Digital Foundry: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy: Switch, Xbox, PS4 and PC Versions Tested!

chandoog · Jul 5, 2018

I searched and couldn't find this, please lock and crash me if old.

Join John for a comprehensive look at the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, tested on ALL consoles, along with a fascinating look at the PC game - and how our test results suggest that 60fps is possible on console!

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Article:
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-crash-bandicoot-nsane-trilogy-face-off

Xbox One S and X:

he Xbox One side of the situation can be covered very quickly. Playing the game on the base S model offers up an experience that is virtually identical to the standard PlayStation 4 game. The visual feature set is identical and resolution is the same at 1080p, with only the most minor fluctuations in performance setting it apart from its Sony counterpart. Put simply, base Xbox users can go in safe in the knowledge that they're getting an excellent experience - and that only ramps up on Xbox One X, where Crash retains its solid 30fps performance but ramps up the pixel count to a full 4K. That's an impressive 2.25x increase over the 1440p of PS4 Pro.

Switch:

Understandably, the first cutback comes from resolution, with the game running at standard 720p while docked, dropping down to 853x480 in portable mode - a proper, non-anamorphic 480p presentation, effectively. Performance in both configurations is much the same, with a matching 30fps target to the other console builds, but there's more variation in performance more often, both above and below the 33ms target frame-time. Overall, there's more wobbliness in the update here, which is in contrast to the rock-solid performance enjoyed on every other platform.

Latency in Switch:

However, the main issue I had with the Switch version isn't related to visual features at all and comes down to latency. It's not as scientific as I'd like, but pointing a 240fps high speed camera at the Xbox and Switch versions, it looks as if the Nintendo platform suffers from a two frame (33ms) deficit in response compared to the others. It's not great with the Pro controller and perhaps it's down to analogue dead zone configuration but it feels even less responsive on the Joycons

All console builds have 30 FPS cap.

digitalrelic · Jul 5, 2018

Native 4K on the X. God damn. May have to double dip on this. Xbox, my preferred platform for Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon. Would've never guessed that!

Butch · Jul 5, 2018

Game looks amazing running at 60fps on PC. Only version I've tried tho.

RockmanBN · Jul 5, 2018

https://www.resetera.com/threads/cr...witch-resolution-frame-rate-comparison.52677/

Very similar to this thread.

space_nut · Jul 5, 2018

The Xbox One side of the situation can be covered very quickly. Playing the game on the base S model offers up an experience that is virtually identical to the standard PlayStation 4 game. The visual feature set is identical and resolution is the same at 1080p, with only the most minor fluctuations in performance setting it apart from its Sony counterpart. Put simply, base Xbox users can go in safe in the knowledge that they're getting an excellent experience - and that only ramps up on Xbox One X, where Crash retains its solid 30fps performance but ramps up the pixel count to a full 4K. That's an impressive 2.25x increase over the 1440p of PS4 Pro.

Impressive results native 4k on the X

alr1ght · Jul 5, 2018

PC>XB1X>PS4P>PS4>XB1S>Switch

All consoles capped at 30, locked 99.9% of the time except for Switch
PC is 60fps
XB1X 4K native
PS4P 1440p
PS4/XB1 1080p native
Switch 720p docked
Switch 480p handheld (854x480)
Switch numerous effects disabled (no fur shaders, shadows reduced, no POM), geometry pared back in certain sitations

RivalGT · Jul 5, 2018

Interesting how the jaguar on the pc could do 60 fps, yet consoles didnt even get the option.

pswii60 · Jul 5, 2018

I thought the Pro version looked great, but the image quality of this game on X is absolutely through the roof. Looks absolutely incredible in HDR on an OLED. I mean, we're talking image quality better than even the likes of Gears 4, it's really stunning.

Glad I double dipped. Just wish it had a 60fps option too, although not sure I could sacrifice that native 4K.

RivalGT said:
Interesting how the jaguar on the pc could do 60 fps, yet consoles didnt even get the option.

Maybe so that they can sell you N'Sane Trilogy Remastered next gen with a 60fps option as the USP.

Branson · Jul 5, 2018

480p in handheld mode eh?

Gestault · Jul 5, 2018

This is a great overview. I think considering the range of platforms (and with the obvious concessions on the Switch version), they did a great job optimizing all-around. Especially with how the Jaguar testing came out on the vanilla PC build, it would be great to see an eventual 60 fps patch for Pro/1X versions.

36 Chambers · Jul 5, 2018

Im playing it on X1X and it looks incredible in 4K. Definitely worht the year long wait.

Not having 60fps is a travesty though.

rokkerkory · Jul 5, 2018

Never played a crash game before... are they good?

KainXVIII · Jul 5, 2018

"Most of people interested in Switch version" - how about no lol.
60 fps looks excellent though.

WrenchNinja · Jul 5, 2018

rokkerkory said:
Never played a crash game before... are they good?

Yes, they are good.

Terror-Billy · Jul 5, 2018

They finally delivered on their Fur-K promise, huh.

Gestault · Jul 5, 2018

KainXVIII said:
"Most of people interested in Switch version" - how about no lol.
60 fps looks excellent though.

I assume he just means there are the most questions around it. We had the baseline of the PS4 version, so the other versions are there or scaled up by capability, but the Switch needed some degree of re-design to accommodate the hardware.

rokkerkory said:
Never played a crash game before... are they good?

Yeah, it's an interesting simplification of the more open design you see for 3D action-game design. The third game is excellent, in particular. It's probably aged better than some of its more open contemporaries, as a result.

Kage Maru · Jul 5, 2018

Does this game support HDR on PC? Wondering if I could get 4K60 on a Ryzen 2 and 1070 combo.

Also think they should have implemented a dynamic resolution on the base XBO model.

FreedomFighter · Jul 5, 2018

I'm still getting the Switch version. I thought it was running at 1080p though, so a little disappointed on that front.

Tathanen · Jul 5, 2018

Switch ver looks obviously downgraded in comparisons, ton of missing bits and bobs, but when viewed on its own it's still pretty visually coherent. Nothing that's missing feels like it's gone, unless you knew it was supposed to be there ahead of time. So seems pretty good really. If you can get down with the framerate/resolution at least.

chandoog · Jul 5, 2018

pswii60 said:
Maybe so that they can sell you N'Sane Trilogy Remastered next gen with a 60fps option as the USP.

With some optimization work, it's definitely something they can push for the current mid-gen consoles too. 1080p/60 FPS should be achievable based on DF's comments for PC specs they tested in the article. The game is GPU dependent and CPU usage 'barely registered' according to John, so this is not a case where the Jaguars are the main limiting factor.

A patch can very easily enable 1080p/60 all things considered.

Jazzem · Jul 5, 2018

Has an Activision game ever had Performance + Resolution modes for the Pro/X? It's such a shame it wasn't offered here, it does require a bit more QA so maybe that was an issue along with releasing multiple versions.

Kage Maru said:
Does this game support HDR on PC? Wondering if I could get 4K60 on a Ryzen 2 and 1070 combo.

Nah it doesn't, though in the video John says the HDR support isn't great. Apparently features less vivid colours than SDR.

re: PC specs, on my 1070 I can't get 4k60 without drops, I've been using custom resolution of 2880x1620 which has been sound aside from occasional stutter. Can probably go a bit higher, though much more and shadows will have to be taken down from Ultra.

Gestault · Jul 5, 2018

Kage Maru said:
Does this game support HDR on PC? Wondering if I could get 4K60 on a Ryzen 2 and 1070 combo.

Also think they should have implemented a dynamic resolution on the base XBO model.

No PC HDR, unfortunately. They haven't mentioned it yet as something that may come in patching, so it's anyone's guess if they may change it. That said, the HDR support in the console versions seems more like tone-mapping according to the video.

Re: the base XB1, John seemed to conclude the few instances of fluctuation he could find were so minimal it, didn't matter to the experience. The footage put up to show the drops he could find give the same impression.

Kage Maru · Jul 5, 2018

Jazzem said:
Nah it doesn't, though in the video John says the HDR support isn't great. Apparently features less vivid colours than SDR.

re: PC specs, on my 1070 I can't get 4k60 without drops, I've been using custom resolution of 2880x1620 which has been sound aside from occasional stutter. Can probably got a bit higher, though much more and shadows will have to be taken down from Ultra.

Thanks. I'll probably pick it up on the PC when it's on sale then. Shame the HDR is disappointing.

RockmanBN · Jul 5, 2018

Could it be a parity issue?

Adamska · Jul 5, 2018

I can only wonder what kind of setbacks will hit an eventual Switch version of the Spyro trilogy. The replacing of fur for textured fur looks pretty fugly, IMO, since this effect really sold the new visuals to me when they revealed the game way back when. Couple that with the blurry resolutions and the Switch version looks a whole generation behind in terms of visuals, even if it's delivering pretty much the same experience gameplay-wise.

Bede-x · Jul 5, 2018

alr1ght said:
PC is 60fps

Weren't there a lot of people talking about unlocked framerates in the OT?

Wiped · Jul 5, 2018

RockmanBN said:
Could it be a parity issue?

Don't see how it could be considering it runs at higher res on Xbox than PS4

DF, how does the res compare across the three different games on Switch? I swear the 3rd game looks rougher than the 1st.

Coolade · Jul 5, 2018

For the small subset of ultrawide users, there is a fix available that enables 21:9 in crash bandicoot. Some areas have nothing to show but for the most part it's solid.

{Marvelous} · Jul 5, 2018

Looks great on Switch, I wonder how often geometry alterations crop up like the one outlined at 6:30 in the video. Aside from the unfortunate loss of fur shading and reflections, ... I'd be hard pressed to raise many red flags at a glance. Overall it's a good looking game even on Switch, I think it's the lighting that I find most impressive. Slightly higher resolution in both modes than Snake Pass I'll note.

~Fake · Jul 5, 2018

alr1ght said:
PC>XB1X>PS4P>PS4>XB1S>Switch

All consoles capped at 30, locked 99.9% of the time except for Switch
PC is 60fps
XB1X 4K native
PS4P 1440p
PS4/XB1 1080p native
Switch 720p docked
Switch 480p handheld (854x480)
Switch numerous effects disabled (no fur shaders, shadows reduced, no POM), geometry pared back in certain sitations

If you ignore the HDR, so yeah. 60 fps vs HDR. The good news for pc users is the HDR solution its not that good. I don't know if is the Nier scenario, but.
I must say I surprise about Xbox S running at 1080p instead of 900p.
Funny think is people swearing about NS have fur effect and John proved fur has gone in NS.
For me even with that loss NS still looks good. All version run at 30 fps and thats fair enought.
Now what get my attention was my worst nightmare: INPUT LAG. I hate this and NS Crash looks have a little of input lag. Lets see if the other site can get the lag input numbers for us.
By the way nice job Dark1x . Thx for listen us.

You repeated speak two times 'xbox gpu 'in video and the bear name is Polar. No worries just saying as a CTR fan.

Dark1x · Jul 5, 2018

Coolade said:
For the small subset of ultrawide users, there is a fix available that enables 21:9 in crash bandicoot. Some areas have nothing to show but for the most part it's solid.

Yeah, I saw that after finishing the video and it does work but, as you say, it's not 100% perfect. I can see why it was left out officially. Glad that the modding community stepped up.

Poison Jam · Jul 5, 2018

Sounds like all the Playstations and Xboxes should be able to run it at 60FPS with a reduction in resolution, given their results on PC.

The low framerate for a platformer is what stopped me from picking this up, but I've made sure to wishlist it on Steam.

~Fake · Jul 5, 2018

KainXVIII said:
"Most of people interested in Switch version" - how about no lol.
60 fps looks excellent though.

You missed the pal sales don't you? People are really interested in NS version, even me actually. The version really holds up.

Deleted member 4093 · Jul 5, 2018

They couldnt just do the Xbox One X at 1440p like the pro and then do 60 fps? Shoulda had some options.

Native 4K is pretty cool though regardless.

AM_LIGHT · Jul 5, 2018

The biggest thing for me is the loading times improvements, i might go back and platinum the games.

SCB360 · Jul 5, 2018

Just finished up Crash 1 on PC (I alos own the PS4 version, played on a Pro), he's right, that 60fps improves the game so much

Shmunter · Jul 5, 2018

Wow, not even 60fps on pro and X, I would have called it a lie. Will be actively avoiding this title for the foreseeable future. Inexcusable.

Flandy · Jul 5, 2018

Huh wonder why the console version isn't 60. Game would really benefit from it even if it had to take a resolution drop

Deleted member 17491 · Jul 5, 2018

30fps on consoles is such a shame.

Dark1x · Jul 5, 2018

KainXVIII said:
"Most of people interested in Switch version" - how about no lol.
60 fps looks excellent though.

In terms of our audience? Have you seen the numbers of Switch videos? People seem to care A LOT.

Lozjam · Jul 5, 2018

KainXVIII said:
"Most of people interested in Switch version" - how about no lol.
60 fps looks excellent though.

I bet you like $3 that Crash on Switch will ourselll the Xbox and PC ports.

pswii60 · Jul 5, 2018

Tathanen said:
Switch ver looks obviously downgraded in comparisons, ton of missing bits and bobs, but when viewed on its own it's still pretty visually coherent. Nothing that's missing feels like it's gone, unless you knew it was supposed to be there ahead of time. So seems pretty good really. If you can get down with the framerate/resolution at least.

You could call the Switch version circumcised.

Yautja_Warrior · Jul 5, 2018

Dark1x

So with the surprisingly low CPU usage, do you think going 30fps on Console was more of a developer choice over a CPU issue ?

Do you think we might get a Pro & X Patch for 60fps in the future ?

Dark1x · Jul 5, 2018

Yautja_Warrior said:
Dark1x

So with the surprisingly low CPU usage, do you think going 30fps on Console was more of a developer choice over a CPU issue ?

Do you think we might get a Pro & X Patch for 60fps in the future ?

It's hard for me to say for sure without knowing more about what's going on there but it sure seems that way. I'd really like to see a 60fps patch but I have no idea if they'd be able to realistically add such a thing or if they have the budget/time to do it.

Lady Bow · Jul 5, 2018

Feels like the colors are really washed out on PC for some reason. Remember it being a lot more colorful when I played on PS4 last year.

KainXVIII · Jul 5, 2018

Dark1x said:
In terms of our audience? Have you seen the numbers of Switch videos? People seem to care A LOT.

Make more videos for other platforms (something-something-pc) and even more people will come to you =)

~Fake said:
The version really holds up.

Not for me.

maximumzero · Jul 5, 2018

Definitely gonna pick up the Switch version once the Black Friday deals start rolling in.

Adulfzen · Jul 5, 2018

KainXVIII said:
Make more videos for other platforms (something-something-pc) and even more people will come to you =)

Not for me.

What's so hard to believe that the Nintendo Switch version will be the most popular/best selling version besides PS4 ?
Nobody is arguing that it will look better on other platforms but I think you're fooling yourself if you dont think there is a huge audience waiting for the switch port.

Dark1x · Jul 5, 2018

KainXVIII said:
Make more videos for other platforms (something-something-pc) and even more people will come to you =)

We do all the time!

Bede-x · Jul 5, 2018

Dark1x Did you test input latency on the D-pad or buttons? You make it sound like it might be deadzones on the analog stick making the difference, but that would mean that there would be no difference with the D-pad and the buttons. Was that the case?

I also think the PC version can go above 60fps, since many are talking about it in the OT, but not sure if they are using tricks to do so.

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