Technological advancements are breathing new life into the gaming world, and ARK: Survival Ascended is at the forefront of this evolution. The game developers are making waves with their ongoing efforts to bring this popular survival title to the Nintendo Switch 2. This ambitious move promises to enhance the gaming experience, thanks to the new capabilities of Unreal Engine 5.7.
Revolutionizing Performance with Unreal Engine 5.7
Reports suggest that Unreal Engine 5.7’s performance boost is a game-changer, enabling the Nintendo Switch 2 port of ARK: Survival Ascended. These upgrades are crucial because they allow the game to run on the new platform. The studio is also exploring the potential of Frame Generation, leveraging NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR 3.1, to further enhance performance. The Nintendo Switch 2 port is only feasible with the Unreal Engine 5.7 upgrade, marking a significant leap in performance.
The improvements extend beyond just the Switch 2. Both Xbox and PlayStation players are set to benefit from these enhancements, aiming for a stable 60FPS experience. Despite these advancements, the Switch 2 version won’t reach 60 FPS, but the target of a steady 30 FPS remains within reach.
Tackling Technical Challenges
As the developers work on adapting ARK: Survival Ascended for the Nintendo Switch 2, challenges such as graphical downgrades are being addressed. The team is committed to ensuring the game resembles the visual quality of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions, albeit at lower resolutions. Achieving a solid 30 FPS experience is crucial, and the developers have seen GPU gains of 33 to 40% through Unreal Engine 5.7. However, further experimentation with Frame Generation is needed to reach the desired performance level.
NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution is confirmed to be supported by the Nintendo Switch 2, aiding in image enhancement. Yet, the support for DLSS Frame Generation remains uncertain, as communication with NVIDIA continues.
Cross-Platform Aspirations
A successful port of ARK: Survival Ascended on the Nintendo Switch 2 will bring a cross-platform experience, connecting players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. This integration ensures the game remains a unified experience, unlike the earlier Nintendo Switch version of ARK: Survival Evolved, which was isolated and limited. The studio is committed to avoiding past mistakes and delivering an inclusive gaming experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on ARK: Survival Ascended, including insights on the recently launched premium DLC, “Lost Colony,” and other exciting developments in the world of this popular survival game.