NetEase Slashes Marvel Rivals Storage Footprint by 40GB Ahead of Switch 2 Release
The Season 9.5 update for Marvel Rivals introduces a massive supercompression overhaul, reclaiming 30 percent of hard drive space on PC. Alongside these technical optimizations, the roster expands with the debut of The Hood, a unique ranged Vanguard hero.
Key takeaways
- Marvel Rivals Season 9.5 uses CPU-layer supercompression to cut 40 GB from the PC installation without losing visual quality.
- The storage optimization facilitates a future port to the Nintendo Switch 2, which features a 256 GB internal drive.
- New hero The Hood joins the Vanguard class, utilizing twin pistols and a demonic transformation mechanic rather than traditional melee tanking.
- Console players see smaller storage gains, with roughly 15 GB saved on current-gen hardware and a 7% reduction on PS4.
Storage Revolution Through Supercompression
NetEase deployed the Season 9.5 update for Marvel Rivals on August 7, 2026, introducing a technical feat that outweighs the new content. By rebuilding the title's entire graphical library, developers reduced the PC installation size by approximately 40 GB. This 30 percent reduction stems from a comprehensive texture-asset recompression pass that affects every asset released since the game's December 2024 launch.
The technical process utilizes a two-layer compression strategy. While GPUs require native formats like Adaptive Scalable Texture Compression (ASTC) to access individual texels instantly, NetEase added a second CPU-decodable layer known as supercompression. During gameplay, the CPU unwraps this outer layer and hands the standard ASTC blocks to the GPU. Creative director Guangyun Chen noted that this overhaul maintains total visual fidelity because the final data reaching the GPU remains unchanged. Because the update replaces old files with newly encoded packages, players must have temporary storage headroom to facilitate the transition before the permanent space savings take effect.
Strategic Alignment with Nintendo Switch 2
The timing of this optimization coincides with the confirmed development of a Nintendo Switch 2 port. Marvel Games executive producer Danny Koo previously verified at GDC 2026 that the title would come to Nintendo's next console, which is equipped with 256 GB of storage. Prior to the Season 9.5 patch, the base PC version of Marvel Rivals occupied roughly 82 GB, reaching 124 GB with high-resolution textures. By shrinking the base footprint to approximately 57 GB, NetEase has made the software significantly more viable for storage-limited mobile hardware.
Key Facts
- PC storage savings: Approximately 30% reduction (40 GB).
- Console storage savings: Roughly 20% on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 (15 GB); 7% on PS4.
- New Hero: The Hood (Parker Robbins) joins the Vanguard class as a ranged specialist.
- Release Date: Season 9.5 launched August 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM UTC.
- Hardware Targets: Optimizations benefit PC, PlayStation, and Xbox while preparing for the confirmed Switch 2 version.
The Hood: A New Style of Vanguard
Parker Robbins, known as The Hood, enters the arena as a Vanguard who defies class conventions. Unlike typical tanks focused on melee and zone denial, The Hood utilizes twin pistols to apply mid-range pressure. His mechanics revolve around a demonic cloak stolen from a Nisanti demon, which generates Demonic Energy as he takes and deals damage. Upon reaching 50 percent energy, his fire rate increases; at 100 percent, he enters a Half-Demon State, wielding infinite-ammo demonic rifles.
Source: Tech Times
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