Upon its initial release, critical reception was mixed. Many long-time fans criticized the game for abandoning the survival horror elements that defined the series, labeling it as an overproduced action movie. However, a decade after its release, the perception of Resident Evil 6 has softened. Many now see it as a high-octane, over-the-top action game that is best enjoyed with a friend in co-op mode. The Nintendo Switch version has been praised for its competent porting and the sheer amount of content it offers, from the lengthy campaigns to the addictive Mercenaries mode.