Digital Foundry just released a technical analysis of Pikmin 1+2 for the Nintendo Switch, so we’ll leave Pikmin 4 aside for a moment.
Yes, in case you missed it, Nintendo actually made these classic titles available in June ahead of the release of the fourth game. So how do the HD versions of these games differ from the original GameCube experience?
As highlighted by a dataminer oatmeal dome (via Digital Foundry), these titles appear to use a “similar hybrid emulation system” to the Switch re-released Super Mario Sunshine, which was part of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars package. It adds “some decorations” to the game while still providing accurate results.
Digital Foundry: “The core technology is the same. Pikmin 1 and 2 run on an emulator called ‘hagi,’ which is Nintendo’s own GameCube and Wii emulator that emulates the GameCube’s GPU capabilities, while the CPU side is compiled to run natively on Switch.”
In terms of resolution, the native resolutions of both Pikmin 1+2 are: 1080p of docking mode and 720p of handheld mode. The original release on GameCube and the Wii version ran at his 480p. The downside is that these newer versions have no anti-aliasing applied and the textures are mostly unchanged. Luckily, the menus and UI have been upgraded, and the pre-rendered cutscenes appear to be “AI upgraded by Nintendo” as well.
In terms of framerate, Pikmin 1+2 on Switch both “Locked” 30fps and miss a few frames. Digital Foundry admits that they “missed the chance to bump it up to 60fps”, pointing out how modders have managed to achieve this framerate with upgraded textures, shaders, etc.
Switch’s Pikmin 1+2 is summarized by DF as a “basic port” that recreates the authentic experience. If you need a second opinion, or want to learn more about Pikmin 1+2 on Switch, be sure to check out our Nintendo Life review.
