The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy: The Definitive Edition has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch, bringing three iconic open-world classics – Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas – to a handheld console. Having spent considerable time exploring Liberty City, Vice City, and the sprawling state of San Andreas on the Switch, I’m ready to share my experiences. This review dives into the gameplay, graphics, performance, and overall experience to help you decide if this collection is worth adding to your library.

The trilogy offers a nostalgic trip back to the formative years of the GTA franchise. Each game retains its unique charm and atmosphere, though updated with improved graphics and controls. The transition to the Switch’s handheld mode is seamless, allowing for portable crime sprees wherever you go. The inclusion of both single-player and multiplayer modes adds replayability. The updated visuals, while not a complete graphical overhaul, offer a noticeable improvement over the original releases. The updated control scheme is fairly intuitive, making navigating the games smoother than the original releases. However, there are still some quirks to adjust to.

Performance on the Switch is a mixed bag. While the games are playable, there are occasional frame rate dips, especially in densely populated areas. These drops are more noticeable in San Andreas, which is the largest of the three games. Load times, while not excessively long, could be faster. However, the ability to play these massive open-world games on a handheld is impressive, and the trade-off of slightly reduced performance is acceptable for portability. In docked mode, performance is generally better, but still not perfect. I found that using handheld mode for short bursts and docked mode for longer sessions provided the best balance.

Pros:

• Portability: Playing these classic titles on a handheld is a dream come true.
• Improved Graphics: While not perfect, the visual upgrades are welcome.
• Nostalgia Factor: A chance to revisit beloved games with updated controls.
• Single Player and Multiplayer: Offers varied gameplay experiences.

Cons:

• Performance Issues: Frame rate dips are present, particularly in San Andreas.
• Load Times: Could be faster.
• Some control quirks remain from the original games.

Despite some performance hiccups, the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy: The Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The convenience of playing these iconic games on the go outweighs the minor graphical and performance issues for me. The nostalgia factor alone is enough to make it a great addition to any Switch library. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates classic open-world games and the convenience of handheld gaming.