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Best Nintendo Switch Graphics Settings for MK1

How to make MK1 look less bad

Mortal Kombat 1, like its predecessors since Mortal Kombat 9, is a multiplatform game available for multiple gaming systems. However, the Nintendo Switch version was heavily criticized for its subpar graphics and overall look. The Switch version’s graphical performance is noticeably worse than that of the other version, so much so that it even became a meme.

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Mortal Kombat 1: Best Settings for Switch

The graphic performance for Mortal Kombat 1 on Nintendo Switch is already legendary bad. To improve the gameplay quality on Nintendo Switch, we would recommend playing it in the docked mode, with Vsync turned off. The docked mode will give more processing power and increase details. Vsync turned off will improve framerate, but it might cause screen tearing.

Resolution

The Switch version adjusts its resolution dynamically according to the load and the scene. The maximum resolution is 900p when docked and 720p when used handheld. However, during the more demanding scenes, the resolution may drop as low as 640p and 480p, respectively. This makes the game look fuzzy and pixelated, especially on bigger screens.

Animations

The characters’ movements and facial expressions are less natural and less realistic in the Switch version because there are fewer and simpler animations. Moreover, a number of animations are skipped or played slowly, including fatalities and cutscenes. Most of the memes related to Mortal Kombat on Switch were related to clunky animation and skipping some important parts.

Textures and Effects

The textures on the Switch version are of lower quality than in the other versions. As a result, the colors and features of the objects, stages, and characters become less vivid and distinct. Certain textures, such as shadows and blood splatters, are either incorrect or missing.

Additionally, comparing the Switch version to the other versions, it has fewer and weaker effects. The attacks, explosions, and interactions with the surroundings have a less dramatic and satisfying visual impact. A few effects are also distorted or nonexistent, including fire, smoke, and sparks.


The Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 suffers from a subpar graphic presentation due to much weaker hardware compared with other versions. For more related content, check out our articles about Best Kameo for Each Character in Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1).

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Nenad Grujić
My name is Nenad Grujić and I'm a Staff Writer at GameJournalist. I have decades of gaming and media under my belt, and decades of writing experience. I like to call myself "your favorite ace of all trades", although I specialize in writing, education, voice acting, video editing, and media content creation.