Dynasty Warriors Origins has made a successful transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, adding to the lineup of high-quality ports available for Nintendo’s versatile gaming system.
Being an early adopter of the Nintendo Switch 2, I have been closely monitoring the influx of ports arriving for the console. Initially, there was a shortage of dev kits around the launch last June, but now major game developers like Bethesda, Square Enix, and Koei Tecmo are eager to bring their recent hits to the Switch 2 platform.
One such example is Dynasty Warriors Origins. In my previous review of the PS5 version, I praised it as a much-needed reboot for the franchise with significant improvements. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition continues this trend, offering a more enjoyable experience of battling ancient Chinese enemies on the go.
The smooth performance of Dynasty Warriors Origins on the Nintendo Switch 2, especially in handheld mode, comes as no surprise considering Koei Tecmo’s involvement in last year’s Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. This latest installment in the Dynasty Warriors series maintains the franchise’s signature gameplay while also welcoming newcomers.
Despite capping the game at 30fps on the Nintendo Switch 2, Koei Tecmo has ensured stable gameplay, comparable to higher-powered consoles. This positions Dynasty Warriors Origins alongside other impressive third-party ports for the Switch 2, such as Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The game’s ability to handle a large number of on-screen enemies is commendable, offering a satisfying combat experience. While occasional pop-in may occur during intense battles, wielding various weapons feels impactful as you engage with numerous foes.
One minor drawback of picking up Dynasty Warriors Origins on the Nintendo Switch 2 is that the new DLC, Visions of the Four Heroes, will not be included at launch on January 22, 2026. However, with the base game offering hours of gameplay content, including skill tree progression and weapon upgrades, players will have plenty to keep them engaged.
Nearly a year after its initial review, Dynasty Warriors Origins continues to impress on the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering a gratifying hack-and-slash experience without compromising on the handheld platform.
While the absence of the latest DLC in the initial package may disappoint some, the overall gameplay experience remains engaging as players immerse themselves in the ancient battlefields depicted in Koei Tecmo’s latest port. This success raises hopes for potential future releases like the Nioh series making their way to the platform.
Dynasty Warriors Origins is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, January 22.