Pikmin 4 tech analysis, including frame rate and resolution

Following the recent launch of Pikmin 4 on Switch, Digital Foundry is taking a closer look at the technical side of the game by examining points like frame rate and resolution. Overall, this appears to be a big step forward for the series.

Here’s the full roundup of notable tidbits:

– Made with Unreal Engine
– Dynamic 900p resolution when docked
– Mostly rests at the 1440×810 mark in outdoor areas
– Engine hits 900p at peak once you enter the less taxing sub-levels
– Pikmin 4 resolution in portable mode is dynamic 720p
– Most typically at 600p
– Uses anti-aliasing for the first time in the series
– Much improved depth of field effect
– Chromatic aberration added to the screen’s edges to create the effect of an older film lens
– Game has some pixel shimmer aliasing and visual noise
– Geometry detail of Pikmin is boosted
– Lighting on their material gets an overaul with Unreal
– New decorative elements for this game like falling petals
– Lighting and geometry a huge step overall
– Boosted resolution textures for grass, rock, and brick
– Pikmin 4 frame rate is a locked 30FPS throughout
– This applies for both docked and portable modes
– Some minor single frame dips / small hiccups as you pan the camera around the garden
– Also drops momentarily when transparent elements fill the screen
– Biggest leap forward for the series from a visual standpoint

You can check out the full Pikmin 4 tech analysis covering the frame rate, resolution, and more below.

Pikmin 4 is out now on Switch. You can also find a tech analysis for Pikmin 1 + 2 here.