in the decaying city of Krat. It is widely praised for its fluid combat, deep customization, and precise technical performance on existing platforms. The primary question surrounding this port is how the game’s demanding engine—which utilizes Unreal Engine 4—scales to the architectural constraints of the Switch 2.
In my initial testing, the game features a suite of graphical toggles:
- Docked: Quality, Performance, and Balanced modes.
- Handheld: Quality and Performance modes.
Crucially, the developers have implemented an independent toggle system for docked and handheld modes, allowing players to tailor their visual fidelity and frame rate preferences specifically to how they are interacting with the console at any given moment.
A Chronology of the Porting Process and Pre-Launch Testing
The journey of Lies of P to the Switch 2 has been one of high expectations. Following the game’s massive success in 2023, fans have clamored for a portable version that could match the fluidity of the Steam Deck experience.
My testing period began with the current pre-launch build, which represents a snapshot of the game approximately one week before its official release. It is vital to note that a "Day One" patch is confirmed for August 6. According to internal reports, this update will introduce a dedicated handheld performance mode targeting a 60fps frame rate.
Because I am currently reviewing a pre-patch build, my impressions are focused on the current stability and user experience rather than a final performance metric. The coming days will be spent re-evaluating the title once the patch has been applied to determine if the "Day One" improvements adequately address the current bottlenecks in visual clarity and frame pacing.
Supporting Data: Docked Versus Handheld Performance
The Docked Experience
When played docked, the game is, for the most part, a solid conversion. The "Balanced" mode stands out as the most cohesive experience, acting as a bridge between the fidelity of the Quality mode and the smoothness of Performance mode.
However, there are caveats. The Performance mode in the current build suffers from noticeable blurriness, likely due to aggressive dynamic resolution scaling that may be overcompensating for the hardware’s thermal headroom. Furthermore, the Quality mode appears to inherit the same frame pacing inconsistencies observed on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions at launch. While these issues are less pronounced on the Switch 2, they remain present. Additionally, those expecting the high-refresh-rate support seen on other consoles will be disappointed; the game does not currently engage 120Hz output on compatible displays.
The Handheld Struggle
Handheld play is where the port currently shows its seams. The Quality mode, in its current state, is largely unplayable due to frame drops that hinder the precise timing required for Lies of P’s signature parry-based combat.
Conversely, the Performance mode in handheld feels significantly more responsive. It appears to utilize a variable frame rate that, when paired with the console’s potential VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, makes for a surprisingly fluid experience. Despite the lack of a 60fps target in the current build, the game remains functional, provided one is willing to accept a reduced resolution.
Implications: The Need for Optimization
The current technical state of Lies of P on Switch 2 highlights several key areas where developer focus is required before or shortly after the August 6 launch:
- Motion Blur Control: One of the most glaring omissions is the lack of a toggle to disable motion blur. On PS4 and PS5, players have the agency to turn this off to gain visual clarity. On the current Switch 2 build, the blur is overwhelming, often obscuring the intricate enemy animations—a fatal flaw in a game where reading enemy movement is essential.
- Handheld Optimization: While the upcoming 60fps patch is a promising start, the developers must ensure that the game doesn’t just hit a frame rate target, but maintains visual integrity. The "blurry" aesthetic currently seen in handheld is a hurdle to the game’s otherwise exquisite art direction.
- Haptic Integration: One pleasant surprise has been the utilization of HD rumble. The developers have clearly spent time mapping the game’s impacts and environment cues to the Switch 2’s controllers. This adds a layer of immersion that is notably absent in the standard vibration motors of other platforms, making the combat feel more tactile and immediate.
Official Responses and Developer Outlook
While specific patch notes for the August 6 update remain under wraps, Round8 Studio has signaled their commitment to the Switch 2 platform. The inclusion of a performance mode patch so soon after the release date suggests that the team is actively listening to early feedback regarding the trade-offs between graphical fidelity and gameplay fluidity.
In discussions with industry insiders, the sentiment remains that the Switch 2 hardware is more than capable of handling Lies of P, provided the optimization passes are handled with the same care shown to the PC and home console versions. The fact that the developers have allowed for separate graphical profiles for docked and handheld play is a testament to their understanding of the hybrid nature of the console.
Conclusion: Is it Worth the Wait?
Lies of P: Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a project of immense ambition. It brings one of the finest soulslike titles to a portable form factor, and in its best moments—specifically in docked "Balanced" mode—it captures the same magic that made it a critical darling on other platforms.
However, prospective buyers should be aware of the "Day One" caveat. If you are a player who prioritizes a locked frame rate and crisp resolution, you may want to wait until the August 6 patch has been vetted by the community. For those who are willing to navigate the current compromises, there is a brilliant, challenging, and deeply atmospheric game waiting.
If the developers can successfully deploy the promised performance patch and provide the option to toggle motion blur, Lies of P has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Switch 2’s third-party library. I look forward to diving back into the streets of Krat once the final update is live to see if the game can truly fulfill its potential on this exciting new hardware.
