Although we’re still struggling with a solid Switch Skyrim release date, the thought of being able to explore the game’s massive open world on the go is blowing our tiny minds. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the biggest RPGs of the last decade both in terms of scale and popularity.
When the game appeared in the first trailer for the Switch – albeit fleetingly and unconfirmed – the gaming world gasped collectively. Not only was it a surprise that the Switch would be able to run a game like Skyrim, but the fact it’s a massive third party title means Nintendo is on the right track to fix some of the major issues it had with the Wii U.
Although the Wii U had a few third-party titles to its name, publishers quickly stopped supporting the platform due to game development and porting issues. The Wii U wasn’t exactly easy to make games for – unless you were Nintendo.
But the Nintendo Switch has already proven to be a very different console to its predecessor and along with Skyrim, we’re also looking at other major third-party releases on the console from FIFA and Minecraft to indie games like Stardew Valley and Terraria. The list is only growing.
But, ahead of the official release, what do we actually know about Skyrim on Switch? We’re rounding up all the latest news and information about the game right here, so you can keep up to date.
What do we know so far about Skyrim on Switch?
Bethesda is actually keeping quite tight-lipped when it comes to details on the Skyrim Switch port. Although the game was teased in the first ever Switch trailer, Bethesda Game Studios’ Executive Producer and Game Director Todd Howard came forward in the Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Switch ahead of the release to confirm everyone’s suspicions.
“We’re excited to announce that, yes, Skyrim is coming to the Nintendo Switch,” said Howard at the time. “We love to make games and worlds that you can get lost in, that you can make your own and that you never want to put down. Well, now you don’t have to. Now you can play Skyrim wherever you want and take it on your own adventures.”
It’s actually the first time that a Bethesda Game Studios title has appeared on a Nintendo console… ever. And it’s the publisher’s first major collobration with Nintendo since Where’s Waldo and Home Alone on the NES back in the early nineties.
“But what’s really exciting, for all of us at Bethesda, is to finally work with Nintendo. You look at all they’ve done for video games over the decades. They’ve brought so much innovation and fun to all of us and they’re doing it again. The Switch is classically Nintendo but also all new and we want to thank them for letting us be a part of it.”
When will we be able to play it?
But of course, in that moment Howard forgot to mention any kind of Skyrim Switch release date, leaving anyone looking for some dragon action on their shiny new console in the lurch.
Thankfully, Nintendo has our backs. On both the UK and US Nintendo store, The Elder Scrolls v: Skyrim is listed with a fall/autumn 2017 release date for the Switch. Phew, at least it’s definitely coming this year.
A more precise launch window than that isn’t currently available, but we imagine Bethesda may drop some more details at its big showcase at E3 2017 in June.
What version of Skyrim is the Switch getting?
Although Skyrim first launched back in 2011, Bethesda actually released an Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition in October 2016. Released on Xbox One and PS4, the Skyrim Special Edition was the original version of the fantasy RPG title but remastered in full HD. It also brought support for PC mods to PS4 and Xbox One too and included all previously released DLC for the game.
The question is now whether it’ll be the original Skyrim ported to the Switch or this newer, better looking Special Edition version. Obviously, we’re all hoping that its the latter, because we want all the stuff and the snazzier graphics. But, at the moment Bethesda isn’t letting on what version it’ll be.
In an interview with Polygon, Todd Howard wouldn’t be drawn on the topic, instead saying that he “can’t say” whether the original Skyrim or the 2016 remaster would be released on Switch. Although, it’s not looking likely that it’s the remaster at this point. On all the Nintendo websites and other retailers, the title is merely listed as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim without the Special Edition appendage.
Even in the Skyrim Switch site meta tags there’s no reference to this being the Special Edition and there’s no mention of the Special Edition trademark either. That means we’re probably most likely looking at a special port of the original 2011 Skyrim game.
Of course, it could well be that it’s neither of these existing versions. The Switch may get its very own version that comes with all the DLC but without the mod support. The Switch’s TV mode may well support the full 1080p HD resolution, but of course, tablet mode is limited to 720p HD.
What about Elder Scrolls 6?
With all this talk regarding the Skyrim Switch edition, there’s bound to be a bit of chatter on Elder Scrolls 6. If Skyrim is coming to the Switch, that may well mean that the next series entry – if it ever arrives – could well he heading to the Switch too.
Bethesda, as you’d expect, hasn’t given us even a little tease of Elder Scrolls 6 yet, but with the E3 2017 press conference looming, there’s plenty of time for some surprises.