Having spent countless hours battling it out on the virtual pitch with FIFA 23 (FIFA23NS) on my Nintendo Switch, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This iteration brings a lot to the table, especially the inclusion of both men’s and women’s World Cups, a feature that significantly enhances the game’s overall appeal. But does it hold up to the pressure on Nintendo’s handheld hybrid?

FIFA 23 on the Switch boasts a surprisingly comprehensive feature set, considering the console’s limitations. The inclusion of both the men’s and women’s World Cups is a major highlight, providing hours of engaging gameplay. The addition of women’s club teams – Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema – is a significant step forward for inclusivity in gaming. Cross-play within the same platform generation is a welcome addition, allowing for more convenient multiplayer matches with friends. While the graphics aren’t as polished as their console counterparts, the gameplay remains smooth and enjoyable.

Performance-wise, FIFA 23 on the Switch is a mixed bag. While the gameplay is generally fluid and responsive, there are noticeable dips in frame rate during intense moments, especially in matches with a large number of players on screen. Loading times can also be a bit lengthy. The graphics, while not bad for a handheld, are understandably less detailed than on more powerful consoles. However, the game remains playable and fun, even with these compromises. The visuals still manage to capture the atmosphere of the game well, and the core gameplay loop remains satisfying.

I tested the game extensively in both handheld and docked modes. The handheld mode provided a convenient way to play on the go but with the performance trade-offs mentioned above. Docked mode offered slightly improved performance, but it didn’t eliminate all the occasional slowdowns. The difference wasn’t drastic enough to warrant a preference of one over the other for me, it simply comes down to personal preference.

Pros:

• Inclusion of both men’s and women’s World Cups
• Addition of women’s club teams
• Cross-play functionality within the same generation
• Portable gameplay
• Satisfying core gameplay

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate drops
• Longer loading times compared to other platforms
• Less detailed graphics than other console versions

Overall, FIFA 23 (FIFA23NS) on the Nintendo Switch is a solid addition to the FIFA franchise. While it makes compromises in graphics and performance compared to its counterparts on more powerful consoles, it delivers a fun and engaging football experience, especially for those who appreciate the convenience of handheld play. The inclusion of both the men’s and women’s World Cups, along with the women’s club teams, makes this version a compelling option. If you’re a die-hard FIFA fan and don’t mind some visual compromises, FIFA 23 on the Switch is definitely worth considering. I would recommend it with the caveat of understanding the performance limitations. It’s not the *best* FIFA 23 experience, but it’s a perfectly enjoyable one for the portable gamer.