Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 Plagued by Input Lag, Putting Players at a 'Competitive Disadvantage'

If you're diving into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2, be warned: you'll be at a disadvantage in competitive multiplayer due to severe input lag that's significantly worse than on other platforms. Digital Foundry's analysis of the Switch 2 version of Modern Warfare 4 — the first Call of Duty on a Nintendo console since 2013's Ghosts — found that input lag on Switch 2 can be twice as long as on PS5 at 60fps.

In competitive multiplayer, Switch 2 targets 60fps and, according to DF, hits that mark most of the time (though some elements, like looking through the transparent visor of a riot shield, can cause frame rate drops). Call of Duty multiplayer prides itself on rock-solid 60fps gameplay, providing a smooth, responsive experience for those who care about their K/D ratio in modes like 6v6. It's crucial that all platforms offer at least 60fps to ensure a level playing field for multiplayer fans — although the debate about PC players' advantage over console has dogged Call of Duty since crossplay began.

DF reports that Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support "helps smooth out" framerate drops on supported displays, though performance is tougher in portable mode. And then there's responsiveness. DF's tests show 81ms in docked mode and 100ms in portable mode, the latter double the PS5's 49.1ms. In fact, DF found that multiplayer in portable mode ranged from 83ms at best to 125ms at worst. DF called this "actually deleterious to performance."

DF seems generally happy with the Switch 2 version, which was handled by port specialist Digital Legends with support from Infinity Ward. But if you're into multiplayer, the inescapable fact is you're at a disadvantage. No matter how fast your trigger finger, the Switch 2 will take longer to respond.

Outside of multiplayer, it's a different story. The campaign runs at 30fps, which was good enough for IGN's Simon Cardy when he played the Switch 2 version of Modern Warfare 4. "Granted, the textures are nowhere near as detailed, with flat surfaces and faces smoothed over to give the impression of plasticine versions of the campaign's characters," he said. "It's by no means a looker, but considering the reduced horsepower Nintendo's latest console is working with, the gameplay itself was smooth, running at 30fps at 4K while docked."

"Yes, it's quite a visual downgrade when compared to the likes of PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, but that comes with the territory," he continued. "And if you're solely a Nintendo owner who's been locked out of Call of Duty for over a decade, you're getting a version of Modern Warfare 4 that feels every bit as snappy as the series usually is, even if it's a bit muddier than Nintendo's own crisp visuals."

Why is Call of Duty releasing on a Nintendo console now, 14 years after the last time? It has to do with Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Back when Microsoft was facing regulatory hurdles, one announcement designed to help convince the powers that be to green light the buyout was a 10-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo following the merger. "Microsoft is committed to helping bring more games to more people — however they choose to play," then Xbox boss Phil Spencer said in December 2022. Four years later, with the Activision Blizzard buyout done and dusted, Call of Duty is on Switch 2.

We've got an in-progress Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Walkthrough to help you through the campaign missions, plus All Collectible Note Locations, and all the Code Solutions you'll need to open every keypad and container. For multiplayer, check out How to Level Up Fast in MW4 and our Essential Multiplayer Tips and Tricks alongside the Best MW4 Settings we recommend you use. DMZ is back, so we've got a handy DMZ Beginner's Guide, too.