The base version of the game (v1.0.0) shipped with a major flaw: excessive loading times. Entering a portal could take 45+ seconds. The 1.0.1 patch, released three weeks after launch, slashed loading times by nearly 70%, reduced texture pop-in, and stabilized frame rate during heavy particle effects (e.g., Sparx collecting gems).
The file size for Spyro Reignited Trilogy Update 1.0.1 is approximately 1.2 GB – 1.5 GB depending on the dump source. This patch is not optional for a smooth experience.
The third game in the trilogy had the most bugs. The "Yeti Boxing" mini-game was prone to freezing. Update 1.0.1 resolves this entirely, along with a soft-lock in the "Fireworks Factory" when using Sparx as a playable character.
An NSP file is a Nintendo Submission Package—essentially the digital eShop version. NSPs are often smaller because they can be compressed, but they typically require installation to the Switch’s internal memory or SD card. Base NSPs for Spyro are roughly 13.8 GB (slightly larger due to digital entitlements).
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a masterclass in how to handle a remake. Bringing together the original three PlayStation classics—Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Riptide Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon—this collection breathes incredible new life into the purple dragon’s adventures.
Visuals & PerformanceWhile the Nintendo Switch version naturally takes a slight graphical hit compared to other consoles to maintain portability, it remains stunning. The vibrant colors, expressive character animations, and lush environments are a joy to look at. Playing in handheld mode feels like holding a high-budget animated film in your hands.
The Importance of Update 1.0.1If you are playing via NSP or XCI, the 1.0.1 update is essential. Without it, you’ll find that a significant portion of the second and third games are missing from the base file due to cartridge size limitations at launch. The update doesn't just fix bugs; it provides the core data required to experience the full trilogy.
Gameplay & SoundThe controls are snappy, and the optional "Reignited" soundtrack—a remastered take on Stewart Copeland’s original score—is fantastic (though you can toggle back to the OG music if you’re a purist). Navigating the levels, headbashing enemies, and gliding across vast gaps feels just as rewarding as it did in the late 90s.
VerdictDespite the heavy 30FPS cap and some minor motion blur, this is the definitive way to play Spyro on the go. Whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer, this trilogy is a must-have for any platforming enthusiast's library. Pros: Three iconic games in one package. Beautifully reimagined art style. Solid performance in both docked and handheld modes. Cons: Spyro Reignited Trilogy -NSP XCI Update 1.0.1-
Significant download required (v1.0.1) to play the full trilogy. Occasional long load times between realms.
Update 1.0.1 Spyro Reignited Trilogy on Nintendo Switch is a critical patch that addresses the "incomplete cartridge" issue. While the physical game card only contains the first game, this update—ranging from 8.7 GB to 10 GB —is required to download the full data for Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon Key Technical Details File Formats : A direct copy of the physical cartridge; for , this typically only includes the first game. : Digital eShop format; installing the v1.0.1 NSP update
on top of an XCI or base NSP is necessary to unlock the full trilogy. Total Size
: With the update, the total footprint on your system or SD card reaches approximately Offline Play
: Once the update is installed, all three games are fully playable offline. Significant Improvements in Later Updates (v1.03+)
While v1.0.1 focuses on game content, subsequent patches (like v1.03) introduced features that modern players consider essential:
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy update version 1.0.1 for Nintendo Switch is primarily a performance and stability patch aimed at addressing the substantial mandatory download required for the physical cartridge. Key Update Details
Mandatory Download: Even with a physical cartridge, the game initially required an additional download of approximately 8.7 GB to 10 GB to access the full content of all three games. The base version of the game (v1
General Fixes: Update 1.0.1 typically focuses on general stability improvements and minor bug fixes to ensure smoother gameplay on the Switch's hardware.
Subtitles & Quality of Life: While broader updates like 1.03 added features like subtitles and a motion blur toggle, the early 1.0.1 version served as the foundation for the game's initial launch state on the console. Technical Specifications (Switch Version)
File Formats: The game is commonly distributed as an NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) for digital installers or XCI (NX Card Image) for cartridge-based dumps.
Total Size: The full digital version of the trilogy occupies roughly 15 GB of storage space.
Performance: The game targets 30 FPS, though it can experience occasional "judder" or frame time spikes during heavy effects, sometimes dipping toward 27 FPS on original Switch hardware. Content Included
The trilogy features fully remastered versions of the original PlayStation classics: Spyro the Dragon Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! Spyro: Year of the Dragon
Players can relive these adventures with updated graphics and a reimagined soundtrack, all playable offline once the necessary update data is installed.
Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility - 25 MORE Games Tested (Frame Rates) The third game in the trilogy had the most bugs
This guide covers the technical details of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy on Nintendo Switch, specifically focusing on the Update 1.0.1 and the differences between file formats like NSP and XCI. 1. Understanding the Update 1.0.1 Requirement
For the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, the base game files are famously incomplete on the physical cartridge to save costs.
Essential Content: The initial release (Update 1.0.1) is required to play Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon. Only the first game is fully playable without it.
Size: This "Day One" update is substantial, typically requiring an additional 8.7 GB to 10 GB of storage space on your SD card or console memory. 2. NSP vs. XCI Formats
If you are managing your own backups for homebrew use, it is important to know the difference between these two common formats:
XCI (Cartridge Image): An exact duplicate of a physical game cartridge. These often include the base game only and require separate update files.
NSP (Nintendo Submission Package): Digital installation packages, similar to what you'd download from the eShop. Updates and DLC are almost always provided in NSP format.
Compatibility: Emulators like Yuzu or Ryujinx, and homebrew installers, can typically handle both, but you must install the 1.0.1 Update NSP on top of your base game (whether it's XCI or NSP) for the full trilogy to work. 3. Installation Guide (Homebrew)
To install these files on a modified Switch, you typically use tools like Tinfoil, DBI, or Goldleaf.
On Nintendo Switch, NSP and XCI are container formats used to distribute games outside or within Nintendo’s own storefront ecosystems. An update labeled 1.0.1 would typically be a small delta: a few megabytes to a couple hundred megabytes depending on whether it includes recompiled binaries, asset adjustments, or only metadata and configuration updates. Deployment mechanisms differ, but the update’s core aim is the targeted swap of problematic modules without unnecessarily inflating the user’s download burden.