The Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim received a significant performance update on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, introducing a 60 frames-per-second (FPS) mode, Bethesda announced.
The update, version 1.2, addresses complaints of input lag and choppy framerates that plagued the game’s surprise release on the Switch 2 in December 2025. Players now have the option to prioritize either visual fidelity with a locked 30 FPS, or performance with the fresh 60 FPS mode. According to Bethesda’s patch notes, performance has as well been improved in specific areas, including the Talking Stone giant camp and during combat at Secunda’s Kiss.
The initial launch of Skyrim on the Switch 2, a 15-year-old title, was met with criticism regarding its technical performance. TheGamer reported that the game’s age exacerbated the issues, leading to widespread player dissatisfaction. While the Switch 2 is capable of running more recent, graphically demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at approximately 40 FPS, the initial Skyrim port struggled to deliver a smooth experience.
The 1.2 update also includes fixes for visual bugs, such as issues with water rendering at a distance or while navigating menus. Kotaku noted that Bethesda has dedicated sections of the patch notes to addressing both performance and visual improvements. However, the patch notes do not explicitly mention a fix for the input lag reported by many players at launch, raising questions about whether that issue remains unresolved.
Despite the ongoing concerns, the update represents a commitment from Bethesda to address problems with the Switch 2 port. As of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Bethesda has not responded to requests for comment regarding the unaddressed input lag or future planned updates.
