What’s up, skaters and gaming enthusiasts! We just got our hands on the freshly dropped Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. This Unreal Engine-powered remake bundles two absolute legends of the skateboarding genre into one slick package. Does it nail every trick? Not quite. But as an overall experience, it’s a solid, pick-up-and-play title that feels right at home on Nintendo’s latest handheld.
The Good Vibes: What THPS 3 + 4 Gets Right
First off, let’s talk about the flow. This game loads incredibly fast. Seriously, you’ll be dropping into your next session before you can even say “ollie.” For a portable console like the Switch 2, that’s a massive win, making those quick gaming bursts genuinely quick.
If you’re new to the world of grinds and manuals, don’t sweat it. The tutorial here is surprisingly in-depth without being a total drag. It teaches you the ropes, from basic movements to chaining combos, and it does it efficiently, so you’re not stuck watching endless pop-ups when all you want to do is shred.
And the stages? Oh, the stages! You’re getting a collection of iconic levels from both THPS 3 and THPS 4. From the bustling streets to the more outlandish locales, the nostalgia hits hard, and they’re still fantastic playgrounds for racking up those high scores. Plus, there’s a big selection of characters to choose from, whether you’re sticking with the legends or trying out some fresh faces.
Speaking of hitting hard, the music selection is absolutely killer! It’s a fantastic mix, blending those iconic tracks from the old games that’ll have you humming along, with some fresh new tunes that fit the vibe perfectly. It really keeps the energy high while you’re grinding rails and pulling off insane combos.
Finally, the short session times are a perfect match for the Switch 2. Whether you’ve got five minutes on the bus or an hour chilling on the couch, you can jump in, land some sick tricks, and feel like you’ve accomplished something without needing to commit to a marathon gaming session. It’s truly built for on-the-go play.
The Bails: Where It Stumbles
Now, let’s get real. While the game looks fine, the graphics aren’t exactly blowing us away. It feels more like a slightly polished Switch 1 port than a true next-gen visual upgrade. Don’t expect mind-bending textures or hyper-realistic character models. It gets the job done, but it won’t be winning any beauty contests.
The biggest kickflip to the face for many long-time fans, especially those who grew up with THPS4, is the altered campaign for Pro Skater 4. Instead of the semi-open-world, mission-based structure with character progression that made the original so unique, Iron Galaxy (and let’s be real, probably Activision calling the shots) decided to reformat THPS4’s campaign to be in the style of THPS3. This means timed sessions and a more linear challenge structure. As some players have pointed out, it feels like the “soul” of THPS4’s progression system is gone, replaced with “cookie-cutter arcade score points.” It’s a huge letdown for those who cherished the original’s unique approach, stripping away the free-roam and the satisfying stat point gains.
And speaking of annoying, there’s already paid DLC even before the game officially dropped. Mostly skins, but it’s still a bit of a bummer to see extra content locked behind a paywall right out of the gate.
Then there’s the physical release situation: no cartridge for Switch 2. If you’re a collector who loves having those game cards, you’re out of luck. The “physical” version is just a code in a box, which is a pretty disappointing move for a console that prides itself on its physical media.
Oh, and for those hoping for a robust online experience reminiscent of THUG2 or THAW, some players are reporting that multiplayer is completely botched and feels practically non-existent. So, if online sessions are your jam, you might want to temper your expectations.
The Verdict
Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a mixed bag, but ultimately, it leans towards the positive. It’s a fantastic way to revisit two classic skateboarding games with modern controls and a snappy pace that’s perfect for portable play. The quick loads and accessible tutorial make it easy to jump in, and the iconic levels are as fun as ever.
However, the visual upgrade isn’t massive, and the changes to THPS4’s campaign are a genuine disappointment for many veterans who loved its original, more open-ended design. The pre-launch DLC and the lack of a physical cartridge are also minor annoyances.
If you’re a casual fan looking for some nostalgic shredding on the go, or a newcomer wanting to experience the magic of THPS for the first time, this package is a solid, enjoyable ride. Just be prepared for THPS4 to feel a little different than you remember, and don’t expect a groundbreaking visual overhaul. It’s a good time, but it’s not quite a perfect 1080.
Overall: A nice package, perfect for pickup and play on Nintendo Switch 2!