Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition review on Nintendo Switch 2: a strong remake with compromises

Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition releases on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16, 2026. The edition includes Capcom’s remake and the Separate Ways expansion at no extra cost.

In docked mode, the game delivers detailed lighting, a dark atmosphere and minimal cuts compared with other versions. The review describes it as the game’s strongest technical edition.

Revised story and combat system

The remake follows Leon Kennedy as he attempts to rescue the president’s daughter, Ashley, from the Los Illuminados cult. Its narrative is more closely connected to the wider series, expanding Leon’s past and the roles of Luis and Ashley, while Separate Ways substantially develops Ada’s side of the story.

Leon can now move while shooting, and his knife can parry close-range attacks. Survival also depends on conserving ammunition and combining enemy stuns with melee strikes. Ashley’s escort sections remain a major weakness, as she frequently puts herself in danger.

Notable changes include an expanded lake area with a boat, caves, treasures and shortcuts, along with a hedge labyrinth in the castle gardens. Some original sequences were removed, but the review treats those cuts as streamlining rather than a major loss.

Handheld mode compromises

In handheld mode, the opening third looks weaker because of its lower resolution, while character models are less detailed. Frame skips occur when moving between areas, and large groups of enemies can render at a lower frame rate.

These issues do not obstruct play, and the reviewer noticed no meaningful input lag apart from a few early micro-stutters. HDR is recommended for docked play: the Nintendo Switch 2’s handheld screen remains very dark even at maximum brightness.

The review recommends the remake to newcomers, although the original had a lighter and more sarcastic tone. Its improved controls and stronger survival-horror atmosphere outweigh the cuts, making it a strong version of the classic on Nintendo Switch 2.