5 Reasons Warframe is Perfect for the Nintendo Switch
Warframe is a third-person, co-op game where you get to play as a space ninja traversing the universe and battling enemies online. The game has been out and adored by fans since 2013, and on November 20 it will make its way to the Nintendo eShop. We had the chance to preview the game on the Nintendo Switch last month, and here’s why we think it’s well worth a download.
1) It’s free!
Since its initial release, Warframe has been free-to-play. As a triple-A title with hundreds of hours of gameplay and new content being released constantly, we’d say you’re getting a pretty great deal. The game does not have a paywall and features a non-invasive microtransaction system, so you can truly play this game for years and never spend a dime.
2) You can play online and side-by-side with friends
Warframe does not currently support split-screen or offline play, but the portability of the Switch will get you about as close as you can get to a couch co-op experience provided you have an internet connection. It shouldn’t take much convincing to get your friends to download the free game, and once you do you can post up anywhere and play online together side-by-side.
3) Both the performance and the visuals are impressive
A game this detailed and massive is bound to take a few performance hits when adapted to the Switch, but it still looks pretty damn good considering. It runs at 30 frames per second, and while the picture quality doesn’t match the clarity or speed of a more powerful console, the performance is still sturdy and visually appealing. The undocked Switch screen does require a bit of adjustment from your eyes given the small screen size and the chaotic nature of the game, but once you get used to the smaller display it’s a solid handheld experience.
4) You can be the ninja you’ve always dreamed of being
One of the main points of the game is to collect “frames,” or badass weapon systems that alter the gameplay with supernatural abilities, specific stats and varying weapons. There are 37 different frames to unlock, and they can be found either through grinding and story progression or through microtransactions. Each frame differs greatly from the other, meaning you have the overwhelming power to customize your gameplay to match your play style.
5) You don’t need Nintendo Online or Voice Chat
That’s right, you don’t need to have a subscription to the Nintendo Online service or download the voice chat app to play online or communicate with your team. You can plug a headset directly into your Switch and chat with your friends, and all you need is a basic internet connection to enjoy the game in its entirety.
***A preview key was provided by the publisher***