Hi Everyone!
So good news for the Switch owners out there. The time has finally come where it is possible to have a relatively fully functioning version of ShmupArch on the Nintendo Switch. I am working toward trying to get it all put together by the end of this week or so. Just a heads up, in order for ShmupArch to run on a Switch, you will need to exploit your switch with custom firmware. I am going to put together a guide to make this process as streamlined as possible, but for those who are weary about this sort of thing, I just wanted to let you know.
Now some quick disclaimers about how ShmupArch functions on the Switch. The first thing is that, since the Switch doesn't have an extremely strong CPU, it is limited to being able to run 1 frame of Run-Ahead. This means that, unfortunately, no shmups that I have tested were able to achieve 1 frame of input lag on the Switch. As compared to the PC version, where one frame of input lag is possible with all compatible shmups. On the bright side though, all of the early CAVE shmups are able to run with just 2 frames of input lag, which isn't shabby at all (basically the same amount of lag as shmupmame). Also, again due to the weak CPU, certain shmups, such as Strikers 1945 II, cannot run at full speed. Overall though, I would say that most shmups that run on the PC version also run at full speed no problem on the Switch version.
In general, I view and use my Switch as a handheld, which is why this is very exciting for me personally. For those who don't have an interest in the Switch's handheld use, and also own a moderately powerful PC, I would say stick with the PC version as it is superior. However, for those who do not have a gaming PC, or like to use the Switch as a handheld, this release should open up a ton of awesome opportunities. It's a really surreal feeling to be sitting at a park playing Ketsui on your switch.
As you all know, the Switch left joycon is really lame and does not have a normal d-pad. Playing with the standard joycon in handheld mode is a joke. The analog stick is ok, but it is not going to cut it in the long run. That is why, when you do get ShmupArch loaded on your switch, I recommend buying this joycon from Hori.
The D-pad is excellent and very similar to the one on the fighting commander 4. Apparently Target now carries this joycon in a Legend of Zelda edition, but I believe it is the same as the blue one, functionally. Anyway, I will keep you all posted on how things are going. Sadly I am not able to carry over the config from the PC version (because of all the changes that need to be made) so it's going to be at least a week before this is ready.
Cheers!
