Originally releasing in Fall 2024, Sonic X Shadow Generations was one of my favorite releases of that year. Melding a fantastic remaster of the original Sonic Generations with a new adventure down memory lane in Shadow Generations created the ultimate Sonic experience.
Releasing on the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, does this release of Sonic Team’s latest improve upon the original Switch release? Or does it speed into oncoming traffic?
Skidding on the Road – Original Sonic X Shadow Generations Nintendo Switch 1 Release
When Sonic X Shadow Generations originally released on Nintendo Switch, the game was an interesting experience for Nintendo owners. Similar to games like Sonic Forces and Sonic Frontiers, this was a compromised experience on Nintendo’s last-generation handheld.
Shadow Generations
Running the demanding Hedgehog Engine 2, Shadow Generations did not match the image quality present on the other consoles and PC. While on those platforms, you can play the game at a silky smooth 60FPS at a high resolution, Nintendo Switch only had one option: 30FPS at 720p Docked, or 30FPS at sub-720p portable.
Sonic Generations
Meanwhile, Sonic Generations fared better. The resolution in both modes was higher while retaining a stable 30FPS. In many ways, it was identical to how the original Xbox 360 version of the game performed.
A Speedy Recap – What is Sonic X Shadow Generations?
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a collection of two speedy adventures through Sonic history. While Sonic Generations is a loving homage to Sonic’s legacy for over twenty years of gaming, Shadow Generations takes elements from Sonic Frontiers and more recent Sonic titles to create one of the best Boost-styled experiences in the franchise.
Both experiences offer high-speed levels across the Sonic franchise, covering legendary zones from Sonic the Hedgehog (1994) to the most recent Sonic Frontiers. And after playing through this Nintendo Switch 2 release, it’s clear the overall experience mirrors what gamers enjoyed from the original release.
Here’s my closing thoughts on the original release, reviewed on PC:
Sonic Generations alone is an amazing game but I didn’t expect Shadow’s adventure to surpass Sonic’s blast from the past. With an emotional narrative that makes you feel things for Sonic’s cast, a level of visual presentation completely foreign to the franchise, and some of the best level design from any 3D Boost title, Shadow Generations alone is worth the price of admission. Pairing that with Sonic Generations merely cements Sonic X Shadow Generations as the Sonic game for anyone who loves the franchise or people new to the series.
Sonic Generations Performance
Sonic X Shadow Generations on Nintendo Switch 2 is special because the game matches the visual quality of higher-end consoles. In both Docked and Portable play, both experiences now run at a smooth 60FPS. The image quality, specifically for Sonic Generations, is perfect across both modes.
Running at a native 1080p in Portable Mode, it’s one of the best showcases of the Switch 2’s vivid display.
Shadow Generations Performance
This image quality can be found for Shadow Generations, but the game requires its Quality Mode. You get a sharper image and a major boost in image quality at 30FPS.
The Quality Mode offers a stable 30FPS in Docked Mode, but for Portable Mode, it’s less stable, from my experience. Thankfully, the 60FPS option returns from the Series X/S and PS5 versions, offering a locked 60FPS that feels amazing. Despite image quality taking a hit, it’s good enough across both Docked and Portable to make it a solid experience.
The Bare Necessities – Lack of Additional Changes & No Upgrade Path
Despite visual boosts, little else was added to the Switch 2 version of Sonic X Shadow Generations. Other SEGA releases on Switch 2, like Puyo Puyo X Tetris 2S and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, offer new content alongside performance/visual boosts.
Even if the additions are merely performance/visuals boosts, the lack of an upgrade path for Switch 1 owners isn’t ideal. More so, considering other games, like Tears of the Kingdom and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, offer paid upgrade paths.
Closing Thoughts on Sonic X Shadow Generations
Playing Sonic X Shadow Generations, I loved the experience. However, I felt awful for Nintendo fans, who were treated to a subpar version of the latest 3D Sonic adventure.
Following a bad port of Sonic Frontiers and a lackluster version of Sonic Colors Ultimate, more powerful hardware was needed to offer the ideal Sonic experience.
Now we have that hardware, Nintendo fans can finally enjoy a fantastic 3D Sonic experience on the go. I cannot recommend Sonic X Shadow Generations enough if you have never experienced this high-speed adventure.
Score: 9 out of 10
Pros:
- Visual Quality Matches Other Console Releases
- Same Great Experience as Other Versions
- Fantastic Image Quality for the Sonic Generations Experience
Cons:
- Image Quality for Shadow Generations Performance Mode Could Be Better
- Lack of Additional Content/Quality of Life Fixes
- Lack of an Upgrade Path for Switch 1 Owners
This review was written using a code provided by the publisher, and a copy purchased by the reviewer.
