It is weird to think that a game originally squeezed onto a tiny 3DS cartridge in 2012 is still one of the best horror experiences you can get on a modern console. But here we are. Resident Evil Revelations for Switch isn't just a lazy port of a decade-old handheld title; it’s arguably the definitive way to play the game that saved the franchise from its mid-2010s identity crisis.
Most people forget how messy Resident Evil was back then. Resident Evil 6 had just turned the series into a bloated, Michael Bay-style action flick that nobody really asked for. Then came Revelations. It brought back the tight corridors, the genuine dread, and a sense of vulnerability that had been missing for years. Playing it on the Switch today feels like a homecoming. The Joy-Cons might be small, but the tension is massive.
The Queen Zenobia is still the best setting in years
Forget the sprawling cities or the generic secret labs for a second. The Queen Zenobia—the ghost ship where most of the game takes place—is a masterclass in level design. It's claustrophobic. It's damp. You can practically smell the salt and the rot through the screen. Because the game was built for the 3DS, the environments are smaller and more focused. On the Switch, this translates to incredibly sharp textures and a rock-solid frame rate that makes the ship feel even more oppressive.
Jill Valentine is at the center of this mess. She’s looking for Chris Redfield, who apparently went missing while investigating the terrorist group Veltro. The story is told in an episodic format, complete with "Previously on Resident Evil Revelations" recaps. It’s a bit cheesy, sure. But it works perfectly for the Switch. You can knock out a "chapter" during a twenty-minute bus ride and feel like you’ve actually accomplished something.
Honestly, the atmosphere holds up better than some modern AAA horror games. The way the ship creaks, the flickering lights in the luxury cabins, and the sudden squelch of an Ooze monster crawling out of a vent—it’s classic survival horror. The Ooze are creepy. They aren't just zombies; they’re bloated, grey, water-logged mutations that move in unpredictable, jerky patterns. Aiming for their limbs is a nightmare, especially when you’re low on ammo.
Switch-specific features: More than just a gimmick
Nintendo fans usually get the short end of the stick when it comes to third-party ports. Usually, we're talking about lower resolutions or chugging frame rates. But Resident Evil Revelations for Switch is a rare exception where the Nintendo version actually adds meaningful features the PS4 and Xbox One versions lack.
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The motion controls are a game-changer. I know, I know—"motion controls" usually sounds like a dirty word. But here? It’s basically the same tech used in Splatoon or Breath of the Wild. You use the right Joy-Con to fine-tune your aim. It makes popping the head off an Ooze or a Scagdead infinitely more satisfying. If you're playing in handheld mode, you can even use the touchscreen to manage your inventory or solve the occasional hacking puzzle. It’s intuitive. It feels right.
The amiibo secret nobody mentions
If you happen to have a shelf full of amiibo, you can actually use them here. Scanning any Resident Evil-themed amiibo (like the ones from the Super Smash Bros. line) or even random ones like Mario or Link will net you extra BP or ammo. It’s not game-breaking, but when you’re playing on "Infernal" difficulty and you’re down to your last handgun bullet, scanning a plastic figurine to get a green herb feels like a literal lifesaver.
Raid Mode is the real reason you'll stay
The campaign is great, but Raid Mode is the "one more turn" hook that keeps people playing for hundreds of hours. If you haven't tried it, it’s basically an RPG-lite version of the main game. You pick a character, level them up, unlock weapon parts, and blast through stages filled with enemies that have health bars and special buffs.
On the Switch, Raid Mode supports local wireless play. This is huge. You and a friend can sit in the same room, each with your own Switch, and grind through stages together without dealing with Nintendo’s occasionally spotty online infrastructure. The Switch version also includes all the previously released DLC characters—like Lady HUNK and Rachael Ooze—right out of the box. You don't have to pay extra for the "complete" experience.
Weapon customization depth
The customization in Raid Mode is surprisingly deep. You aren't just looking for a "better gun." You're looking for a specific "Short Range" or "Sonic Assist" variant of a shotgun that you can then slot with parts like:
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- Damage 5: Raw power increase.
- Fire Rate 4: Because the Ooze move faster than you think.
- Daze: To keep the big guys stunned while you reload.
- Grenade Launcher: A rare part that lets you fire sub-weapons from your gun.
It’s a loot-driven grind that feels more like Diablo than Resident Evil, and it is addictive. The Switch handles the chaos of Raid Mode beautifully. Even when the screen is crawling with Hunters and Scagdeads, the game stays fluid.
Where the game shows its age
It’s not all perfect. Let's be real. While the character models for Jill and Chris look fantastic, some of the secondary characters—looking at you, Quint and Keith—look like they were carved out of wet clay. The "comic relief" duo feels like they’re from a completely different, much worse game. Their segments break the tension in a way that’s more annoying than refreshing.
The "Genesis" scanner is also a bit of a polarizing mechanic. To get enough herbs to survive, you basically have to walk into every room and scan the floor and walls for hidden items. It slows the pace down. For some, it adds to the "investigative" feel of being a BSAA agent. For others, it’s a tedious chore that gets old by the third chapter.
Also, the map. The 3D map system is a bit of a headache to navigate. It was designed for a dual-screen handheld where it could sit on the bottom screen at all times. On the Switch, you have to toggle it, and it’s not always clear which floor you’re actually looking at.
Performance: Docked vs. Handheld
In docked mode, Resident Evil Revelations for Switch runs at 1080p. It looks crisp. In handheld, it drops to 720p, but because the screen is smaller, the pixel density makes it look even sharper than it does on a big TV. The framerate targets 60fps, though it can dip slightly during heavy combat encounters. It’s still miles ahead of the original 3DS version’s 30fps (or less).
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Comparing this to the Resident Evil Revelations 2 port on Switch, the first game actually runs better. The sequel is much more demanding and suffers from longer load times and more frequent frame drops. If you’re choosing between the two for a smooth portable experience, the first Revelations is the winner.
The technical reality of Capcom's MT Framework
The game runs on Capcom's "MT Framework" engine. This is the same engine that powered Monster Hunter World (in its early stages) and Devil May Cry 4. It’s incredibly scalable. This is why the game looks so good on Switch—the engine was designed to squeeze every ounce of power out of whatever hardware it's on. The lighting effects, particularly the way your flashlight cuts through the darkness of the ship's bilge, are still impressive today.
Why you should play it now
With the recent Resident Evil remakes (2, 3, and 4) moving toward a more cinematic, over-the-shoulder action style, Revelations feels like a bridge between the old-school tank controls and the modern era. It’s the last time the series felt truly "contained."
It’s also cheap. You can usually find it on the Nintendo eShop for under $20, and it goes on sale frequently for as low as $7.99. For that price, you're getting a 10-hour horror campaign and a Raid Mode that can easily eat 50+ hours of your life.
Actionable Steps for New Players
If you're picking up the game for the first time on Switch, here is how to get the most out of it:
- Turn on Gyro Aiming immediately. Go into the settings and enable motion controls. It takes about 15 minutes to get used to, but once you do, you’ll never go back to using just the analog sticks.
- Scan everything with the Genesis. Every time you enter a new room, pull out the scanner. Finding those hidden herbs is the difference between surviving a boss fight and seeing the "You Are Dead" screen five times in a row.
- Save your BP in Raid Mode. Don't spend all your Battle Points on low-level weapons. Save them for the "Store" refreshes that happen after you clear a few stages. You’ll occasionally find "named" weapons that are much more powerful.
- Play with headphones. The sound design is half the experience. Hearing a grunt from behind you through your headphones is way more effective than listening through the Switch's tiny speakers.
- Check the "Events" tab. Capcom still occasionally runs online events for Raid Mode where you can earn rare weapon parts just by participating.
This port proves that a good game doesn't need 4K textures or ray tracing to be terrifying. It just needs a good atmosphere and a solid gameplay loop. Whether you’re playing on a plane or docked at home, this is one of the most cohesive horror experiences on the platform.