Mortal Kombat 1 — Every Platform Ranked
Mortal Kombat 1 took the usual fighting game route and was released on PC and console, including Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, not every version of the game was created equal. If you’re wondering which version of Mortal Kombat 1 to get, here is a ranking of the best options right now.
Mortal Kombat 1 on PlayStation 5
Mortal Kombat 1 and other fighting games are the perfect games to buy for PlayStation 5. While there are some minor changes you could possibly notice between Xbox and PlayStation if you want to pick them apart for rivalry sake, PlayStation 5 comes out on top in my opinion because most local tournaments and larger events will use the PlayStation and its controller as the standard for console due to its command inputs.
But whether you choose a PlayStation or Xbox to play Mortal Kombat 1, the game will look and run beautifully for the most part. You can use an arcade stick on either console as well.
Mortal Kombat 1 on Xbox Series X | S
If you aren’t looking to get used to the PlayStation controller for competitive reasons, the Xbox may have a slight edge over the PlayStation. This version of Mortal Kombat 1 loads ever-so-slightly faster and has a little bit better graphics. Again, this is nothing you’d really ever notice to the point of it mattering to your overall experience. It really comes down to which controller you prefer and which console you already have at this point.
Mortal Kombat 1 on PC
Mortal Kombat 11 had a notoriously subpar launch on the PC so the FGC has been a little weary to play the game on PC over console. It seems like Mortal Kombat 1 has some similar flaws on PC, including no crossplay. Meanwhile, Xbox and PlayStation users can play with one another online.
This is yet to be seen, but updates and DLC came to console faster than PC for Mortal Kombat 11. Now, fighting game players are wondering if this will happen again for Mortal Kombat 1, leaving PC players waiting for bug fixes and new content a lot longer.
Another thing to keep in mind is playing with friends in person. A lot of people have their consoles set up in a way where two people can play from the couch, bed, or another comfortable way. Meanwhile, PCs are often on desks and meant for one person to play from a gaming chair. If you’d prefer to play Mortal Kombat 1 on a larger television with friends, you most likely should stick to console unless you have an easy way to emulate that experience on your PC.
Mortal Kombat 1 on Nintendo Switch
Do. Not. Even. Bother. Mortal Kombat 1 on the Nintendo Switch is getting roasted online more intensely than Scorpion’s victims during a brutal Fatality — and it’s for good reason.
Mortal Kombat 1 on the Switch is a straight-up port using the console’s hardware and it shows. The game has horrendous graphics that are very lacking in details compared to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The lack of facial expressions and character details are quite distracting as well as a lot of the bugs from the worse graphics, including seeing through character models.
Unfortunately, that’s not it for the Switch version. The load times are almost a minute long before matches. This is made even worse due to the fact that the two characters stare awkwardly at each other for a good 45 seconds after saying their two lines instead of jumping into the match. Invasions mode runs slowly due to these loading times, creating a lot of frustration. Online play is obviously not enjoyable on the Switch due to the loading and lag. It’s much too tedious.
The most egregious part, however, is the actual gameplay (including local play). Fighting games are meant to be about precise timing and quick reactions, but this is disrupted by how bad the Switch version runs. Think Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online matches. It’s beyond frustrating to have your character not react how you envision or end up getting beat up by an opponent due to the game not recognizing what you pressed until it’s too late. At that point, why even bother?
