Civilization 7 hit the market earlier this year, and players are still delving into its various nuanced and complex game systems. Given the breadth and depth of Civilization 7, it can be expected to remain relevant for quite some time yet, as gamers keep peeling back its innumerable layers.
How exactly this long-standing legacy will crystallize is up for interpretation, of course, but there's reason to believe that Civilization 7 will be closely connected to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Civ 7 is already available on the original Switch, and while the portability and accessibility of this option is nice, there's also a prevailing sentiment that its performance and visuals aren't up to par with its PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions. This makes sense, of course: the Nintendo Switch packs considerably less power than its contemporaries, so it's a small miracle that Civ 7 is playable on the console in the first place. This dynamic could see a major change once the Switch 2 arrives, though, as the sequel device could actually be the best place to experience Civilization 7.
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Civilization 7 On the Switch 2 Could Be a Blend of Portability and Performance
The Switch 2 Will Have Better Performance—and a Mouse
Naturally, the most exciting high-level improvement from the Switch to the Switch 2 is a matter of power: the Switch 2 will be faster, stronger, and more feature-rich than its predecessor, capable of reaching higher resolutions and frames-per-second, while also allowing for more advanced VFX. This should help Civilization 7 be a smoother, prettier experience on the Switch 2, perhaps even approaching that of a current-gen Xbox or PlayStation.
This is nice, but the real reason why the Switch 2 might be the de-facto Civilization 7 platform is a more exciting one. The Switch 2's new Joy-Cons will feature mouse-like functionality, allowing players to glide the mini-controllers along any flat surface, approximating the experience of gaming on a PC with a keyboard and mouse. This will help Civilization 7 in obvious ways, as navigating its myriad menus and other interfaces will be a far more intuitive process. The arrival of these mouse-like features means that Civilization 7 could feel as good to play on the Switch 2 as on a desktop, which is something that can't be said about the other console ports of the game, even if platforms like the PS5 Pro are technically more capable than the Switch 2.
The Switch 2's Mouse Features Give It a Leg-Up Over Other Portable Consoles
The Switch 2 could offer a better Civilization 7 experience than its Sony and Microsoft competitors, but the device could even have an advantage over other handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. Indeed, while these other portable consoles may have touch-screen functionality that can elevate the experience of playing Civilization 7 on-the-go, the addition of the mouse feature still makes the Switch 2 considerably better. Assuming that Nintendo's upcoming console can approach something like the Steam Deck OLED in terms of fidelity and performance, it could very well be the best, most versatile way to experience Civ 7.
This is quite a change from the status quo during the first Switch's life cycle, where it was often considered among the worst options for third-party games. Even with its portability, which demonstrated Nintendo's foresight in this hardware space, the Switch's poor fledgling hardware specifications meant that games like Civ 6 were slower, uglier, and more awkward to play on the handheld when compared to a mid-level PC or current-gen Xbox or PlayStation. If the Switch 2 will indeed be the "best" place to play games like Civilization 7, audiences can expect even more strategy and city-management games on the new device, as developers feel galvanized to take advantage of its unique features.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
- Released
- February 11, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes - all platforms, restrictions apply
- Cross Save
- Yes, via 2K account
- Prequel(s)
- Sid Meier's Civilization 6
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Number of Players
- 1-8 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- Local Co-Op Support
- No
- How Long To Beat
- 14 hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
