Hogwarts Legacy’s Switch port loses open-world capabilities

The 'legacy' of Hogwarts Legacy is a complicated one, what with the Harry Potter author's vocal stance on the trans community, the game's association with her, and tempering the expectations of Potterheads who wouldn't accept anything less than a perfect tromp around Hogwarts.

And now, as Hogwarts Legacy comes to Switch, fans are worried that things can get worse yet - and it looks like they have. Hogwarts Legacy pitched itself as an open-world Harry Potter game, but now, it might've lost one of its biggest selling points. 

Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform. 

We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.

• UK:
  • Mermaids
  • Switchboard
• US:
  • The Trevor Project
  • Trans Lifeline

Hogwarts Legacy's open-world setting isn't quite an open world on Switch 

The open world of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade was always expected to take something of a downgrade hit in the game's port to the Nintendo Switch, what with the console's slimmer abilities in handling big games - but we didn't realise things could be as bad as they are.

Crossing the bridge into Hogsmeade produces a loading screen that isn't there in other versions, as well as offering loading screens between entering and leaving each shop in the area. Plus, Switch Up has pointed out that these load times take between 30 and 50 seconds to come to a close.

Even knowing what to expect from the Switch, critics have slammed Hogwarts Legacy as an embarrassing attempt for the port, and it's rubbed players even further in the wrong direction. There are hopes that these achingly long loading screens could be patched at a later date, but don't count on it.

Hogwarts Legacy's revealed footage was chosen carefully

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Before this news was revealed, Hogwarts Legacy's Switch port was exposed via a short video of the game's performance on the console. Here, many pointed out that its footage was carefully selected from a section of the game before its large open world is made available.

It's suggested that this was chosen very much on purpose after learning of the performance of the port at large. Hogwarts Legacy was on poor footing after its lack of nominations at The Game Awards, and now, it's faring even worse than ever. For all those involved, Hogwarts Legacy's year of fun seems to be over.