PES 2021 On Nintendo Switch: Is It Worth It?

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PES 2021 on Nintendo Switch: Is it Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of football gaming on the go. Specifically, we're talking about PES 2021 (also known as eFootball PES 2021 Season Update) on the Nintendo Switch. Now, you might be wondering if this portable version of the popular football simulator lives up to the hype. Does it capture the essence of the beautiful game while being playable on a handheld console? Well, let's break it down and see if it's a worthwhile addition to your Switch library.

What is PES 2021?

Before we get into the Switch-specific details, let's quickly recap what PES 2021 actually is. PES 2021, developed by Konami, is a football simulation video game. It's part of the Pro Evolution Soccer (now known as eFootball) series, a long-standing rival to the FIFA franchise. PES is known for its realistic gameplay, strategic depth, and focus on player control. It aims to replicate the feeling of playing a real football match, emphasizing tactics, formations, and individual player skills. In PES 2021, you can play various game modes, including Master League (a career mode where you manage a team), Become a Legend (where you control a single player), and online multiplayer matches. The game features a roster of real-world football teams and players, though licensing limitations mean that some teams and leagues may not be fully represented. However, passionate fans often create option files to update the game with the latest kits, badges, and team names, enhancing the overall experience. PES 2021 also introduced some minor gameplay tweaks and updates compared to its predecessor, PES 2020, but it's essentially a season update rather than a completely new game. This means that the core gameplay remains largely the same, but with updated player rosters and team data reflecting the 2020-2021 football season. For longtime PES fans, this offers a familiar yet refined experience, while newcomers can jump in and enjoy the strategic and immersive gameplay that the series is known for. Overall, PES 2021 aims to deliver a realistic and engaging football simulation experience, appealing to both casual players and hardcore fans of the sport.

PES 2021 on Switch: The Good

Okay, so what's actually good about PES 2021 on the Switch? There are definitely some upsides to consider, especially if you're a football fan who's always on the move.

  • Portability is King: This is the biggest and most obvious advantage. Being able to play a full-fledged PES game on the go is a huge draw. Whether you're on your commute, waiting for an appointment, or just chilling on the couch, you can get your football fix. The Switch's portability makes it incredibly convenient to squeeze in a quick match or dive into a longer Master League campaign whenever you have some free time. This is a game-changer for those who struggle to find time to sit down and play on a console or PC. The ability to pick up and play anytime, anywhere, is a significant selling point for PES 2021 on the Switch. It truly brings the beautiful game to your fingertips, allowing you to experience the thrill of football management and gameplay wherever life takes you. This portability factor alone can make it a worthwhile investment for avid football fans who value convenience and flexibility in their gaming habits.
  • Familiar Gameplay: Despite being on a less powerful system, PES 2021 on Switch retains the core gameplay mechanics that fans love. The passing, shooting, and player movement still feel authentic and responsive. You can still execute intricate tactical maneuvers, build up plays, and unleash stunning goals. The strategic depth that the PES series is known for is still present, allowing you to fine-tune your formations, tactics, and player instructions to create a winning formula. While there may be some visual compromises compared to the PlayStation or Xbox versions, the fundamental gameplay experience remains largely intact. This means that you can still enjoy the challenge of outsmarting your opponents, mastering player skills, and experiencing the satisfaction of scoring a crucial goal. The familiar gameplay is a comforting factor for longtime PES players, while newcomers can quickly adapt to the intuitive controls and strategic depth of the game.
  • Local Multiplayer: The Switch is renowned for its local multiplayer capabilities, and PES 2021 takes full advantage of this. You can easily play against friends and family in local matches, making it a great game for social gatherings or friendly competitions. The ability to simply detach the Joy-Cons and hand one to a friend for an instant head-to-head match is a classic Switch experience. This feature adds a social element to the game, allowing you to share the excitement of football gaming with others. Whether you're trash-talking your friends after a victory or commiserating over a narrow defeat, local multiplayer enhances the overall enjoyment of PES 2021 on the Switch. It's a fantastic way to bond with friends and family, creating memorable gaming moments that extend beyond the virtual pitch. The ease and convenience of local multiplayer make PES 2021 a standout title for social gaming on the Switch.

PES 2021 on Switch: The Not-So-Good

Now, let's address the elephant in the room. PES 2021 on the Switch isn't perfect, and there are some significant drawbacks that you need to be aware of.

  • Graphics Downgrade: Let's be honest, the graphics are noticeably inferior to the PlayStation and Xbox versions. The player models are less detailed, the stadiums lack atmosphere, and the overall visual fidelity is simply not as impressive. This is an unavoidable consequence of the Switch's limited hardware capabilities. While the gameplay itself remains intact, the visual downgrade can be a bit jarring, especially if you're used to playing PES on more powerful systems. The lack of visual polish can detract from the overall immersion and make the game feel less realistic. However, if you prioritize gameplay over graphics, this may not be a deal-breaker. But for those who value visual fidelity, the graphical compromises in PES 2021 on the Switch are definitely a significant drawback.
  • Limited Game Modes: Some game modes and features are missing compared to the other versions. This can be disappointing for players who enjoy the full breadth of the PES experience. For example, some advanced tactical options or online features may be absent or simplified. This limitation can restrict the depth and variety of the gameplay, potentially reducing the long-term replayability of the game. If you're expecting a complete and feature-rich PES experience, the Switch version may fall short of your expectations. The missing game modes and features can be a significant drawback for hardcore PES fans who want access to all the bells and whistles of the game. However, if you primarily focus on the core gameplay and don't mind the absence of certain extras, this may not be a major issue.
  • Performance Issues: The game can suffer from occasional frame rate drops, particularly during intense moments or when there's a lot happening on screen. This can affect the smoothness of the gameplay and make it feel less responsive. Frame rate issues can be particularly frustrating in a fast-paced game like PES, where precise timing and reflexes are crucial. While the performance issues are not constant, they can occur frequently enough to be noticeable and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. If you're sensitive to frame rate drops, this is definitely something to consider before purchasing PES 2021 on the Switch. The performance issues can be a significant drawback for those who prioritize smooth and consistent gameplay.

So, is it Worth It?

Ultimately, whether or not PES 2021 on the Nintendo Switch is worth it depends on your priorities. If you value portability above all else and can tolerate the graphical and performance compromises, then it can be a fun and convenient way to play football on the go. However, if you're a stickler for graphics and want the full PES experience, you're better off playing it on a different platform.

Consider these points:

  • Are you primarily a handheld gamer? If so, the Switch version might be your only option for playing PES.
  • How important are graphics to you? If you're easily bothered by visual downgrades, you might be disappointed.
  • What game modes do you enjoy the most? Make sure the features you want are actually included in the Switch version.

PES 2021 on Switch is a decent, but compromised, version of a great football game. It's a good option for die-hard fans who need their PES fix on the go, but others might want to consider alternative platforms.

Alternatives to PES 2021 on Nintendo Switch

If PES 2021 on the Nintendo Switch doesn't quite hit the mark for you, don't worry! There are a few alternative options to consider, depending on your priorities and what you're looking for in a football gaming experience.

  • FIFA 23 Legacy Edition (Nintendo Switch): While it's not the latest and greatest FIFA title, FIFA 23 Legacy Edition offers a more visually appealing and feature-rich football experience on the Switch compared to PES 2021. It includes updated kits, clubs, and squads from some of the top leagues around the world. However, it's important to note that it's a