As of April 2026, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected on Nintendo Switch remains a complete package that includes the core game and all 25 DLC packs. While the most significant content updates occurred shortly after its 2020 launch, the game has recently gained attention for its performance on Nintendo Switch 2, where it reportedly runs at a locked 60fps compared to the original hardware's 30fps target. Latest Update History (Version 1.7.0)
The last major title update for the Switch version, Version 1.7.0, focused on critical bug fixes and cross-region compatibility. According to Nintendo Everything, the key fixes included:
Regional Online Play: Fixed an issue preventing Japanese (JP/JPCARD) versions from playing with other regions.
Startup Stability: Resolved occasional crashes occurring when launching the game.
Matchmaking: Fixed a bug where games would continue into multiplayer sessions even after matchmaking failed.
Visual Fixes: Addressed a specific Japanese-version issue where Johnny Gat appeared nude in the "Welcome Back" mission. Performance and Features
The Nintendo Switch port is designed with several console-specific features to optimize the handheld experience: Saints Row IV Re-Elected (Nintendo Switch)
As of early 2026, the latest standard update for Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
on Nintendo Switch is version 1.8.0. While the game received significant support early in its lifecycle to address performance and DLC bugs, recent updates focus primarily on maintaining compatibility with newer hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2. Key Update History & Fixes saints row iv reelected switch nsp update new
The development team at Deep Silver Fishlabs released several patches to stabilize the port, which was initially marred by performance dips.
Performance Improvements: Dynamic resolution was added to maintain a steady 30 FPS during intensive gameplay, though resolution may drop to compensate for high action.
Bug Resolutions: Major patches fixed issues where DLC outfits (like the Super Hero pack) were missing, and addressed critical crashes during startup.
Multiplayer Fixes: Updates resolved connectivity issues between different regions (e.g., JP and US) and fixed matchmaking loops that persisted even after a session failed.
Platform Enhancements: The Switch version includes gyro aiming (enabled by default) to help with the precision challenges of the Joy-Con's small analog sticks. Installing Updates for NSP Files
For users managing NSP files on modified consoles, updates must be handled manually to ensure version parity. Saints Row IV: Re-Elected Gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch version of Saints Row IV: Re-Elected has transitioned from a troubled initial launch to a highly stable experience through a series of significant software updates. The current "new" state of the game on Switch (as of April 2026) reflects years of polish that have addressed critical launch-day bugs and performance inconsistencies. Core Evolution & Key Updates
Initially released in 2020, the Switch port faced notable issues with DLC accessibility and performance. The development team at Deep Silver Fishlabs released multiple patches to refine the experience: Version 1.7.0 & Performance Fixes: As of April 2026, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
A major milestone was the 1.7.0 update, which resolved several regional compatibility issues and stabilized the game's dynamic resolution scaling. DLC Resolution:
Early updates were critical for players who found that the 25 included pieces of DLC were not unlocking properly. Subsequent patches ensured that major expansions like How the Saints Save Christmas Enter the Dominatrix became correctly integrated. Stability:
Late-stage updates focused on "bug exorcism," fixing occasional startup crashes and ensuring cross-region multiplayer worked seamlessly. Technical Specifications
The current version of the game is optimized to leverage the Switch's hardware while maintaining the chaotic "superhero" gameplay the series is known for: Resolution: The game typically runs at 720p in handheld mode 1080p when docked Frame Rate: It utilizes a dynamic resolution option
to target a steady 30 FPS, adjusting during intensive gameplay to maintain consistency. New Features: Exclusive to the Switch version is the addition of gyro aiming (motion controls)
, which can be toggled in the options menu to assist with precision during gunfights. Content Highlights As part of the Re-Elected
package, players have access to the complete Saints Row IV experience:
Title: Analyzing the Technical and Commercial Landscape of Saints Row IV: Re-Elected on Nintendo Switch: A Focus on Updates and Piracy Artifacts Saints Row IV: Re-Elected — Nintendo Switch NSP
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Nintendo Switch port of Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, developed by Fishlabs. It examines the technical challenges associated with porting a graphically intensive open-world game to a hybrid mobile console. Furthermore, this paper explores the specific terminology and ecosystem surrounding the "NSP" file format and the demand for "updates," analyzing how the homebrew and piracy communities interact with the official software distribution model. The study aims to dissect the disparity between the base game’s performance and the community’s pursuit of optimized revisions through unofficial channels.
Contrary to most AAA updates that add content, this patch is purely stability and optimization. Here is the breakdown:
1. Resolution Stability
2. Load Time Reduction
3. Audio Desync Fix
4. Crash Fixes
5. DLC Recognition