Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 has high input lag

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 has noticeably worse input lag than other platforms in competitive multiplayer, according to analysis by Digital Foundry (DF), as reported by IGN. It is the first Call of Duty on a Nintendo console since 2013’s Ghosts.

DF found that input lag on Switch 2 can be twice as long as on PS5 at 60fps. Its tests showed 81ms in docked mode and 100ms in portable mode, compared with 49.1ms on PS5. In portable mode, multiplayer ranged from 83ms at best to 125ms at worst. DF described this as “actually deleterious to performance.”

Frame rate and port details

In multiplayer, the Switch 2 version targets 60fps and, per DF, hits it most of the time. Some situations cause drops, including looking through the transparent visor of a riot shield. DF reports that Variable Refresh Rate support “helps smooth out” frame rate dips on supported displays, though portable mode performs worse.

The port was handled by Digital Legends with support from Infinity Ward. DF is generally happy with the result, according to IGN.

The campaign is a different case. It runs at 30fps, and IGN’s Simon Cardy found it smooth, at 4K while docked. He said textures are far less detailed than on other platforms, with flat surfaces and smoothed-over faces. Compared with PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X, he called it “quite a visual downgrade,” but said it still feels as snappy as the series usually does.

Why it matters

Call of Duty multiplayer is built around a steady 60fps, and IGN notes that every platform needs to hold at least that to keep the field level. Debate over PC players’ advantage against console players has followed the series since crossplay began. The DF figures suggest Switch 2 players in multiplayer respond later than players on other hardware, regardless of reaction speed.

The game exists on a Nintendo system because of Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While Microsoft faced regulatory hurdles, it committed to bringing Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms for 10 years after the merger. Then Xbox boss Phil Spencer said in December 2022: “Microsoft is committed to helping bring more games to more people — however they choose to play.”

For Nintendo-only players who have been without Call of Duty for over a decade, the campaign offers the most comfortable way to play. Those focused on competitive multiplayer face a measurable handicap.