Grid Legends arrives on Switch 2 in a form that feels unusually confident for a late‑generation port. Codemasters’ 2022 racer was built with a broad audience in mind, mixing accessible handling with a large career structure and a story mode that leans into theatrical presentation. The Switch 2 version, handled by Feral Interactive, aims to preserve that identity while offering a level of technical flexibility that is rarely seen on Nintendo hardware. The result is a release that stands out not only for its content, but for the care taken in adapting it to a new platform.
The first impression is shaped by the range of visual options available. Feral has included multiple presets in both docked and handheld play, allowing players to choose between higher resolution, smoother performance or reduced power consumption. Performance mode targets 60 frames per second and is the most immediately appealing option for racing. The frame-rate holds steady during normal gameplay, giving the handling a smooth, predictable feel that suits the game’s fast pace. Graphics mode shifts the emphasis toward image quality, raising the dynamic resolution and improving visual settings while capping the frame rate at 30fps. The difference is noticeable, particularly in docked play, where the presentation can exceed the clarity of the PS4 version. Balanced and Battery Saver modes offer further variations, particularly in handheld, where players may prefer a compromise between sharpness and responsiveness.
This flexibility is unusual for a Switch release and contributes to a sense that the port has been built with genuine consideration for how players might use the system. The Switch 2’s hardware allows the game to run with a level of stability that was not always possible on the original Switch, and the improved performance helps the driving model feel more consistent. The handling remains accessible, with a focus on readability rather than simulation depth. Vehicles respond cleanly to inputs, and the sense of weight is communicated clearly enough to make cornering and braking feel natural. The inclusion of analogue trigger support, particularly when using compatible GameCube‑style controllers, adds a degree of finesse that benefits the overall experience.
Visual quality is another area where the Switch 2 version performs well. The game’s environments are presented with a clarity that holds up across a range of conditions, from bright daytime circuits to night races illuminated by artificial lighting. Reflections, shadows and texture detail are handled with care, and the overall presentation remains stable even when the screen becomes busy. The dynamic resolution system works effectively in both main modes, maintaining a clean image without introducing distracting artefacts. Handheld play benefits from the same attention to detail, with each preset offering a distinct balance between resolution and performance. The smaller screen helps mask the lower end of the resolution range, and the game remains readable even in more demanding scenes.
The structure of Grid Legends is built around variety. The career mode spans multiple racing disciplines, each with its own set of vehicles and event types. The range is broad enough to keep the experience fresh, and the progression system encourages experimentation without forcing players into unfamiliar territory. The inclusion of all DLC content in this Deluxe Edition adds further depth, offering additional vehicles, tracks and themed events that expand the overall package. The Race Creator provides another avenue for engagement, allowing players to build custom events with their own rules and conditions. It is a straightforward tool, but it adds a welcome layer of flexibility and helps extend the game’s longevity.
Driven to Glory, the live‑action story mode, remains one of Grid Legends’ more distinctive features. The presentation leans into documentary‑style framing, with actors delivering performances that sit somewhere between earnest and theatrical. The tone may not appeal to everyone, but it gives the game a sense of identity that differentiates it from more traditional racing titles. The Switch 2 version preserves the full experience, and the improved loading times help maintain the flow between scenes and events. Transitions are noticeably faster than on last‑generation consoles, contributing to a smoother overall rhythm. Online play is supported with cross‑platform functionality, allowing Switch 2 players to compete with those on other systems. The implementation is straightforward, and matchmaking works reliably. The game’s structure lends itself well to short sessions, and the variety of event types helps keep online play engaging. The stability of the performance modes ensures that races remain consistent, and the netcode handles the action without introducing significant issues. The absence of local multiplayer is worth noting, as it limits the game’s appeal for those who prefer shared‑screen racing, but the online component remains strong enough to support regular play.
The technical improvements extend beyond frame-rate and resolution, though. Lighting, reflections and texture quality have been enhanced compared to the original Switch hardware, and the overall presentation benefits from the Switch 2’s increased capabilities. The game’s audio design remains intact, with engine sounds, environmental effects and crowd noise contributing to a sense of atmosphere, and the soundtrack supports the action without drawing attention away from the driving. The mix remains balanced across different output setups.
The port’s strengths are most apparent when considering the broader context of racing games on Nintendo systems. Feral Interactive has a history of delivering high‑quality conversions, and Grid Legends sits comfortably alongside its previous work. The combination of technical flexibility, stable performance and thoughtful presentation helps the game feel at home on the platform. The Switch 2’s hardware allows the experience to run with a level of consistency that was not always possible on the original Switch, and the improvements contribute to a more polished overall package. There are limitations to consider, however. The handling model, for instance, while accessible, may not satisfy players seeking a deeper simulation. The story mode’s tone may not appeal to everyone, and some of the live‑action sequences can feel overstated. The visual improvements, while significant for a Switch release, do not match the fidelity of higher‑end platforms. These points do not detract from the overall experience, but they help frame expectations for players approaching the game for the first time.
Grid Legends: Deluxe Edition on Switch 2 succeeds because it plays to the strengths of the hardware and presents its content with a level of care that is uncommon for a late‑generation port. The range of visual presets, the stable performance and the breadth of included material give this Deluxe Edition considerable value, and the handling remains approachable without feeling insubstantial. The absence of local multiplayer limits its appeal for those who prefer shared‑screen racing, and the underlying design does not reach the level of distinction that would elevate it into the highest scoring bracket. Even so, the overall package stands out as one of the system’s most capable racers, delivered with a consistency that reflects well on both the original developers and the team responsible for the conversion.
