Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a blend of a remaster and remake of the 1999-released game by Now Production and Bandai Namco Entertainment for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. I’ve already reviewed the PC port including how it feels on Steam Deck. Read my review here. I own other Pac-Man releases on Nintendo Switch and I wanted to also cover how the newest Pac-Man release was on Nintendo’s hybrid system. For this Pac-Man World Re-Pac Switch review, I will cover the two performance settings on Nintendo Switch, comparisons with Steam Deck, and more.
In terms of game content, Pac-Man World Re-Pac on Switch is the same as other platforms. If you enjoyed the original game, Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a great blend of a remaster and remake that brings this classic to modern platforms. While the PC version obviously has PC-specific graphics and display settings, I was surprised to see the Nintendo Switch version include performance settings. Neither mode offers an optimal experience right now unfortunately.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac Switch performance settings – Resolution vs Performance mode
The official Pac-Man World Re-Pac website had the performance for the Switch version listed as up to 30fps with 720p handheld and 1080p docked. This applies to the resolution mode. In fact, these modes weren’t advertised at all. The first thing I noticed in the resolution mode is the frame pacing not being perfect. The 30fps target with bad frame pacing results in an experience that feels unstable despite it seemingly not dipping much from its frame rate target. Going into performance mode uncaps the frame rate to target 60fps with a drop in image quality. I’m not a fan of how this mode feels at all. The judder feeling is even worse here with the game barely managing feel smooth. I found the issue so distracting in performance mode, that I ended up swapping to resolution mode for most of my time with the game. I hope the developers can improve this, because it feels even worse than the bad performing parts of the Klonoa collection on Switch right now.
Barring the performance issues, Pac-Man World Re-Pac looks great on Switch. It definitely is a looker on the OLED display, and the addition of HD Rumble throughout definitely elevates the experience. I know the portable and hybrid nature of the Switch makes it an ideal way to experience Pac-Man World Re-Pac for many potential players, but these performance problems hold it back from being the definitive version of this release.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac Switch vs Steam Deck
When I initially planned on covering Pac-Man World Re-Pac on both Switch and Steam Deck, I figured it would just be a frame rate difference with the Switch version offering a better screen if you have an OLED mode. I didn’t think there would be the big caveat of the frame pacing making it hard to recommend in its current state unless you are ok playing with improper frame pacing. Inconsistent frame pacing can even make a game running at 60fps feel awful. Frame pacing is something that might not be noticeable to some, but it can be a dealbreaker to others.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac brings a classic to all current platforms with a fresh coat of paint and some added extras with a budget price. It is a great way to revisit a PS1 classic, but the frame pacing issues on Switch in both modes make it hard to recommend right now. You’re better off getting this on another platform unless you value portability above everything and can deal with the inconsistent performance. Having a great Switch version of SD Gundam Battle Alliance, a much more ambitious release, compared to other platforms makes this Switch version of Pac-Man World Re-Pac even more disappointing. I’d love to see this release lead to more classic games brought to modern systems, but I hope the Switch performance can be addressed in a potential future patch as a priority.
Switch port review: This Pac-Man World Re-Pac Switch review focusses on the Nintendo Switch version and port quality of the game that simultaneously launched on Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
