Key Highlights:
- A major patch has arrived for Mortal Kombat 1’s Nintendo Switch version, introducing Season 1 of Invasion Mode.
- The update improves visuals, loading times, and stability but player reactions remain split.
- While progress is clear, many fans still feel the Switch port needs more work to reach parity with other platforms.
Mortal Kombat 1 has released a significant update for its maligned Nintendo Switch version, aiming to address its well-documented performance issues. However, early reactions indicate there is still room for improvement.
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Since launching on Switch, Mortal Kombat 1 has faced unrelenting criticism over its subpar graphics, stability problems, and lacking features compared to other platforms. Given its reputation, this major patch offered hope of finally enhancing the experience.
The update introduces Season 1 of the Invasion Mode, previously unavailable on Switch. It also promises visual improvements, performance optimisations, reduced loading times, gameplay balance changes, and bug fixes. Another neat chance is that brand new practice modes have also been added.
Full Mortal Kombat 1 Nintendo Switch Patch Notes
- Season 1 of Invasion Mode Added
- Enhancements to Gameplay Balance
- Fixes to the Leaderboard
- Aesthetic Upgrades and Comprehensive Bug Rectifications
- Optimised Performance
- Expedited Loading Times
- Enhanced System Stability
- Fixes for Localisation
However, early impressions are mixed regarding the update’s impact. Some praise improvements like smoother framerates and restored facial animations. But others report lingering problems with visual downgrades, lengthy loading, and overall gameplay.
The update appears to move the game in the right direction without fully resolving its biggest flaws. While it’s no longer the “meme” it was at launch, the Switch version remains divisive.
Developer Vowed Improvements, But Work Remains
Developer NetherRealm Studios previously acknowledged the widespread complaints, with studio head Ed Boon vowing improvements. This update aims to appease frustrated fans, but many feel it does not go far enough. This is off the back of a big 0.122 Update released for the game on console platforms to fix the infamous player 1 exploit.
Additional patches will likely be required to make the game’s Switch port less of a punchline among fans. For now, the update shows progress but has not achieved redemption in most players’ eyes. NetherRealm has more work ahead to restore faith in this version.
The fighting title introduced the new Kameo fighting system, multiple celebrity voice-overs for the roster and a brand new time-line to the story that has gone down very well within the community.
With Boon teasing Mortal Kombat reveals at New York Comic-Con, perhaps a more dramatic overhaul could still come. But the latest update highlights the lingering gap between the Switch edition and its better-received counterparts. Until quality parity is reached, the controversies seem likely to persist.
Mortal Kombat 1 is out available now on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.