The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is CD Projekt’s latest effort to bring its acclaimed RPG to modern hardware, with the remastered version available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. One of the biggest advantages of the release is that it is available as a free upgrade for existing owners, meaning players who already own the game do not have to purchase it again to access the updated version. Considering how much work has gone into this release, that is a particularly welcome approach from CD Projekt.
While the PC version benefits from features such as path tracing, I have primarily focused on the Nintendo Switch 2 version, which is arguably the most interesting upgrade. The original Witcher 3 was already an impressive technical achievement on Nintendo Switch, but the hardware limitations were obvious. The Switch 2 version feels considerably closer to the experience offered by a traditional console.
In terms of specifications, the Switch 2 version targets 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode. Handheld mode targets 40fps, while docked mode operates between 30 and 40fps depending on the available performance parameters. Both modes support VRR, while docked play can also take advantage of displays running at up to 120Hz. The combination of 40fps and a 120Hz refresh rate works particularly well, making the game feel smooth and responsive. VRR also helps make occasional performance drops less noticeable.
My experience in docked mode was therefore very positive from a performance perspective, although image quality was less impressive. Despite the reasonable resolution, the picture did not always look as clean as I expected. Character and object outlines could appear rough, with the anti-aliasing solution leaving noticeable aliasing in some situations. It is not necessarily something that ruins the experience, but it is one area where the Switch 2 version feels like it could use further refinement.
HDR was another area where I had mixed impressions. I originally played The Witcher 3 on PS4 many years ago, so this was my first proper experience with the HDR implementation included here. I generally found the colours and lighting less convincing than I expected, particularly in the starting area around White Orchard. Some scenes appeared excessively dark under direct lighting, while I also noticed occasional lighting flickering where illumination would suddenly appear as though a light had been switched on. It is possible that some of this could be improved through additional HDR adjustment or a future update, as I was using the default settings.
Interestingly, the handheld experience was considerably more convincing visually. The HDR presentation did not bother me to the same extent, while the aliasing was also less noticeable. The image looked cleaner overall, and there were moments when it genuinely felt like I was playing a proper console version of The Witcher 3 on a portable system. Considering the hardware limitations of the original Switch, the improvement is substantial.
CD Projekt has also made good use of the Switch 2’s additional features. The game supports gyro and motion controls through the Joy-Con, along with mouse mode. I personally played using the standard controller, so these options did not have a significant impact on my own experience, but their inclusion shows that CD Projekt has put considerable effort into supporting the hardware rather than simply bringing over an existing version.
The game also benefits from cross-platform save support, allowing players to transfer their progress between supported platforms through a CD Projekt account. For anyone who has already invested a significant amount of time into The Witcher 3, this is an extremely useful feature. Mod support is also included, adding further flexibility to the experience.
The remastered package is substantial from a content perspective as well. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, the game’s two major expansions, are included with the remastered version for players who did not previously own them. The original Switch release already provided the expansions as part of its complete package, so this is not necessarily an additional benefit for existing Switch owners, but it makes the remastered release an excellent entry point for anyone experiencing The Witcher 3 for the first time.
I also compared the Switch 2 version with The Witcher 3 running on Steam Deck. Based on my experience, the Switch 2 version comes out considerably stronger as a portable experience. I have not tested the game across every PC handheld, so I cannot make the same comparison with every device on the market, but the results are particularly impressive considering that Switch 2 is designed around lower-power hardware.
Ultimately, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is an impressive upgrade, particularly on Nintendo Switch 2. The docked mode has some noticeable image quality issues, and the HDR implementation did not completely convince me, but the performance is excellent and the handheld presentation is surprisingly clean. With 40fps gameplay, VRR, modern control options, cross-platform saves, mod support and both major expansions included, CD Projekt has delivered a remarkably complete portable version of a game that is now approaching a decade old.
For me, the Switch 2 version comes very close to being the ideal portable way to experience The Witcher 3. It is not technically flawless, particularly when played docked, but the overall package is difficult to ignore, especially when all of these improvements are being offered as a free upgrade to existing owners.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: CD Projekt Red
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
