The base version (v1.0.0) of Batman: Arkham City on Switch was a disaster. Turnaround used the Unreal Engine 3, which historically does not play nice with the Switch’s ARM architecture. Here is the evolution via the NSP updates:

Reception and community response

Batman: Arkham City is set in a larger, more open world than its predecessor, with a narrative that explores the darker corners of Gotham City. Players take on the role of Batman, tasked with uncovering the sinister plot behind the establishment of Arkham City, a walled-off sector of Gotham where the Joker has taken control.

A standalone epilogue campaign taking place after the events of the main story.

To ensure the best, safest performance, the primary method for updating Batman: Arkham City is through the official channels:

: Depending on the version, the NSP update file typically ranges from a few hundred MBs to 2 GB , replacing existing data to optimize the engine. How to Install (Standard Method)

: Many reviewers highlight that playing an open-world Gotham in handheld mode is the biggest selling point, as the game feels "right" on a portable device.

One fascinating result of the NSP update being decrypted is that the modding community has created a hybrid version. Since the Switch version runs on Unreal Engine 3, modders have extracted the high-resolution textures from the Return to Arkham PS4 release and injected them into the Switch v1.0.2 build.

For on Nintendo Switch, the most recent update status and installation details are summarized below. Update Status (As of April 2026)

Always install the update to the same storage location (NAND or SD Card) where the base game is installed to avoid directory conflicts. The Verdict: Is It Worth Playing Now?