Subnautica: How to Choose a Switch 2 Graphics Preset

Use the Switch 2-specific graphics options

Unknown Worlds added these presets in the July 21, 2026Switch2 update. This guide is for Subnautica on Switch 2. It does not claim that the original Switch or PC has this exact preset menu or the same resolution targets. [1]

Choose Balanced for the default combination

Balanced is the default experience: shadows enabled, up to 60fps targeted,1080p handheld and 1440p docked. “Up to” is the developer’s target language, not a guarantee of a fixed60fps in every area. [1]

Steps

1. Select Balanced if you want the default mix of shadows, resolution and framerate target. [1]

Use High Framerate when smoother motion is the priority

High Framerate disables shadows and lowers resolution to 720p handheld or 1080p docked. Its stated goal is the highest possible framerate. The announcement does not supply a separate fixed frame-rate guarantee for this preset. [1]

Steps

1. Choose High Framerate if that priority matters more to you than shadows and the higher-resolution modes. [1]

Use High Quality for the stated 30fps presentation

High Quality uses the stated 30fps presentation, keeps shadows and has1080p handheld/1440p docked output. It shares those resolution figures with Balanced, so choose based on the whole mode description rather than assuming the name means a higher pixel count than Balanced. [1]

Steps

1. Select High Quality when you prefer the publisher’s30fps quality-mode presentation. [1]

Compare the correct handheld or docked figure

Handheld and docked targets are different. Compare the figure for the way you actually play: for example, High Framerate’s720p handheld target should not be compared with Balanced’s1440p docked target as though both describe the same display state. [1]