Which is the best version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter? PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch 1, & PC Covered

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter launches this week for PS5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC (Steam). Not only is it the first modern Falcom game to see a unified PC release on Steam for all languages and regions, but it also is a follow-up to Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter which was a major release for Falcom launching on the same platforms. I recently did a full comparison covering Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter after its many updates and patches across all platforms. I was curious to see whether Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter would be better on Switch 2 considering 1st Chapter's upgrade felt quite rushed at launch. I was also curious to see if the PC port saw any improvements over 1st Chapter.

I'm going to cover all of that in my Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter comparison with the full version tested across PS5, PS5 Pro, Switch 2, Switch 1, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and AYN Thor.

Trails in the Sky SC and 2nd Chapter release timeline

Before getting to the versions and other differences, Trails in the Sky SC/2nd has had an interesting release timeline across platforms and versions. 

• March 2006: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC debuts on Windows in Japan.
• September 2007: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC gets ported to PSP in Japan
• April 2013: Trails in the Sky SC Kai HD Edition launches for PS3 in Japan as a part of the PSP Remaster series.
• July 2014: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky launches for PC globally.
• October 2015: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC launches in North America on PSP and worldwide on Windows.
• November 2015: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC launches in Europe on PSP.
• December 2015: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC Evolution launches for PS Vita in Japan. This remake has new character art, animated portraits, new music, fully voiced, and much more. 
• March 2016: Trails in the Sky SC gets a cloud version on mobile in Japan.
• September 2026: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, a full remake of the original, launches worldwide for PS5, Switch 2, Switch, and Steam.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter feature differences across platforms

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the same game across all platforms, and like 1st Chapter, it has a few platform-specific differences when it comes to visuals, performance, and input. As of now, the PC version on Steam is the only version with mouse and keyboard support. The PS5 version is the only console release that has a 120fps target option and the PC version can go even beyond that. The PS5 version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter also has Activity Cards, DualSense haptic feedback, and the PS5 dashboard hint system support. While there is no mention of PS5 Pro enhancements for Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, it still sees benefits from the more powerful console as I will cover below.

The PC version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter has 16:10 support and 21:9 support during gameplay, but not in the menus. This is Falcom's third internally developed PC port following 1st Chapter and Kyoto Xanadu. The Switch 2 Edition is available as a paid upgrade for Switch 1 owners and it has the same visual and performance modes as 1st Chapter does on Switch 2. Note that while Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter was digital only for Switch 2, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter has a proper Switch 2 Edition physical release that costs a bit more. So Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter has a physical release on PS5, Switch, and Switch 2 with the game on cart. 

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter visuals and performance differences across PS5, PS5 Pro, Switch 2, PC Steam, AYN Thor, and Switch

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on PS5 does not have PS5 Pro enhancements listed, but it does benefit from the more powerful hardware. On base PS5, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter defaults to its 60fps mode, but there is also a high frame rate mode that uncaps the frame rate to target 120fps with cuts to visuals. Based on my testing, the high frame rate mode is perfect for VRR screens on base PS5 or on PS5 Pro in general. It is a very polished release just like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. When it comes to resolution, I played on my 1440p monitor and the 120fps target mode on base PS5 looked a bit soft compared to the 60fps mode on PS5. On PS5 Pro, both look crisp and it holds up well across the board.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Switch 2 Edition is sadly similar to Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Switch 2 Edition. It is a noticeable step down from the PS5 version in foliage, draw distance, detail, resolution, and some other visual settings. It also is a step below the PC version's lowest preset in foliage and grass. The good news is that it ships with the quality and performance modes from the get go so you can at least play with good performance in the performance mode that targets 60fps. The quality mode still runs badly and needs to be patched to support LFC (low framerate compensation) and VRR (variable refresh rate) docked. The Switch 2 version even in its prioritize graphics mode is a big step down from the base PS5 version in its high frame rate mode all things considered. 

The Switch 1 version is the worst of the lot and it barely holds 30fps with drops into the mid 20s even in the opening locations. I think it looks very good all things considered and is a big step up over the Daybreak games on Switch, but the performance leaves a lot to be desired. 

The Steam version even on PC handhelds runs very well. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on Steam ships with the upscaling options from day one. While I wish it had FSR 3 or 4, it is still better than nothing, and this helps the Steam Deck hit 60fps with good visuals and you can even push higher on ROG Ally and other handhelds. The FSR update also helps devices like the AYN Thor where I can now get a solid 30fps with great visuals on the smaller screen.

Note: For the docked/TV comparison, I used 4K capture from all consoles barring the 120fps mode on PS5 and PS5 played on PS5 Pro. For those two, I used the PS5 system screenshot functionality. I cropped parts of the capture to show the differences like the cuts to foliage, resolution, and more on Switch 2 and Switch 1.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter load times across Switch 2, PS5, PS5 Pro, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, AYN Thor, and Switch 1

To test load times, I installed Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on the PS5 M2 SSD, PS5 Pro internal storage, Switch 2 internal storage for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Switch 2 Edition, Switch 1 (SD card), AYN Thor internal storage, Steam Deck OLED internal storage, and the ROG Ally internal storage. The results below are in seconds. I measured the time taken to get to the title screen and also the time taken to load a save file in the same location.

While a lot of the load times are expected given how Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter ended up, the initial load time for the PS5 version is a bit too long. Everything in-game on PS5 is faster than other platforms with instant loading as well in some cases, but the initial load needs to be improved. The PS5 version is the only one with almost no loading in between some locations. I am pleased with the Switch 2 Edition load times though. It is better than you'd expect. 

The asterisk for Steam Deck and ROG Ally is because the "resume from latest save" launch option on Steam is available, but I've found it helps more on Windows/ROG Ally than SteamOS for Steam Deck right now. The load times above are for loading normally and not using the "resume from latest save."

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Switch 2 vs Steam Deck, Switch 1, and ROG Ally

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Switch 2 Edition issues

I was hoping Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter releasing in a middling state for Switch 2 last year was because they added it late in development, but I'm not satisfied with the current state of Trails in the Sky 1st and 2nd Chapter. The Switch 2 is capable of a lot more than this. It isn't bad, but you are getting a lesser experience when Falcom should've done and actually brought over some of the PS5 and PC visual features rather than delivering a Switch 1 version with improved image quality and performance for the most part. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Switch 2 Edition having lower graphics settings than the lowest PC settings is disappointing given it can't even run at native resolution on Switch 2. If Trails in the Sky 3rd Chapter is next, I hope Falcom does better and patches 1st and 2nd. 

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter PC graphics options

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Steam Deck recommended settings for the full game

By default, you will get a solid experience with Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on Steam Deck aiming for around 40fps on the LCD model or 45fps on the OLED model. With FSR, a combination of medium and low settings can get you a solid 60fps experience in just about every location barring one in the full game. This is a lot better than the Switch 1 and 2 versions visually.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter AYN Thor impressions

Like the first game, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter can deliver a solid performing experience with great visuals on the smaller screen, I recommend using the low preset, 1080p (for crisp UI), and FSR upscaling to target above 30fps. This is on my AYN Thor Max model and using GameNative. You might see some errors on launching, but you can click ok and it will still boot up the game. There will definitely be a known configuration for launch or around launch.

Which version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is the best?

The PC version on a high-end PC followed by the PS5 version is the way to go for playing on TV right now. The PS5 version on PS5 Pro is even better despite the store page not having the PS5 Pro Enhanced label. Even though the PC version is lacking compared to Durante and PH3's ports, it is an excellent version of the game. The Switch 2 version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter feels rushed like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. It is definitely a big step down from the great Switch 2 ports we've had for Ys X: Proud Nordics and Trails beyond the Horizon. 

For playing on the go, the ROG Ally delivers the best visuals and solid frame rates with the Steam Deck following. On Switch 2 the prioritize graphics mode feels awful like 1st Chapter, and while the performance mode delivers on its promise, the visuals are notably cut below all other platforms. Even the Steam version through GameNative on the AYN Thor can deliver better graphics (albeit at 30fps) compared to Switch 2.

Which version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter should you buy today?

Everyone has their own priorities for what they want, so I'm going to list the advantages and disadvantages of every single version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter as a conclusion to this feature below. Just note that save transfer is something included here for those who played Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on a specific platform. 

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on Switch: Just like with 1st Chapter, the Switch 1 version is impressive after how bad a lot of modern Falcom ports are on Switch 1. The exception is Trails Beyond the Horizon which punches well above its weight. With that out of the way, if you enjoyed Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on Switch 1, this is an easy recommendation. It isn't as polished as the Steam or PS5 versions, but it gets the job done and is an impressive port all things considered.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on Switch 2: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Switch 2 Edition is still a disappointing port. Falcom has done a lot better on the system with Proud Nordics. Right now, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Switch 2 Edition is still below even the PC's lowest settings when the hardware is capable of more. If you played Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on Switch 2 with the upgrade and were hoping for better here, you will not find it here. The good news is that it still has the same performance mode and holds up quite well in performance. The visuals are sadly too compromised compared to PS5 and Steam. There is also a physical version this time unlike 1st Chapter on Switch 2 at least. If you do want to play Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on Switch 2, I recommend the performance mode since the frame rate in the graphics mode is quite bad like 1st Chapter. 
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on PS5: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on PS5 is a super polished release from Falcom, like 1st Chapter, that feels well above the Daybreak games and even Horizon. It has the same great 120fps target mode and shines if you have VRR on base PS5 or just in general if you play on PS5 Pro. The 60fps default mode is solid with fantastic visuals across the board. The PS5 version of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter also has Activity Cards and game hint support alongside trophy tracking. 
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on Steam: This isn't a Durante/PH3 level port, but it is a lot better than most PC ports we see these days from Japanese developers. It also ships with the FSR and DLSS options from day one unlike in 1st Chapter. The PC version on handhelds like Steam Deck and ROG Ally deliver the best portable versions by far. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is also competent via GameNative on AYN Thor. 

Hopefully this helped you decide where you should get Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter and also prepared you for any potential issues depending on your platform of choice. Note that there is a save data bonus for Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter and you should play on the platform you intend to continue the story on assuming you were ok with the experience for 1st Chapter. 

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is now available for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam).