In case you missed it, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is now available on both the Nintendo Switch and the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2.
As announced earlier this week, remaster specialists Aspyr have partnered with Crystal Dynamics to bring the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot to Switch consoles — and in true shadow-drop fashion, it arrived without warning. Even better, it’s fantastic.
The 2013 reboot remains one of the best video game reimaginings of all time. While the classic era will always hold a special place in my heart for introducing one of gaming’s most iconic heroines, the Survivor Trilogy deserves far more appreciation than it often gets.
The Lara Croft we meet in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is courageous, intelligent, and adventurous, yet still inexperienced and emotionally untested. By the end, she emerges stronger, wiser, and ready to embrace her destiny as the fearless explorer fans know and love.
While I have mixed feelings about Lara’s portrayal in Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the 2013 reboot ends on a perfect note — setting up her hunger for adventure and connecting beautifully to her classic roots. It’s easily the strongest entry in the trilogy, and seeing Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics bring it to both Switch systems is a real treat.
After spending a few days with it, the Switch version holds up impressively well.
Excellent performance on both consoles
On the Switch 2, the game runs at a stable 60FPS in both docked and handheld modes, with upscaled 4K resolution when docked and 1080p on the go. Considering the game’s age and original hardware, that’s exactly what players would hope for.
Performance on the original Switch is understandably toned down. Visuals are less detailed, but the game still maintains a steady 30FPS through most of the experience. Some sharper-eyed fans have noted that textures and lighting on the Switch 2 feel slightly reduced compared to the PS4 version — especially around shadows and Lara’s hair rendering — but it’s hardly a dealbreaker.
Thoughtful new features
Aspyr has added several clever Switch-specific features that make this edition stand out. Gyro aiming allows players to tilt the controller (or console, when handheld) for more precise shots. Touchscreen controls make navigating menus and the HUD smooth and tactile. There’s even the surprising addition of mouse-like camera movement for finer control — something rarely seen on consoles, but very welcome.
In an unexpected but appreciated move, Aspyr also kept the online multiplayer intact. While Tomb Raider’s PvP never became a hit, its inclusion feels generous and complete, especially since many remasters drop multiplayer entirely (looking at you, Modern Warfare 2 and Mass Effect Legendary Edition). The servers might be quiet now, but it’s a fun option to keep around — and perfect for a Switch LAN night with a few friends.
Final thoughts
Aspyr’s work on Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for both Switch consoles is impressive. The game now sits comfortably alongside the recently remastered classic collections, rounding out Lara Croft’s legacy on Nintendo’s hardware. At a retail price of £17, it’s an absolute bargain for one of the best action-adventure games of the 2010s.
Hopefully, this release paves the way for Rise and Shadow to join it on the platform. And if Aspyr is secretly working on remasters of the Legend trilogy, that would make longtime fans very happy indeed.
