Portal Companion Collection Score: Switch Port Quality
The Portal Companion Collection brings two of Valve’s most beloved puzzle-platformers, Portal (2007) and Portal 2 (2011), to the Nintendo Switch. As a pair of games that revolutionized narrative-driven puzzle mechanics, their arrival on a handheld console is a significant moment for fans and newcomers alike. But how well do these classics hold up on Nintendo’s hybrid system? This review examines the quality of the Switch port, evaluating performance, controls, and overall experience.
Performance and Visuals
One of the biggest concerns when porting older games to modern hardware is whether they retain their original charm while adapting to new technology. Fortunately, Portal Companion Collection delivers a smooth and visually faithful experience on the Switch.
- Resolution and Frame Rate: Both games target 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, maintaining a stable 60 FPS. Given the simplicity of the Source engine’s visuals, this performance is expected but still appreciated. The absence of major frame drops ensures that precision-based puzzles remain enjoyable.
- Art Style and Textures: The minimalist, sterile aesthetic of Aperture Science translates well to the Switch’s screen. Textures are crisp, though some environmental details appear slightly softer compared to the PC versions. The art direction’s timeless quality means the games don’t feel dated.
- Load Times: Loading screens are brief, though slightly longer than on modern PCs. Given the Switch’s hardware limitations, this is a minor trade-off.
Controls and Gameplay
The Portal games were originally designed for keyboard and mouse, raising questions about how well their physics-based puzzles would translate to a controller.
- Controller Adaptation: The Switch’s Joy-Cons and Pro Controller handle the games surprisingly well. Aiming with analog sticks is smooth, and the gyro-assisted controls (optional) add precision for portal placement. Valve clearly optimized the controls for console play, as seen in previous console releases.
- Button Layout: The default mapping is intuitive, with portal firing assigned to the shoulder buttons and movement to the left stick. Players can remap controls if desired, a welcome feature for accessibility.
- Handheld vs. Docked: The experience is equally enjoyable in both modes. Handheld play benefits from the Switch’s portability, while docked mode offers a more immersive experience on a larger screen.
Content and Extras
The Companion Collection includes both base games and all previously released DLC, such as Portal 2’s co-op campaign.
- Single-Player Campaigns: Portal’s concise, darkly humorous story and Portal 2’s expanded narrative with Wheatley and GLaDOS remain masterclasses in game writing. The puzzles are as clever and satisfying as ever.
- Co-Op Mode: The two-player cooperative campaign in Portal 2 is fully intact, supporting local and online play. The Switch’s versatility makes it easy to team up with a friend using Joy-Cons or separate controllers.
- Bonus Features: While there are no exclusive additions, having both games in one package is a major convenience. The inclusion of developer commentary (from the original PC releases) is a nice touch for longtime fans.
Potential Drawbacks
No port is perfect, and the Portal Companion Collection has minor flaws:
- No Cross-Play: Online co-op is limited to Switch players, which may disappoint those hoping to play with friends on other platforms.
- Minor Input Lag: In rare cases, gyro controls exhibit slight latency, though this doesn’t significantly impact gameplay.
- Price Consideration: While the bundle is reasonably priced, those who already own the games on other platforms may hesitate to repurchase them unless portability is a priority.
Final Verdict
The Portal Companion Collection is an excellent Switch port that preserves the magic of the originals while making them accessible on the go. The performance is solid, the controls are well-adapted, and the inclusion of both games with all DLC offers great value. Whether you’re revisiting Aperture Science or stepping into a portal for the first time, this collection is a must-have for puzzle enthusiasts and Switch owners alike.
Score: 9/10 – A near-perfect adaptation of two classics, proving that great game design stands the test of time.
