The wait is finally over. Capcom has officially released Resident Evil Requiem today, February 27, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in survival horror history. As the ninth mainline entry in the legendary franchise, Requiem doesn't just continue the narrative saga of Leon S. Kennedy; it fundamentally rewrites the rulebook for technical performance on both high-end PCs and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2. Powered by a massive overhaul of the RE Engine—dubbed "RE neXt" internally—this launch sets a new graphical benchmark for 2026.

Resident Evil Requiem PC Performance: A New Technical Standard

For PC gamers, Resident Evil Requiem PC performance is the headline story. Capcom has leveraged advanced ray-tracing and AI-driven atmospheric effects to create the most photorealistic Raccoon City ever seen. However, this fidelity comes with steeper system requirements than its predecessor, Village.

Our initial benchmarking confirms that while the game is demanding, it is surprisingly scalable. To hit a stable 60 FPS at 1440p with ray tracing enabled, you will need at least an RTX 4070 or equivalent. However, the RE Requiem system requirements for minimum settings are more forgiving, allowing older GTX 1660 cards to run the game at a stable 1080p/30fps.

Key PC features include:

  • Unlocked Framerates: Essential for high-refresh-rate monitors.
  • Ultrawide Support: Native 21:9 and 32:9 support at launch.
  • Upscaling Tech: Full support for DLSS 3.5, FSR 4.0, and XeSS.

The Switch 2 Miracle: RE Requiem Nintendo Switch 2 Benchmarks

Perhaps the most shocking revelation of today's launch is the Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 performance. Running a next-gen title on a handheld hybrid is no small feat, but Capcom has delivered what Digital Foundry is calling a "portable miracle."

Using NVIDIA's DLSS technology, the Switch 2 version renders at a native 540p in docked mode and upscales to a crisp 1080p image that rivals the Xbox Series S in clarity. In handheld mode, the game targets a variable refresh rate, often hovering between 40-60 FPS. While there are occasional dips during intense combat scenes with the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, the experience is fluid and undeniably impressive for a portable device.

Handheld Visual Compromises

To achieve this, some concessions were made. Texture resolution on the Switch 2 is lower than the PS5 version, and ray-tracing effects are disabled. However, the lighting engine still manages to convey the oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that defines the best survival horror games 2026 has to offer.

Dual Protagonists, Dual Nightmares

Beyond the technical specs, Requiem introduces a compelling narrative split. Players alternate between the veteran Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst. This duality serves the gameplay perfectly: Leon's sections are action-heavy, reminiscent of RE4 Remake, while Grace's segments return to the disempowered, psychological horror roots of RE7.

The story returns to a post-nuclear Raccoon City, a setting that allows the Capcom Resident Evil 2026 launch to explore new lore while paying homage to the series' origins. Critics are already praising the narrative pacing, noting that the switch between action and pure survival horror keeps the 15-hour campaign feeling fresh throughout.

Steam Deck Optimization and Graphics Settings

For handheld PC enthusiasts, Resident Evil Requiem Steam Deck optimization is a mixed bag at launch. While the game is verified playable, it requires some tweaking to maintain a steady framerate.

We recommend the following Resident Evil Requiem graphics settings for Steam Deck users:

  • Resolution: 1280x800
  • FSR 3.0: Set to "Quality"
  • Texture Quality: Medium
  • Shadow Quality: Low
  • Volumetric Lighting: Low

With these settings, you can expect a battery life of around 90 minutes and a framerate that sits comfortably between 30 and 40 FPS. It’s a solid experience, though the Switch 2 version arguably offers a more "pick-up-and-play" experience out of the box thanks to its specialized optimization.

Verdict: A Must-Play for Horror Fans

As the reviews pour in, it is clear that Resident Evil Requiem is a triumph. Whether you are pushing a high-end rig to its limits to see every raindrop in Raccoon City or playing on the go with the Switch 2, Capcom has delivered a polished, terrifying, and technically marveling experience. This is not just a game; it is the first true look at the future of survival horror.