I remember the first time I witnessed "Leila Mania" sweep through our local football community nearly twenty-five years ago. That electric atmosphere, where an entire nation suddenly awakened to football's magic, reminds me why I still get excited about new football game releases today. When Konami announced Pro Evolution Soccer for Nintendo Switch back in 2017, I was among those who pre-ordered immediately, dreaming of playing authentic football matches anywhere I wanted. Six years later, with the gaming landscape dramatically transformed, the question remains: does PES on Switch still deserve your money in 2023?
Let me be perfectly honest from the start - I've spent approximately 87 hours with PES on my Switch since its release, and my relationship with this game has been complicated. The initial excitement of playing what felt like proper football on a handheld device was genuine. The core gameplay mechanics, particularly the fluid passing and shooting systems, remain superior to many competitors even today. There's a certain satisfaction in building up play patiently, working the ball through midfield, and unleashing a perfectly timed shot that still feels incredible on the Switch's hardware. The Master League mode, while showing its age, offers depth that modern football games often sacrifice for accessibility. I've personally sunk 45 hours into managing my custom team through multiple seasons, and the emotional attachment I developed to my virtual squad felt remarkably genuine.
However, the cracks begin to show rather quickly. The version available on Switch is essentially the same game released in 2017 with minimal updates. While other platforms received significant enhancements and eventually evolved into eFootball, Switch players were left with what now feels like a museum piece. The roster updates stopped after the 2020-21 season, meaning you're playing with teams and players from three seasons ago. Liverpool still features Sadio Mané, Cristiano Ronaldo remains at Juventus, and emerging talents like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia don't exist in this universe. For someone who follows football closely, this dated content significantly impacts the experience. The graphics, while serviceable in handheld mode, look noticeably dated when docked to a television - we're talking about textures and player models that were already behind the curve in 2017, let alone 2023.
The online functionality presents another major concern. During my testing across different times of day, I struggled to find matches consistently. When I did connect, the experience was often plagued with latency issues that made precise gameplay nearly impossible. Konami's server support has clearly shifted focus to their newer eFootball platform, leaving PES on Switch feeling abandoned. This is particularly disappointing because the potential for local multiplayer remains one of the system's strongest features. Playing quick matches against friends in tabletop mode recaptures some of that "Leila Mania" magic I mentioned earlier - that pure, communal joy of football that transcends technical limitations.
Comparing PES on Switch to alternatives reveals its precarious position. FIFA on Switch, while also compromised, at least offers current rosters and more active online communities. The mobile version of eFootball provides surprisingly competent football action for free, making the $49.99 price tag for the Switch version harder to justify. Then there are non-traditional options like Super Mario Strikers that offer arcade-style football fun, though they lack the simulation depth that PES veterans crave.
What ultimately saves PES on Switch from being a complete disappointment is its exceptional core gameplay. The Fox Engine, while aging, still delivers responsive controls and authentic football physics that feel right. There's a learning curve here that rewards skill and understanding of football fundamentals - through balls need proper weight, shots require precise timing, and defensive positioning matters fundamentally. This creates moments of genuine brilliance that few other football games can match. I recall one particularly memorable volley from outside the box that felt so authentic I actually celebrated alone in my living room. These moments, while increasingly rare, remind me why I fell in love with football games in the first place.
If you're considering PES on Switch today, your decision depends entirely on what you value. For casual players wanting current teams and active online play, this isn't your game. But for football purists who prioritize gameplay over presentation, and who mainly play offline or local multiplayer, there's still magic to be found here. I'd recommend waiting for a significant sale - at $20 or less, it becomes much easier to overlook its shortcomings. The game currently occupies about 12.7GB on my Switch, and I keep it installed for those occasional moments when I crave proper football on the go, even with its dated rosters. Much like remembering "Leila Mania" from decades past, playing PES on Switch in 2023 is about embracing nostalgia while acknowledging that the world has moved on. The soul of great football simulation remains intact here, even if the package surrounding it shows every bit of its six years of age.
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