How to optimise EA FC 26 performance on Nintendo Switch
EA Sports’ latest football title, EA FC 26, has generated plenty of excitement across platforms. Recently, an open beta event was held by EA where players could experience the game on Nintendo Switch 2. However, the excitement was over as soon as the players noticed a big problem with the game: EA FC 26 on Nintendo is capped at 30 FPS.
In a time where PCs are aiming for more than 120 FPS and consoles for a steady 60, 30 fps can feel sluggish, especially during competitive matches. While the Switch’s hardware won’t match new-gen consoles, there are still several ways to improve FC 26 performance, making sure that the fps stays on 30. In this guide, we’ll help you optimise your handheld console to maximise performance for FC 26.
Why FC 26 Runs at 30 FPS on Switch
The handheld consoles always have hardware and performance limitations due to their size and power consumption. The Nintendo Switch is also built as a hybrid handheld console, prioritising portability and battery efficiency over performance. Unlike the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it doesn’t have the horsepower to deliver 60 FPS gameplay in modern titles consistently. As a result, EA has capped FC 26 at 30 FPS to ensure stability.
Tips to Optimise FC 26 Performance on Nintendo Switch
That being said, drops below 30 FPS can occur in crowded matches or specific modes, making the game unplayable, and optimisation is essential for competitive play. Below are the possible fixes for the mentioned issue:
1. Move FC 26 to Internal Storage
One of the easiest yet most effective improvements is moving the game from your SD card to the Switch’s internal storage. Since FC 26 is around 30 GB, you may need to archive old or unused titles to make room. The difference is instantly noticeable: faster load times and smoother gameplay.
Think of it as giving the game a direct line to your console’s processor instead of making it fetch data from a slower card. If you’re serious about boosting FC 26 performance, this should be your first step.
2. Stay Connected to the Internet
On Reddit, some players have reported that keeping the Switch connected online actually improves performance. FUT (Ultimate Team) runs dynamically, and connecting to a solid internet connection with a low ping often stabilises frame pacing. When you’re on a green ping, the gameplay feels lag-free and much closer to a locked 30 FPS.
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3. Tweak Visuals and Settings
The Switch isn’t designed to process heavy loads, so turning some graphical settings off can make a huge difference:
Turn off unnecessary visuals like crowd animations, Hypermotion effects, or environmental extras. For a little fun in offline modes, set boost acceleration and speed sliders to 70, and pass power to 60. This won’t affect FUT, but it helps Career Mode or Kick-Off feel more entertaining. Reducing unnecessary features lowers the system load and directly enhances FC 26 performance.
4. Docked vs. Handheld Mode
Here’s how you can get a little bit more out of Nintendo Switch. While docked mode increases resolution, some players feel it adds a slight slowdown. Handheld mode, on the other hand, can reduce input lag and feel faster overall. Playing the game in handheld mode will offer much more FPS stability and smoothness.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, you can’t bypass the 30 FPS cap on Nintendo Switch. That’s just how it’s intended to be played. But you can still optimise the game to make sure it stays on the locked 30 fps. Adjusting settings, managing hardware, and making smart choices with your EA FC squad all contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
If you’re ready, build your Ultimate team and dominate your opponents on Nintendo Switch. Buy FC 26 Coins now and start building your dream squad today.
