With such a faithful recreation seen on the pitch, it's disappointing that attention to detail is not reflected off it. It does not include the latest additions of dynamic news clips or interactive transfer negotiations because-like The Journey-they are powered by the Frostbite engine, which FIFA 18 on Switch does not use. I say "aging" because the Career Mode here is not the one included in FIFA 18 on PS4 and Xbox One-it's more like the Career Mode seen in FIFA 16. FIFA's Switch port is missing Pro Clubs and The Journey, meaning the only options to play offline are the bog standard Kick Off and aging Career Mode. The problems arise when you consider the game as a package. But playing a match of FIFA 18 on Switch is an enjoyable experience. Shots don't pop like they do on PS4 and Xbox One, and the omission of player instructions is a frustrating and bizarre one. Commentary is also just as impressive, and animations look as smooth as they do on current-gen (though you're better off not looking at the cardboard cut-out crowds). Dribbling feels responsive, crosses are accurate, and overall match speed is faster than on PS4 / Xbox One, a change that better suits the Switch's immediate pick-up-and-play sensibilities. On the pitch, it actually replicates the other editions' gameplay pretty well. But compared to its current console cousin-FIFA 18 on PS4 / Xbox One-it's lacking features and much of the shine that makes that version so appealing.
When compared to the likes of FIFA's past PS Vita, 3DS, and other mobile versions, it's easily the best portable FIFA ever made. FIFA 18 on Nintendo Switch is a tough game to categorize.