Before we get into this review proper, let’s set the record straight: the hubbub you’ve heard over Stray’s missing free upgrade path? That was a goof. Publisher Annapurna Interactive confirmed the game was supposed to be free for anyone who’d downloaded it on Switch, but an eShop snafu fumbled Stray’s re-release. As of June 1st, 2026, that’s all fixed, but this upgrade comes with a catch: physical owners aren’t eligible for the free upgrade, nor will saves transfer. This might leave some Stray fans hissing like they’ve encountered the human in the mirror, but them’s the breaks.
Anyway, Stray. In case you’ve forgotten, that was 2022’s viral cat game, wherein a stray feline navigates a post-apocalyptic world full of puzzle-solving, dense commentary, adorable catnaps, and the constant plucking of heartstrings. Stealing everyone’s hearts and confusing pets everywhere, we at GamingTrend certainly weren’t immune to the game’s charms, as we reviewed the original PlayStation 5 release and granted it a glowing 90/100. Do give it a read, even if only to witness David’s adorable cat in Obi-Wan. (Don’t make me pull a force trick, now.)
As a cat-lover who’d somehow never touched Stray prior, I could talk about how this Switch 2 port thoroughly inducted me into the game’s cult--its masterful blend of environmental storytelling and thought-provoking themes still prancing about in my head. But with four years of accolades under Stray’s belt (collar?), you’re not here for that—my job here is to tell you just how much better this re-release is compared to the now-antiquated Switch port, and how any Switch 2 owner should pick it up right meow.
While Switch’s Stray port was a minor miracle, it was an obviously compromised release: textures and details were sanded down, atmospheric effects like fog and reflections were neutered or removed entirely, and the rough aliasing just made the whole thing look like a cat’s bad hair day. For Switch players, it was an adequate way to experience this modern hit—a rough presentation couldn’t smother the game’s melancholic charm (that, and as we’ll discuss momentarily, the game’s practically made for handheld)—but there was little reason for Stray fans to double-dip for a 720p/540p release. (Docked and portable, respectively)
Naturally, Stray’s clearly taken a trip to the groomer’s for its Switch 2 debut: the graphical density’s returned in its foliage and rusty walls, the missing effects now haunt its dark alleys and gloomy towns once more, and the aliasing’s touched down a notch. While maybe still not up to par with higher-end consoles, the docked 4K resolution’s practically as clear as its PlayStation 5 counterparts, and the portable 1040p ensures the foggy slums and neon-lit Midtown are as immersive as ever. (Bizarrely, there’s only one drawback relative to the Switch release—no character shadows. Why? You got me.)
This crisp resolution comes at a cost, however: a locked 30 FPS. While it’s worth mentioning other consoles hit the same mark—lower-end consoles in PlayStation 4 and base Xbox One also maintained similar rates—but for players coming off higher-end systems or simply prioritize performance, this may well be a deal-breaker. Thankfully, the framerate’s stable throughout—my playthrough only endured a couple instances of slowdown, both being when I descended into the action-heavy lairs of those infernal Zurks.
The only new feature of note is Stray now comes equipped with mouse controls. Whereas our titular stray may be disappointed there’s no actual mice involved, I’m more confounded by its camera controls. While not nearly as torturous as Switch 2’s other tacked-on mouse-capades (Human Fall Flat, I’m looking in your direction), they remain ill-suited for a third-person action-adventure game such as this—the camera angles are too awkward and finicky to keep up with the cat’s quick movements, and with how my thumb naturally drifted towards the default joystick camera, I’m left wondering what the point was when muscle memory kept interfering. (While I’m at it, your Joy-Cons still refuse to rumble whenever our beloved hero purrs during a catnap. If Sony’s DualSense can do it, why not here?)
Still, any setbacks ultimately dissipate in the face of Stray finally becoming an easy handheld recommendation. Running at just under six hours, Stray’s bite-sized campaign already lent itself to pick-up-and-play, and while nothing stopped Switch owners from enjoying Stray from the comfort of their bed, Switch 2’s compromises are hardly as evident, with the game looking gorgeous no matter what screen you’re playing it on. It’s the perfect opportunity for fans to double-dip, and newcomers can rest assured they’re not missing out on the genuine Stray experience. In a sea of ballooning game development, Stray remains a gentle reminder that you don’t need colossal open-worlds or endless hours of playtime to capture players.
Now that Stray has found its true home on Switch 2, what are you waiting for? Unsheathe your claws, lose yourself in its moody lights and sounds, and get to carpet-scratching.
