Should You Play NieR Automata on the Switch, Xbox, PS4, or PC

A game as popular as NieR Automata, of course, has several different ways for people to enjoy it. So, of all the available ways to play NieR Automata, which version is the best for you?

NieR Automata editions explained

NieR Automata initially launched on the PS4 and PC back in 2017. A year later, an Xbox One port was released with DLC included. Finally, in 2022, a Switch version came out with further DLC bundled. All versions are still currently available on digital storefronts.

The PS4 and PC are now known as the NieR Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition. This is the standard way to buy the game now and includes the 3C3C1D119440927 DLC in addition to the respective pre-order costumes and cosmetics for each platform. The Xbox One version of the game is known as the NieR Automata BECOME AS GODS Edition. It includes everything from the Game of the YoRHa Edition in addition to upgraded resolution.

The Nintendo Switch release goes by the name NieR Automata The End of YoRHa Edition. Once again, it includes all previous DLC and cosmetics. However, the Switch also offers the exclusive “6C2P4A118680823” DLC. It is mostly additional cosmetics, but it is also free on the eshop.

Which version of NieR Automata is the best?

While it’s a little confusing dealing with all the different names, there really isn’t a single definitive version of NieR Automata. It all comes down to what you value when you’re playing. Let’s start by talking about content. PC, PS4, and Xbox One, more or less, contain the same content.

There are a couple of smaller cosmetics, such as the “Valve Character Accessory” exclusive to Steam, that are platform-specific, but these are very minor. However, the Switch release has an entire additional costume and cosmetic DLC featuring six costumes, four accessories, and two pod skins. Therefore, if you’re looking for the most content, then Switch is gonna take the win. But what about performance?

Switch runs the game at 30 frames per second at a 1080p resolution. This seems to be a fairly stable 30, although there are many who feel 30 frames just doesn’t cut it for a game like this. The PS4 and Xbox One version runs at 60fps but have dropped to around 50fps. However, the Xbox One version features a much higher resolution, exporting at 4K compared to the PS4 versions, which are 1080p (900p if on a base model PS4).

Meanwhile, the PC release is all over the place. It was not a particularly optimized release, and as such, the performance can vary drastically, even on high-end systems. However, with tweaking and the right setup, the game can easily perform 60fps with higher resolutions on a PC.

So, as far as performance goes, I’d look at the Xbox One version or the PC release. However, the only difference on PS4 is that resolution dip. If that’s not a huge deal to you, it’s a totally fine option.

NieR Automata is currently available on the Switch, Xbox, PS4, and PC.