Arceus Frame Rate Explored Amid Graphics Issue
Christopher Duran
Updated on April 01, 2026
Despite Nintendo’s latest chapter of pocket monsters, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, receiving largely positive reviews, some fans of the franchise are not too happy with the quality of graphics.
In light of these issues, we reveal fans’ opinions on the matter and explore the frame rate the game is working with on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus will be set within an ancient expanse of the Sinnoh region, where your task will be to “survey, catch, and research the wild Pokemon of the long-gone era” and complete the Pokedex at hand with a handful of new mechanics to set this game apart from the classics.
- More: Pokemon Legends Arceus Hisuian Typlosion, Samurott, Decidueye Stats
Fans Are Not Happy with the Graphics
The gaming community was quick to point out the flaws in the game’s graphics, even from the promotional material released prior to launch day.
Now that Arceus’ day has arrived, reports on the graphics don’t get much better and players are reminiscing over the higher quality visuals from New Pokemon Snap:
what really worries me with legends arceus is the graphics like new pokemon snap wasn't developed by game freak and it shows
just look at the difference, don't get me wrong I'm hyped for this game but I feel like gf could have worked more on the visuals
— Lynel64 (@Lynel64) January 22, 2022
Another fan shared their opinion on how they thought they were playing a Roblox game initially:
Hopefully Pokemon Legends of Arceus is fun because it looks awful. Pokemon fans are probably gonna say "bad graphics do not matter as long as the game is fun" but dear God, I thought I was looking at a Roblox game when I saw this
— DoodleGoon (@DoodleGoon) January 27, 2022
Additionally, PoryLeeks stated that Arceus’ weak points were its lighting and texture:
Pokémon Legends Arceus is an Amazing game. The big downside is the graphics. The lighting and texture work specifically are pain points. Specifically caves and water, there are weird white edges that appear like an outline due to lighting oddities. It’s distracting.
— PoryLeeks (@pory_leeks) January 24, 2022
Pokemon Legends: Arceus Frame Rate Explored
Pokemon Legends: Arceus, like most Pokemon games from Nintendo and Game Freak, operates at 30 FPS on the Nintendo Switch.
One of the biggest issues regarding graphics stems from the game’s habit of failing to maintain its frame rate throughout gameplay, resulting in choppy visuals and general lagging.
Gamers know what the Switch can handle – referring to its ability to run The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild smoothly – which has left some members of the Pokemon fandom believing that this could be an artistic choice on Game Freak’s part or a necessary sacrifice to allow other areas to perform better.
- More: How to Hunt Shiny Pokemon With Mass Outbreaks in Legends Arceus
Bad Graphics Don’t Always Affect the Experience
Positivity still remains within the Pokemon community, however, as some fans are happy to admit that the graphics are not the best but refuse to let it ruin their experience with the foundations Arceus has built.
Pokemon Legends Arceus might not have the best graphics, but it's a step up from Pokemon SW/SH & a good foundation for single-player focused Pokemon games going forward. The more I watch the recent overview trailer, the more excited I get about the "Legends" brand's future.
— OJ – PlayerEssence (@PlayerEssence) January 14, 2022
Another fan had to share this screenshot just to support the game’s graphics:
Finally, another excited fan shared an uplifting post before the launch of the game, wishing for the fandom to focus more on substance:
13 days before the release of Pokemon Legends Arceus! So excited about this. Have stayed away from all leaks and I really don't care about people complaining about graphics. The Switch isnt made for graphics. Deal with it. This is something new and exciting #PokemonLegendsArceus
— Kev 👑🔥- Masters 8 HYPE! (@KevAnipoke) January 15, 2022
By Jo Craig – [email protected]
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is now available worldwide.
