Is this remake worth the ride — and the price?
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is back again, this time bringing the legendary 3 and 4 together for the Nintendo Switch 2. With upgraded visuals, a killer soundtrack, and buttery-smooth controls, this remake aims to recapture everything we loved about the original games. But does it land the trick, or does it bail on some key features? Let’s break it down.
🔥 First Impressions: Straight to the Airport
From the moment the game loads, it throws you into the deep end — in the best way possible. My goal from the start was simple: unlock the Airport and push for the highest score possible in two minutes. That classic Tony Hawk rush is back, and it hits hard.
🎮 Gameplay: Fast, Fluid, and Brutal on the Thumbs
Gameplay is as tight and responsive as ever. You’ll be chaining tricks like it’s muscle memory, but the pace is so intense your hands might feel it. This is a game that demands input — and rewards mastery.
Performance is mostly solid, but frame rate dips do show up, especially in trick-heavy segments. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it can break your flow if you’re deep into a combo. Still, it feels great overall, and the grind to perfection is as addicting as ever.
🎨 Visuals & Audio: Nostalgia with a Modern Shine
🎨 Visuals & Audio: Nostalgia with a Modern ShineThe visuals are a mixed bag. While the environments look clean and the animation is smooth, some textures do appear washed out and soft at times. It’s not a deal-breaker, but don’t expect next-gen sharpness.
On the audio side, the game absolutely nails it. The soundtrack is packed with bangers, old and new, and instantly sets the mood. Just be sure to turn on streamer mode if you’re planning to create content — the copyright strikes are real.
🔁 Replayability: Just One More Run…
Tony Hawk’s magic has always been about replayability, and that’s alive and well here. High score chasing, unlocking secret levels, and mastering combos still feel incredibly satisfying.
Some fans are upset about the removal of the open-world career mode from THPS 4. Personally? I skipped that game originally and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Your mileage may vary.
😬 Frustrations: Pricing & Physical Pain Points
Let’s talk price. $70 for the deluxe edition feels steep for a remake — especially one missing features like online career progression. A more reasonable pricing model would’ve been $39.99 standard and $49.99 deluxe.
And here’s a real bummer for collectors: the physical Switch 2 version is just a code in a box. There’s also no upgrade path if you owned the physical Switch 1 version, which did come on a cart. That’s a frustrating move for those who value physical media.
🧠 Final Verdict
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Switch 2 is a fast, fluid, and faithful return to arcade-style skating. Despite a few flaws — like minor performance dips and a questionable price tag — the gameplay holds up, and the fun factor is undeniable.
If you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer who loves score-based, skill-driven games, this one’s worth a ride.
