Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition On Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 – Release, File Size And Why

23 November 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
10 min.
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Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition On Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 – Release, File Size And Why

Summary:

Lara Croft has finally landed on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 with Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, bringing the 2013 reboot to a whole new audience. Instead of a long marketing runway, the game arrived as a shadow drop on November 18, 2025, instantly appearing on the eShop for both systems. We follow how this version fits into the larger Survivor trilogy, why the emotional origin story still holds up, and what Nintendo players can expect from this remaster in terms of performance, storage and value. The Definitive Edition on Nintendo systems includes all previously released DLC, online multiplayer and digital bonuses, giving players a full package that can be enjoyed on a TV or in handheld mode. With a 10% launch discount through November 24 and extra loyalty savings for those who already bought the earlier Tomb Raider remaster collections, there are real savings on the table for dedicated fans. At the same time, early technical impressions show a mix of strengths and compromises on Switch 2, which is important to understand before hitting the purchase button. Here we walk through the essentials so you can decide whether this is the right moment to join Lara on Yamatai on your Nintendo system.

Lara Croft’s surprise arrival on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition did not creep toward Nintendo systems with months of teasers and slow countdowns. Instead, Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics opted for a full shadow drop, making the game suddenly available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 eShops on November 18, 2025. One moment the Survivor trilogy’s first chapter was missing from the platform, the next it had a store page, a trailer and a buy button. That sudden appearance suits Lara more than you might think. She has always been about sudden discoveries and unexpected paths, and this release mirrors that energy in a very modern way. For Nintendo players who watched other systems enjoy the reboot for more than a decade, seeing it appear without warning feels like finally discovering a hidden tomb behind a crumbling wall. There was no long wait, no drip feed of previews, just an invitation to jump straight into a pivotal adventure.

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How Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition fits into the Survivor trilogy

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo systems is not a side story or spin off, but the foundation of the Survivor trilogy that later expanded with Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The 2013 release reimagined Lara Croft from the ground up, shifting away from the ultra confident action heroine of the late 90s toward a young archaeologist caught in a desperate fight to live through her first big expedition. This chapter shows how she learns to push through fear, adapt to brutal conditions and accept that survival sometimes means hard choices. Seeing this starting point on Switch and Switch 2 matters for anyone who met Lara through later remasters or only knows her from classic polygon adventures. It rounds out the picture, bridging early icon status and modern storytelling. For players on Nintendo hardware, it also plugs an awkward gap where the trilogy began elsewhere but skipped their system for years.

Story overview of Lara’s first modern adventure on Yamatai

At the heart of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a stranded crew, a cursed island and a young woman forced to grow much faster than planned. Lara embarks on an expedition to find the lost kingdom of Yamatai, only for the ship Endurance to be torn apart by strange storms. She wakes up injured, alone and surrounded by hostile terrain and even more hostile inhabitants. The early hours lean heavily on stealth and scavenging, with Lara creeping through rain soaked caves, dodging cultists and clinging to unstable ledges that crumble at the worst possible moment. As the story unfolds, mystical elements bubble up around the island’s weather, local rituals and an immortal queen, yet the focus always stays on how Lara reacts. Each new wound, each small victory and each improvised tool slowly shapes her into the survivor fans recognise today. Playing through that arc in handheld form gives the whole journey a strangely intimate feel, as if you are carrying her struggle around with you.

What is included in the Definitive Edition package on Nintendo

On Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition comes as a full package rather than a bare bones port. Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics include all previously released DLC, from extra outfits to multiplayer maps and additional characters. That means you can dress Lara in several alternative looks, team up or square off with friends in online matches, and experiment with different roles in the competitive modes without buying add ons separately. The release also bundles in digital bonus material that was once scattered across different platforms and editions, such as a Dark Horse prequel comic, a mini art book in digital form and a behind the scenes video series that digs into how the reboot came together. For players who like to soak in concept art and production details, those extras turn the purchase into a small archive of the 2013 era. Bringing all of this to Nintendo systems in one neat download helps the release feel like a celebration instead of a simple reissue.

Performance expectations on Switch and Switch 2

Whenever a visually intense game jumps to Nintendo’s hybrid hardware, the same questions pop up: how smooth is the frame rate, how crisp are the visuals and what corners had to be cut. Early footage and technical breakdowns suggest that Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition targets 60 frames per second on Switch 2, while offering a stable and generally responsive experience in motion. At the same time, analysts and reviewers have pointed out clear compromises in lighting, shadow quality, foliage density and finer details like Lara’s hair rendering when compared with older PlayStation 4 versions. The result is a release that plays well but does not fully showcase what Switch 2 can do at its best. On the original Switch, expectations should be more modest, with lower resolutions and a stronger focus on simply keeping gameplay fluid. For many players, the trade off feels acceptable because the core adventure and pacing remain intact, yet anyone chasing the sharpest visuals might still prefer more powerful platforms.

File size, storage planning and download tips

Another key factor for modern Nintendo players is always storage, and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is not a small guest. On the Nintendo Switch 2 page, the download size is listed at around 27.3 GB, which is a decent chunk of the base 256 GB internal storage before formatting and system files. Once you factor in the operating system, other big releases and any downloaded updates, it becomes important to plan ahead instead of impulsively pressing purchase. Before grabbing Lara’s adventure, it is wise to clear out demos you no longer use, archive games you are not actively playing and make sure your microSD card still has breathing room. For anyone eyeing a new card, this release can be the gentle nudge that finally triggers that upgrade to a larger or faster model. Taking ten minutes to tidy up your library now can prevent the frustration of watching the eShop complain about space while excitement is at its peak.

Price, launch discount and loyalty deals for long time fans

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition arrives on Nintendo systems with a fairly friendly price and some surprisingly generous deals for existing fans. On the European eShop, the standard price lands around €18.19, while the official announcement from Crystal Dynamics confirms a regular price of $19.99 in North America. For everyone, there is a straightforward 10% launch discount that runs through November 24, 2025, shaving a bit off the cost during the first week. Things get more interesting for players who already picked up Tomb Raider I–III Remastered or Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered on Switch, because each of those collections unlocks an additional 10% loyalty discount on this new release. Those savings stack, meaning dedicated fans who own both collections can reach a total of 30% off during the promotional window in supported regions. It is a rare moment where revisiting Lara’s older adventures does not just pay off in nostalgia, but also directly lowers the bill for her modern origin story.

Playing on TV or on the go: control options and play styles

One of the biggest perks of having Tomb Raider on Nintendo hardware is the freedom to choose where and how you play. On Switch and Switch 2, the game supports standard controller setups whether you dock the system or stay in handheld mode, so you can move from couch to bed to train ride without fumbling through new layouts. The structure of the adventure naturally suits shorter sessions, with frequent campsites, clear chapter beats and climbing routes that can be tackled in quick bursts. Some players will prefer to keep the most cinematic sequences on the big screen with a Pro Controller, soaking in every camera sweep and set piece. Others might enjoy sneaking through forests or picking off enemies with a bow using portable mode, headphones on and the rest of the world tuned out. Because progress carries across both play styles seamlessly, the same save can accompany you everywhere, turning Yamatai into a place you visit whenever you have a spare half hour.

Why this release matters for Nintendo players and Tomb Raider’s future

Seeing Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch systems is about more than one store listing. For years, the Survivor trilogy felt slightly distant from the Nintendo ecosystem, with remasters and reissues appearing more quickly on other platforms. This release closes an important gap by finally giving Switch and Switch 2 owners access to the first chapter in Lara’s modern saga, after earlier remastered collections focused on even older adventures. It also arrives at a time when ports and collections are increasingly used to test interest in longer term support. Strong engagement here sends a signal that Nintendo players want more of Crystal Dynamics’ work to show up alongside first party hits. At the same time, it reinforces Aspyr’s growing role as a bridge between classic or established games and Nintendo’s audience. If this shadow drop performs well, it could encourage similar projects where fan favourite adventures make the jump with full DLC and extras intact.

Tips for new players jumping into Tomb Raider for the first time

If this is your first time stepping into Lara’s boots, a few simple habits can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. Early on, resist the urge to sprint through every encounter. Spend some time exploring side paths, raiding optional tombs and listening to crew conversations, because those moments do a lot of heavy lifting for character development. Upgrades are another area where small choices add up. Putting skill points into survival and exploration perks can reveal hidden loot and help you gather resources more efficiently, which in turn makes combat less punishing. Do not be afraid to tweak difficulty if certain sections feel like a wall. The game is meant to challenge you, not grind you into dust. Finally, remember that Lara is learning too. She stumbles, panics and occasionally makes mistakes, and embracing that humanity instead of chasing flawless runs can turn the whole adventure into a more relatable story of growth.

Should you buy Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Switch or Switch 2 now

Deciding whether to pick up Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo systems comes down to a mix of timing, expectations and personal history with the series. If you have never played the 2013 reboot, this release is an easy recommendation, especially during the launch discount period or if you qualify for loyalty savings through the earlier remaster collections. You get a full package with all DLC, online multiplayer and digital extras, wrapped around a story that still feels sharp and emotionally grounded. On Switch 2, performance is generally solid, but you should go in knowing that visuals fall short of what the hardware can truly deliver and that some older versions still look cleaner in certain areas. If you already own the game on a different platform and rarely play on the go, the purchase becomes more of a luxury than a necessity. For portable players and dedicated Nintendo fans, though, having Lara’s origin story in a format that travels everywhere is a powerful draw that is hard to dismiss.

Conclusion

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 finally hands Nintendo players the keys to Lara Croft’s modern origin story in a way that feels complete, convenient and mostly respectful of the hardware. The shadow drop release created a buzz that suits the series’ love of surprise discoveries, while the inclusion of all DLC and digital bonuses turns the package into a neat celebration of the 2013 reboot. Discounts at launch, along with generous loyalty deals for existing remaster owners, make the price easier to swallow, especially for long time fans eager to fill a gap in their collection. Technical compromises on Switch 2 keep the port from becoming a showpiece, yet the chance to experience Yamatai’s storms, crumbling temples and emotional beats in handheld form has a charm all its own. For newcomers, this is a great entry point into the Survivor era, and for returning players, it offers a fresh excuse to revisit one of Lara’s most important adventures on a system that can follow you anywhere.

FAQs
  • What is the release date for Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2?
    • The game launched as a shadow drop on November 18, 2025, arriving simultaneously on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 eShops worldwide in supported regions.
  • How much storage space does Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition need on Switch 2?
    • On the official Nintendo Switch 2 listing, the download size is shown at around 27.3 GB, so players should make sure they have enough free space on internal storage or a microSD card before buying.
  • Does the Nintendo version include all DLC from the original release?
    • Yes, the Definitive Edition on Nintendo systems includes all previously released downloadable content, such as extra outfits for Lara, additional multiplayer maps and extra playable characters, along with several digital bonus items.
  • Is there a launch discount or special pricing for existing Tomb Raider fans?
    • During the launch window, everyone receives a 10% discount off the regular price, and owners of Tomb Raider I–III Remastered and Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered on Switch can earn additional stacking loyalty discounts, up to a potential total of 30% off in supported regions.
  • How does the game perform on Nintendo Switch 2 compared with other platforms?
    • On Switch 2, the game aims for a smooth frame rate and generally delivers responsive gameplay, but technical analyses note reduced lighting quality, simpler shadows and less detailed foliage compared with some older console versions, meaning visuals sit below the best looking editions.
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