I never expected to fall this deep into Hogwarts Legacy on the Nintendo Switch. Honestly, when I first heard the game was coming to the Switch, I was a bit skeptical. I already knew how demanding this game was on next-gen consoles and powerful PCs. But as a long-time Nintendo fan, something inside me just had to try it on a handheld device. I grew up watching Harry Potter movies, dreaming that one day I could walk through the halls of Hogwarts, learn spells, tame magical creatures, and maybe, just maybe, fight something dark and mysterious. And this game promised exactly that.
The moment I launched the game on my Switch, that nostalgic spark hit me right in the chest. The intro music alone made me smile like a kid again. I wasn’t thinking about graphics, frame rates, or performance issues. All I cared about was the chance to live in the wizarding world… anywhere I wanted.
My First Magical Steps
Within minutes, I was creating my character. I spent longer on the character creation than I want to admit. Different hairstyles, facial features, outfits — I wanted my wizard to feel unique, like I was stepping into that world with my own identity. When the Sorting Ceremony began, I actually felt nervous. It wasn’t just about picking a house — it felt personal. I eventually ended up in Gryffindor, although the game gives gentle suggestions based on your answers.
Walking through Hogwarts for the first time on the Nintendo Switch felt almost surreal. The towering staircases, whispering portraits, floating candles — every hallway felt alive. Even though the Switch’s graphics aren’t as sharp, the art direction still carries a lot of magic. I kept stopping just to stare at walls, doors and corridors because of the level of detail the developers managed to keep intact.
Combat and Spellcasting
Once I finally entered combat training, things got serious. The first time I landed a perfect Protego block followed by a Stupefy counter, I felt like a real wizard. The Nintendo Switch version still manages to capture the core combat experience incredibly well. Dodge rolls, combo spells, heavy spells, crowd control — it requires timing and strategy. It’s not just button-mashing.
At one point, I found myself surrounded by goblins. My thumb was sweating on the analog stick as I dodged attacks, switched spells, and unleashed ancient magic. Taking down that group was one of the most satisfying moments of the entire gaming week.
Open World Exploration
Let’s talk about the open world. I wasn’t expecting such freedom on the Nintendo Switch. I mounted my broom and soared above the Hogwarts grounds. The wind sound, the angle of view, the shimmering sunlight — it genuinely made me feel like I was gliding. Sure, textures take an extra moment to load sometimes, but on a handheld system? It still felt incredible.
Flying across Hogsmeade was a whole different vibe. Crowded shops, NPC chatter, tiny details on signboards — it actually feels like a place where wizards live their normal lives, not just a static background.
Side Quests and Companions
Some of the quests really pulled me deeper emotionally than I expected. One side quest involving a missing student and a cursed chest had some genuinely unsettling vibes. Another quest, where you rescue magical beasts, made me weirdly protective over imaginary creatures.
And then there are the companions. Sebastian and Natty quickly became my favorites. Their stories, personalities, and dialogue add layers to the world. Sometimes, I forgot I was even reviewing the game — I was just talking to magical friends.
Performance on Nintendo Switch
Now, I won’t lie — there are limitations. You’ll notice lower textures compared to PS5 or PC. Shadows aren’t as sharp. Draw distance is reduced. Load times are longer. Sometimes, NPCs pop into existence.
But here’s the thing: none of it ruined the experience.
Because handheld magic hits different.
Playing Hogwarts Legacy in bed, on the couch, on a bus, or during a break — that freedom alone is priceless. I’ve never felt closer to the wizarding world than when it fits in the palm of my hands.
And honestly, the developers deserve respect for making such a dense game run on the Switch at all.
Authentication Feeling
One night, I played with headphones on and the lights off. It was just me, my wand, and the wandering corridors of Hogwarts. Every footstep echoed. Ghost NPCs whispered. Candles flickered around a dark forbidden hallway. My heart was beating like something or someone was about to jump out at me. The lighting and ambience on the Switch really surprised me.
At that moment, I thought: “This doesn’t feel like a port. It feels like I’m inside Hogwarts.”
Upgrading and Gear
I also became addicted to finding new magical outfits, gloves, cloaks, and hats. Dressing your character becomes a surprisingly important part of the journey. Some outfits made me look like a dark wizard. Others made me feel like a goofy student late for class. The variety is huge, even on the Switch.
Boss Encounters
Boss fights are where the game shines hardest. One ancient guardian fight in particular had me gripping my Switch tighter than usual. I kept dying, trying different spell combinations until I finally overcame it. When the boss crashed in defeat, I almost jumped up from my seat celebrating.
The game rewards patience and creativity.
