Portal Companion Collection - Nintendo Switch - DF Tech Review - Switch vs Steam Deck vs Xbox 360

Two brilliant Valve games from days gone by turn out to be beautifully suited to Nintendo Switch - and it seems that Nvidia's Lightspeed Studios handled the ports. Join Oliver Mackenzie for a deep dive into what made Portal and its sequel great, why the titles are so ideally suited to Nintendo Switch and how the conversion stacks up against the Xbox 360 version - and of course, Valve's own Steam Deck.
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[@KarlRock]

Finished it in handheld mode. Loved it. It ran like a dream on Switch. I should not have waited so long to play Portal 1 & 2 though!

[@Danhanado]

Eyyy Karl

[@eyeofterra]

I'm amazed they haven't released native PS5 or Xbox Series X ports considering both consoles should have no issues playing these games in 4k 120Hz, even PS4 and Xbox One are both platforms considerably more powerful than Switch and use x86 (which makes porting much less of an issue). I guess they might work on a port of Half-Life Alyx for PlayStation VR2 since how well the first one sold and how many more people have PS5s considering to powerful gaming PCs being able to run the game well enough. Overall Valve should bring it's catalogue to consoles considering how much of an opportunity to make money it is.

[@TheL1arL1ar]

I want to buy portal for switch but I just purchased part 2 on steam for $1.75 and I still own the orange box physical for pc.

[@stevencasteelassistantgene5263]

We all have games like that on our bucket list. I finally played the first three Castlevania games, two SNES ones, and the SOTN on Playstation a couple years ago and they were all as great as I expected. Except number two of course.

[@TheL1arL1ar]

@@stevencasteelassistantgene5263 One of my bucket list games is vagrant story on ps1 and to finish the final chapter in dragon quest builders (Vita) and finally beat breath of the wild after almost 3 years…I’m finally at the end just lacking that motivation after 80 hours.

[@icedcapplord710]

It's really cool that Valve recognizes that regardless of their ambitions with Steam Deck they're not just pulling out of developing for consoles. Especially impressive that they were this forward with a port this good on what many people perceived as the Deck's biggest competitor, likely because they wanted to capitalize on such a large install base of Switch users

[@Wobbothe3rd]

lol the Steam Deck is not even coming close to being sucessful enough to ever have any exclusives as a platform. Valve would be insane to even dream of abandoning other consoles, really grasping at straws here.

[@kirby0louise]

@@Wobbothe3rd So? Valve never intended the Steam Deck to be a console or have exclusive games. They have repeatedly and consistently insisted that Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC, so of course it doesn't have exclusives, it's all the same library as any other PC

[@Suprm_Lord_E]

I sure hope for Half Life 1 & 2 and maybe L4D to also come to the Switch. I'd buy them again in a hearbeat just like the portal collection, such amazing games

[@RiceAndRun]

And they’re too complacent to make discreet-new games

[@icedcapplord710]

@@Wobbothe3rd I don't really think Steam Deck is trying to be that kind of platform anyway. For all intended purposes it's basically a device that coexists with your existing Steam library. I don't actually view it as trying to be a Switch killer or whatever the media labels it these days. This is for the PC crowd who are invested in that platform and want a more convenient way of playing their games that still works with their existing PC setup. It's not really a console replacement, especially now that Valve have demonstrated they still are open to working with console makers

[@R3dMatador]

I sincerely hope that a Half-Life collection will come to the Switch, would love to see those games run in it.

[@lengendaryblackmgmt438]

I would cry 😭

[@gamingclipz7309]

Switch would have a issue…. Switch is super underpowered. I tried to play ark on switch and it looks like a ps1 game or worse

[@PurushNahiMahaPurush]

@@gamingclipz7309 Lol come on bro. Half Life is an OG Xbox/early PS3 game. It literally ran on 15 year old hardware. The Switch has demonstrated that it can run modern games (Alien Isolation, Doom, Nier, No Mans Sky and Witcher 3 for example) at an acceptable frame rate and resolution if some time is spent on optimisation. Half Life would run at 1080p 30fps (or even at 60fps) without any problems. Also Ark is the like the worst optimised game on the Switch. So much so that the devs are working on a proper version that will be provided as a free update. It was a half assed cash grab of a port to begin with.

[@kninezbanks]

​@@gamingclipz7309 "Switch is super underpowered"....Half life 2 was already ported to Android on the Nvidia Shield Handheld and tablet back in 2014....running a Tegra X1 and 2GB RAM...I bought them and played them...The Nintendo Switch is using almost the Exact same Tegra X1 Chip with 4GB of Ram, just customized and optimized......the switch has 256 Shaders that can hit 460 Mhz max in handheld....which is 235 Gigaflops with 4GB of RAM (3GB Available to developers) .......The xbox 360 and ps3 were 230 and 240 Gigaflops with 512MB of RAM...........The Switch can absolutely 100% run Half LIfe 2...based on the performance....and the Tegra X1 established feats........and the Dead Space Trilogy (Please Nintendo make it happen).

[@CharmedReally7]

@@gamingclipz7309 it literally runs crysis 3 remastered, half life will run 60 fps 1080p on switch.

[@BillyAltDel]

I think Valve would do well to re-release L4D2 on all modern consoles. Make it cross platform and you've got an easy sell.

[@lassesuurmunne8340]

That would be my dream come true

[@KKOH007]

Team Fortress 2 too

[@juanignacioaschura9437]

@@KKOH007 THIS. We need TF2 back, I'm sick of Valorant and Overwatch.

[@ErenTheWarcriminal]

Cross platform with pc?

[@OutlawGuitar]

Yes yes yes

[@Nobutehuhh]

Valve games from the 7th gen aged perfectly imo. Their art direction isn’t wild enough to be cartooney but it’s they’ve just got that subtle stylization that keeps them looking good.

[@alexandrebelair4360]

Yes. Portal 2 still looks good. Vegetation is of course a bit rough but that's really it. Graphically the texture look a bit cel-shaded so it transcend time more easily.

[@TSL73]

Pretty much all 00s Valve games and Portal 2 (technically it’s not) are amazing and hold up well even graphically.

[@mrbillywhite]

I bet TF2's art style could've kept it going until now had Valve not dumped it

[@kupokinzyt]

@@TSL73 idk man Half Life 2 is aging pretty badly now a days lol (graphically). I never found the Source engine graphically impressive compared to something like ID tech 3. HL2 doesnt really have any art style outside of square, boxy, poliginal environments and that brief section in Ravenholm. Portal 1 has a pure white, vivid art style that is pretty unique to any game. Portal 2 went Crysis 3 and added green vegetation on top of the white. Something like Borderlands which released a few years later, holds up amazing because of its comic book style cel shading. I will say in Episode 2 of HL2, the first time you see the Citidal light up on high alert and the tower starts extending into the clouds and armoring itself, is probably one of the coolest moments in any video game.

[@fellahuman]

@@alexandrebelair4360 more like Chell-shading 😎

[@kyotooutrun]

2:30 Small Correction: Portal 1 was the one that used the same Source Engine branch as HL2:EP2 (and, in turn, the other games included in the orange box). Portal 2 uses its own branch entirely

[@Wobbothe3rd]

It's all based on Quake :)

[@kyotooutrun]

@@Wobbothe3rd that is true. in the end, it all traces back to quake

[@poltergeist7621]

Portal 2 uses the Source's Left 4 Dead branch

[@josephromus3079]

@@Wobbothe3rd just like cod

[@kyotooutrun]

@@poltergeist7621 not quite. while the l4d and portal 2 branches do share similarities and are related, they aren't the same. portal 2's is newer and was a successor to alien swarm's (which succeeded l4d's). the portal 2 branch has a number of features not present in the l4d branch

[@swayamkrishnan8273]

Portal games forver will be iconic! Brilliant blend of puzzles and story telling which very few games mange to pull off! And on top of that it still remains a technically impressive game

[@Spencerwalker21]

Whose the chick in the thumbnail

[@ThadMiller1]

@@Spencerwalker21 she is the Player in portal.

[@theninjamaster67]

@@Spencerwalker21 That's Chell the main character of Portal 1 and 2.

[@baroncalamityplus]

I really doubt this is a new direction from Valve. This sounds like Nvidia did all the work and Valve cashed a check.

[@alexandrebelair4360]

Nothing new for sure. Gabe himself said he highly respect Nintendo. He said that it was the only Nintendo consoles are worth it because it's a least different. Makes Valve they accepted this.

[@MysteryMii]

As the video stated, Nvidia already ported Half Life 2 (and HL2 Ep. 1 and 2) and Portal 1 to their Nvidia Shield set-top box, and that uses the same SoC that’s in the Switch. I think Valve looked at that and said “eh, why not?”, and had Nvidia port Portal 2 to the Switch and make some tweaks to the Portal 1 Shield port to get it running on the Switch.

[@existentialselkath1264]

We need more older games like this ported to switch, and even mobile. When skyrim was first shown, I thought ports like this would be more common There are a ton of incredible games that are too dated to impress on current gen hardware, but would be a perfect fit for lower powered portable devices. Exclusivity aside, I'd imagine games like forza horizon 1 would work great on switch, or even high spec smartphones.

[@icedcapplord710]

Considering people managed to mod Half-Life 2 onto the Portal port I have a feeling this collection was used to just get Source Engine up and optimized for Switch, potentially to bring more of those games to the console later. I wouldn't be surprised if Half-Life happens at some point

[@bareq99]

Yes! The switch is that device for me It's a killer Nintendo, Indies and older games ports machine! And honest all Nintendo needs to do is just a bit more powerful device so some games don't struggle on it (current get ports and even Nintendo's owm games) Also, fix that damn joycons!

[@kirby0louise]

Yes, but it's a two way street between devs and Nintendo. I love playing on and developing for Switch, and I do my best to work around what I have, but the bottom line is there are serious hardware limitations. And I'm not the only one who feels this way More devs should bring their games to Switch even if they have to have graphics significantly toned down for it. And Nintendo MUST listen to developers for the Switch Pro/2 and deliver hardware that will last 7-8 years until the Switch Pro/2 itself is replaced. Even if this means eating more costs than usual and/or higher pricing

[@existentialselkath1264]

@@kirby0louise that's kinda my point. The switch is obviously struggling to run modern games optimally, but there's a huge library of games from the x360/ps3 generation that were designed for less powerful hardware from the start.

[@mrexpendable1232]

The dead space trilogy would be great and could also promote the upcoming remake of dead space 1. Maybe the remake could even come to switch or just in a game stream version.

[@xsct878]

I remember back in 2014 seeing that Nvidia Shield Tablet demo where they were running a version of Portal ported by Nvidia themselves on the thing and I was flabbergasted to see Portal running on a tablet back then, crazy now to look back on what was the progenitor of what would become the switch, and now we've gone full circle with Nvidia porting Portal 1 and 2 to the Switch.

[@dreamcastfan]

Not to mention, gyro aiming makes quickly and accurately placing portals while sailing through the air makes it a really great version to play.

[@RusticRonnie]

Gyro ailing isn’t new to this port of portal though

[@TAmzid2872]

like an eagle, piloting a blimp

[@kebbinator]

The resolution and performance is super impressive for Switch. I know it won’t happen, but I’d love to see HL Source, HL2 and EP1+2 ported to Switch as well.

[@JamieRobert_]

Not really lol it’s a 360 game with fps drops

[@kebbinator]

@@JamieRobert_ Running at 1080p60 with 2xMSAA on a cheap, low power mobile chip. Like I said, impressive.

[@JamieRobert_]

@@kebbinator what would be more impressive is mobile phone conversions as they’re more powerful than the switch

[@JamieRobert_]

@@mikeuk666 how’s that a troll? It’s true that most high end smart phones are more powerful

[@MrDiana1706]

@@JamieRobert_ so

[@219SilverChoc]

Even the Tegra K1 could do 1080p in HL2, Episode 1 and Portal, usually staying above 30fps. I capped HL2 and Portal to 30fps within Nvidia's power control settings and they where very consistent! So while 1080p wasn't a suprise for the X1 in the Switch, 1080p60 with MSAA is a Very welcome one!

[@MrDiana1706]

@@ramonandrajo6348 With that logic then playing the game in general is not worth it what is your point bro

[@toshineon]

@@ramonandrajo6348 It might be if that's the main gaming system you have. I like that I can get some of my old favorites to play while I'm on the train, but I'm not really looking to pick up a Steam Deck right now when I already own a Switch.

[@rhysspeight7142]

@@ramonandrajo6348 idk, porting two beloved undemanding games onto one of the most successful consoles of all time makes complete sense to me

[@rhysspeight7142]

@@ramonandrajo6348 you said these ports aren’t worth it/pointless

[@rhysspeight7142]

@@ramonandrajo6348 helpful advice for the small group of people who actually own a steam deck / know what the steam deck actually is

[@RikiGuitarist]

Portal 1 & 2 writer Erik Wolpaw said he wants to do a Portal 3. 2 months later, this port collection comes out.

[@Loundsify]

Good marketing. Valve doesn't have to spend a fortune getting the name out there.

[@Mario-119]

I've been waiting for this video! The collection has been absolutely amazing to play on an OLED Switch for me, so nice to relive these masterpieces again.

[@hiamben]

Yup. I couldn't get a steamdeck do got an oled switch and it's an absolute joy to use with that screen. Yeah it's not as powerful but the form factor and screen are so much nicer

[@hiamben]

@@ramonandrajo6348 why

[@CharmedReally7]

@@ramonandrajo6348 and that changes what? i still bought it because i already have it on pc but wanted it portable (and no im not buying a steamdeck)

[@667GameFreak]

I know it would’ve been a bit of a pain to test, but I would’ve like to see tests on the splitscreen co-op mode.

[@Set-0023]

I would love to see an orange box 2 for modern consoles

[@jimhultqvist2539]

That's a very fine port. Now, if they could just get Half-Life with expansions over to modern consoles, Switch, Xbox, Playstation.

[@Horrorz95]

Worth noting that the Steam Deck (ie. PC) version of the Portal games have easy-access to a wealth of mods and custom maps/campaigns not accessible to the console releases.

[@theninjamaster67]

EXACTLY what I was thinking and there's lots of graphically intensive mods coming that would set the Switch on fire.

[@CharmedReally7]

not if you dont hack it that is

[@MadX8]

@@theninjamaster67 Not sure I understand your point here. Yeah mods exist on PC, and ? Doesn't change the fact that it's amazing to have Portal 1 & 2 on the go, especially when it's well done. Outside of the PC, the only way to play Portal 2 on console was the PS3/Xbox 360 version, which is 720p/30fps with bad frame pacing. This Switch port is a blessing really

[@NateTheGreat408]

love these deep dives into performance, history and comparisons! DF goes that extra mile to go over the smallest but relevant details and I just love the channel

[@ronchum5178]

You guys really do an incredibly detailed job on analyzing games on your videos.

[@deterlanglytone]

Surprised you didn't showcase the K1 Shield Tablet version. Which was the device they promoted when they released the SHIELD exclusive port.

[@219SilverChoc]

It runs at a native 1920x1200 close to max settings I think, but it has no MSAA. I remember capping it to 30fps and getting quite a good lock.

[@alexandrebelair4360]

He probably didn't have one on hands.

[@dannonyogurt98]

Portal 2 is still my favorite game of all time. Its a masterpiece of gameplay, story telling and how graphics can age gracefully with the right art style.

[@samred]

ahhhhhh one of my articles was used in this! always happy to get a shout-out from the DF team.

[@foxpants]

Gotta admit you're growing on me Ollie! DF have a great crew atm. Loved the content and keep it up.

[@leomariano2735]

One of my favorite series of all time, great video oliver! Nice to see Valve giving some well deserved love to this classics

[@AndreThompson925]

This is a perfect Switch collection. Thanks for this review, DF!

[@MetalJody1990]

The Switch ports are quite impressive. Valve should release a new Orange Box that includes the first Half-Life and Portal 2 for the 8th and 9th gen consoles. 9th gen could easily handle them at 4K 60 fps with 8X MSAA. 8th gen (non-upgraded editions) could do 1080p 60 fps with 2X MSAA. Why hasn't Valve made it happen already? That's a ton of money not being made. *scratches head*

[@rvnhty]

It's easy money AND brand recognition. I think they're stupid to not port their games.

[@alexsilva28]

Valve do what Valve does

[@Loundsify]

PS4 could easily run 1080p with 8xMSAA on these games.

[@alfo2804]

If Valve needed money, they would have made Half-Life 3 and Portal 3 by now. Steam gives them infinite money to do what they want.

[@MetalJody1990]

​@@alfo2804 HL3 is coming. They paved the way for it in HL: Alyx. Portal 3 isn't necessary, but it'd be interesting to see what Valve could do with a new installment.

[@malgerx4295]

Nice video.a comparison of battery life switch/deck with similar visual settings would be great in future Steam deck/ switch comparisons

[@butterflyfilms939]

Second that

[@sugarhieroglyph]

Third this.

[@DoctorHades]

Great video. I really enjoy Oliver's videos. He is a great addition to the team.

[@goggamanxp]

Surprised that they launched the collection for $20. Most other publishers would have charged $20 for each game on Switch

[@kevboard]

it's so weird to me that the Portal games didn't get FPS boost on Series X|Sy that should be absolutely no issue. Source Engine games can change framerates between 15fps and 300fps literally on the fly through console commands and have zero issue doing so. so wtf is going on here?

[@Loundsify]

Probably requires developers to alter the Xbox 360 build to allow for higher resolution and frame rate. Valve is too busy running the world's biggest PC gaming market.

[@BogusLettuce]

Not worth the time and resources for touching ancient 360 source code.

[@uncleurda8101]

Ollie I find that your videos are usually about 12 minutes, surprisingly consistently. I enjoy your concise approach to analysis and think you're only getting better with every review. Keep on keepin on king.

[@Nihilistic-Mystic]

Im pretty sure they're 12 minutes so he can put in the maximum amount of ads with the minimum amount of effort

[@mithrillis]

So many years and I still scream internally a little when you toss the companion cube into the fire...

[@Emma-R]

…faster than anyone else

[@ZinhoMegaman]

There is the fact that the first Portal was more like a concept of a game, or a demo of sorts, which is why the graphics are very simple, yet still pleasing on my opinion.

[@gabor3432]

We need this collection for PS4/PS5 and X-one/X-series consoles. I would also like if they made a map editor/creator for portal 2 in mario maker style.

[@alexsilva28]

Closest thing we got was Bridge Constructor

[@Duhbyo47]

They have that included on portal 2 on pc 👍 would love it on consoles though!

[@CharmedReally7]

@@Duhbyo47 at least we got some bonus maps though

[@TAmzid2872]

the still alive maps haven't been available for 14 years!@@CharmedReally7

[@R373N]

I would love to see these games come to XSX/S and PS5.

[@AceYamagucci]

It's been a ton of fun revisiting these gems on switch, what a great package!

[@infinitysynthesis]

The Orange Box/Portal 2 on the Series X looks amazing. Much sharper visuals. I just wish they ran at 60fps.

[@MadX8]

Same, running HL2 at 30fps isn't an option for me (i don't mind 30fps though, just can't on HL2)

[@E55666]

Bruh it's the same thing

[@khoado2060]

@@E55666 10:30 bruh

[@E55666]

@@khoado2060 There is no bruh moment there.

[@blu_vin]

Oh, nice! Thanks for the comparison!

[@matthewlong1978]

I watch all the reviews but this is the video I’m really waiting for

[@onlyeyeno]

Thanks for another great video review. And I must say that although Portal is "Old by calendar" these games are in my opinion absolute TIMELESS masterpieces. And they're games I think EVERY gamer should have tried at least once, so it's fantastic to see them come to another platform. "Portal" is imo flawless both in "game design" , "mechanics" and 'execution not to mention "writing". And even the "tech" and "looks" hold up extraordinary well thanks to how smartly the games were designed and made. Truly timeless masterpieces I.m.o. Best regards

[@pablovi77]

Now we need Half Life 2, and Team Fortress 2.

[@RonnieBarzel]

I don't know if this video covers it - I'm only 2 minutes in - but apparently people have been able to hack this game so that HL2 runs inside these games on the Switch.

[@WinstonPoptart]

@@RonnieBarzel how is that even possible

[@Wobbothe3rd]

​@@WinstonPoptart its the same engine.

[@telsan4291]

I almost never buy games on release but £13.49 for two great games that work perfect on day one is a no brainier, great work valve 👏

[@highwind1991]

Valve just bring the rest of your catalog to the switch. Do you know how amazing it would be to play Left 4 Dead 2 and Half-Life 2 on here? DO IT

[@sethfeldpausch4337]

As someone who had never played portal before, HOLY CRAP! These games are good! I totally understand the hype. And the Switch is a really convenient platform to have them on!

[@LuizFernando-li1du]

I'm still to play the second one, but Portal was a brilliant game to me, one of the best puzzle games I have ever played, GLaDOS's comments were also pretty funny.

[@josephromus3079]

@@LuizFernando-li1du you’re missing out. I was so disappointed when they announced portal 2. The first game is fun but didn’t blow me away. Portal 2, is one of the best written games of all time. That game is fantastic

[@CharmedReally7]

@@ramonandrajo6348 you really dont have anything new to say? You're commenting the same things over and over "defending" pc and steamdeck from nobody. You're the only one acting like a fanboy, or you're just a bot.

[@babyboy1971]

I’ve never played these games and I’m going to now on my switch OLED. Thanks for the great review!

[@Namredel]

I don't even play my switch much but I picked this up because I love portal. Been playing the first one a few nights before bed almost done with portal 1 and it's been really good so far. Makes me appreciate the game more. Probably take my switch to work to play on lunch.

[@Plumfan_]

I would like to see a Metroid Prime 4 running on a relative "modern" engine like this

[@nintendokings]

Metroid Prime 4…now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a while

[@necrosis07]

@@ramonandrajo6348 Pretty hard to pirate something that doesn't even have a release date yet.

[@angelurbina2049]

Awesome video as always. Can't wait for you guys to get your hands on no man's sky for switch!

[@WednesdayMan]

I wonder if we'll get Half-Life 2 on the Switch makes me wonder how well it'll run in comparison to the PS3/Xbox/Xbox360 version of the game, as I'd expect the Switch to absolutely demolish the original Xbox version of Half-Life 2 in performance.

[@SyCoREAPER]

The fact that it runs as well that it does on a console the size of a 360 game case is an impressive feat.

[@RhythmGrizz]

Ikr? Switch is a miracle machine to me.

[@Bassquake76]

God I love these games. Time for a replay!

[@XZ-III]

I ran the portal games on a dual core 1ghz w/ intergrated 256mb graphics clocked at 350mhz and 3GB of DDR2 RAM, and the only game that ran not as well from the 2 was portal 2 for kinda obvious reasons but i capped it a 20fps and evened out with occasional drops to teens. I pretty much figured this title wouldn't have been an issue for switch but it's interesting to have a valve game on a nintendo console

[@ruekurei88]

What resolution and settings was that running at?

[@alexandrebelair4360]

It's also a GREAT port. Nvidia studios did great!

[@XZ-III]

​@@ruekurei88 mostly low settings w/ i think model/texture being able to be bumped up to high but preferred to just do low, resolution was also at lowest i could get windows 7 to be on a 16x10 laptop so I targeted 768 x 480 to ease the load on the integrated gpu as much as possible, but without stretching a 4:3 image

[@Spokker]

We were waiting for this and we had no idea it even came out. That is so weird. I was checking the release date every so often ever since the trailer, and it always said 2022. I had no idea it came out in June.

[@modermonkula]

Man the orange box was amazing when it came out, i couldn't afford a PC at the time.

[@dan_loup]

I remember when there was a lot of people that swore that the switch was weaker than the PS3 or Xbox 360

[@aaronatkinson177]

Portal on the switch will probably prove them wrong hell even I didn't know the switch was capable of running the Portal games and here we are

[@TruTrae]

@@aaronatkinson177 even though the Nvidia Shield TV was capable of running it?

[@dan_loup]

@@aaronatkinson177 The switch was inflicted with way worse stuff like literally crysis

[@jesusbarrera6916]

@@aaronatkinson177 dude a potato can run portal....

[@JanezKrnc-San]

This warms my heart :)

[@MR-vg7yn]

The one issue I see here is that the contrast on Switch seems to be _too_ high. That is pretty visible at around 11:12, where the whole wall is "blown out". Other than that, there seem to be a few inaccuracies in this video we usually don't get from DF: Portal 1 was part of the Orange Box back in the day and used the HL2:EP2 version of Source. Also, the technical limitations of the game are obviously not down to the engine. As the Half-Life 2 series clearly shows, Source is capable of normal and specular mapping, so the lack of these in Portal is entirely down to "we're a small team". I'm not sure what "environmental shadow maps" are supposed to be, honestly. Sounds like a weird mix of environment mapping and shadow maps? The look of Portal is mostly down to the small development team and clever design decision to still get a great game out the door with that tiny team. As Episode 2 clearly shows, the Source engine was capable of more detailed maps. Also, there are sections in Portal 1 that deviate from the simplistic test chambers you show here later on in the game and have a bit more going on. Portal 2 came later and uses a further improved version of the engine. Still a great comparison, but these inaccuracies are odd for DF.

[@user-gn1mo3ew9k]

df sucks

[@MR-vg7yn]

@@mikeuk666 Unlikely, because there are several comparable sections shown from other platforms that aren't as blown out. Also, DF explicitly calls out the higher contrast on the Switch. It might be the way they capture Switch footage, but in this footage, the Switch contrast is too high, IMO.

[@SpAMCAN]

I'm glad I'm not the only one to pick up on this stuff. This video is riddled with utter nonsense and a lack of technical understanding or research of the games themselves, which is really unusual for Digital Foundry.

[@peite7878]

Currently playing it on PC for the first time and I was surprised my GTX 1060 3GB can run Portal in 4K 120fps and Portal 2 in 1080p 120hz. Looks great on the LG C1 and works mostly great with custom settings Dual Shock 4 except when you just need to run in really exact straight lines where I just press W on keyboard

[@herbalterrorist420]

I jus want these ported to ps4/5 tbh. I’d really like them to remaster them for current gen and/or ps4,Xbone etc. Here’s to hoping they are in the works and will come in the future.

[@woutermvt]

I would love to see orange box 2, with Hl2 + the episodes, hl1 + black mesa, portal 1&2 and TF2 + TF classic, all on console. Will never happen, but would be awesome.. not only on switch but all consoles.

[@herohunter81]

The Orange box would be awesome.

[@logicalfundy]

Kinda surprised they didn't do the entire Orange box, to be honest. If they can port over Portal 2, why not the other games in the package? It seems a bit odd they only bothered to port the Portal games, especially since Half-Life 2 and its episodes were also based on the Source engine.

[@kwahoo5746]

Have you tested OpenGL/toGL or Vulkan/DXVK-native version on the Steam Deck? Edit: Well, it was DXVK, since toGL is not available anymore (except "previous release" branch). Still, Steam Deck can push 150-200 fps at max settings.

[@Flipendo64]

Wish this would get a PS4/5 port. I would love to play it co op with my playstation friends

[@goodBEan]

"I did not notice this during my testing.." LOL

[@expelleddux]

I noticed resolution is lower in split screen coop

[@ScrapKing73]

I keep pressing the “Subscribe” and “Bell” buttons as requested, but I only seem to be notified of every second video, and only seem to be subscribed about half the time! So weird!

[@kill3rbyysight]

Good goin with da thumbnail DF 👍

[@RonnieBarzel]

I'd never noticed that the early Portal 2 rooms are the same from the first game. Huh.

[@MrRom92DAW]

I want to like portal. I picked up a used copy of the orange box when I got an Xbox one X but the game just didn’t do much for me. Maybe the switch port is worth giving it a second shot? It’s great to see it running natively and running so well.

[@SiGeTVee]

This was a triumph!

[@pedrovieira8602]

I bought these games on switch just so that I could own them again. Fired up the first one to see how the port was and ended up completing both again. Brilliant games, love them so much. And the port is great

[@Refreshment01]

Is there a cartridge for these portal games?

[@pedrovieira8602]

@@Refreshment01 I don't think so.

[@HibHab69]

0:19 Bruh, Portal 2 has been backcompat for years.

[@codezero7981]

so cool to see the Source engine running on a Nintendo console !

[@josephromus3079]

Portal which originally released in a package called the orange box with HL2E2 and TF2 is using the original version of source but the sequel released years later is using the same version of source as the games packaged with the original portal? That seems off to me.

[@machturtlepresents]

I was hoping for a more in-depth analysis between the Switch one One X/Series X version. You mentioned it briefly, but to me that's the comparison I think needs more coverage.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

I compared it to the PC version running at 4k60 ultra and I was impressed with how well it compared. The lack of PBR shaders, specular highlights, and foliage makes resolution not matter anywhere near as much as it would in a modern game. I remember feeling the same way about some old remasters on ps3. They just look way sharper than they have anything business looking

[@josh223]

@@ramonandrajo6348 why is there always somebody like you that has to be negative / sarcastic when someone is just talking about how much they like the games or how well the consoles hold up?

[@gragogflying-anvil3605]

@@ramonandrajo6348 Maybe, but that's not aplicable here.

[@gragogflying-anvil3605]

@@ramonandrajo6348 No signs of a Nintendo fanatic here.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

@@ramonandrajo6348 hahaha I'm a nintendo fanatic because I like playing third party games on my Nintendo switch? Lmfao okay zoomer

[@HugoStiglitz88]

@@gragogflying-anvil3605 exactly lol I literally think a lot of nintendos games are overrated including Mario. I love the switch mainly for third party games like portal.

[@millrrs]

Valve, if you're listening, please bring L4D collection to all plataforms.

[@josephflemming7370]

Great review. Heading to the eshop to buy now.

[@WhiiteLion328]

You made me buy this game. Literally, 5 minutes ago I bought it an now my switch is downloading 😂 i've played both games multiple Times on PC. Once a year I really enjoy to play both games and now I can play it everywhere I want. Thank you sir 👌🏻

[@gh0stcat387]

I have a Switch but I also have a large steam library with these games. Waiting for a 2nd gen revised Steam Deck and Im good to go!!!

[@ihaveallthecoins2785]

Great video as always. Now if they can just figure out how to get these classic games running on PS4.

[@ihaveallthecoins2785]

I don't want your gift.

[@Gloamy17]

I'd be over the moon with a HL2 Switch port 🤞

[@Ben-Jack]

I really hope they bring the Portal Companion Collection to PS5/PS4 in some capacity

[@Dan_Cattell_Art]

This is wanted to hear before I dropped the dough on Switch Portal. 💚

[@CaptToilet]

You can tell whoever made the thumbnail is a HUGE fan of Chell. They could be a bit bigger though.

[@destructyo]

lol it's actually official artwork from valve, but yeah, the text placement in the thumbnail makes it look like she has some colossal honkers

[@WesCoastPiano]

This version is fantastic. I'm grateful to Valve for understanding the value of making Switch versions of their games and would buy anything else they decide to release.

[@TruTrae]

@@ramonandrajo6348 No shit, If you have a moderately capable PC then you should play it on that.

[@Zveebo]

@@TruTrae Nope, I much prefer playing on my Switch. My Steam Deck is fine, but much too cumbersome to lug about for the places I do most of my gaming.

[@TheHobbitFTW]

@@Zveebo Sounds like you got a first world problem the deck isn’t THAT much bigger than the switch

[@WesCoastPiano]

@@ramonandrajo6348 why the fuck would I play anything on a steam deck when Digital Foundry just said the Switch version was the best? Go touch some grass.

[@drd7of14]

How is the co-op? It wasn't mentioned in the video

[@jaimeduran9928]

Switch OLED is still the white beast, nier automata and the Witcher 3 on a portable console is an impressive experience

[@RhythmGrizz]

Facts.

[@UberNoodle]

Time to chell out and enjoy the video.

[@maqui1814]

You should check out nillerusr's Android ports of HL2/EP1/EP2 and Portal. It runs on basically any Android device.

[@Mustafa_9628]

fingers crossed for a new portal game after this

[@telsan4291]

Another thing to note is the space saving, it’s a 9.9gb download on switch whereas about 15gb for the steam equivalent downloads. That kind of saving can go a long way on portable devices applied to many games. This is why I prefer to buy/install the switch releases rather than my steamdeck as the space I save means I can install more games on each portable console and then not to overlap games meaning they both have gaming value rather only ever being biased to use one.

[@dabmasterars]

portal 1 has a lot of hl2 leftovers, most of them aren't used in-game. example tip: you can safely delete all of the hl2 voice acting (saves about 500 mb)

[@JackoWillMakeLives-loveu]

Dude it costs like 75% less on Steam. Crazy spending $20 on Portal games at this point

[@jesusbarrera6916]

you can have a 512gb SSD on the STEAMDECK....

[@dabmasterars]

@@jesusbarrera6916 any space saving is good, it may not be that important but it's better than nothing

[@jesusbarrera6916]

@@dabmasterars I mean sure... but at that point the argument is quite moot with also MICROSD card expansion

[@YouNeverComeCloser]

oh .. good news :) i really prefer playing in front of my TV with a good controller and no need to adapt settings beforehand. My old PS3 Portal 1 disc started to have weird audio, so i'm really glad, this one now exists :) PS: i would like to see a physical release .. please ..

[@LandPirate62]

I pray a PS5 port is in the works. Would love to finally play Portal 1 on PlayStation.

[@Stanjara]

It just boggles me that this masterpiece can't be bought on PS4/5

[@will891410]

It should be released for all consoles, for PS4. PS5 and Xbox.

[@Soup-man]

Well, they're already on Xbox. But why not?

[@will891410]

@@Soup-man Sadly not on PS4 and PS5.

[@Soup-man]

@@will891410 Hopefully it'll happen. Hell, getting a VR mode on them would be great too.

[@TruTrae]

@@Soup-man they should get a native port, it's kind of annoying that a much weaker platform can play the game at a higher framerate.

[@Soup-man]

@@TruTrae Yeah why not. More people can play it. Nothing wrong with that. They're some of the funniest games I've played, and they hold up pretty well

[@nigelo92]

You said a game like this gets you 4 hours on Steam Deck. Would it be double that on Switch?

[@AdamSFM]

The fact that Valve are clearly still interested in publishing/developing for consoles gives me hope for a PSVR2 release of Half-Life Alyx...

[@AdamSFM]

@@imnotshub True but the same could also be true for HL:A - outsource the development to another company for the PSVR2. A huge paycheck just waiting to be cashed.