A new comparison shows the scale of the visual upgrade The Witcher 3 receives on Nintendo Switch 2 compared with the original Switch version. The updated release significantly improves resolution, textures, lighting and environmental detail, making the game look much closer to its console counterparts.
The Switch 2 version renders internally at 1080p and uses upscaling to output at 4K. It targets 40 FPS, although demanding scenes can cause the frame rate to drop below that figure, with dips below 30 FPS reportedly being uncommon. By comparison, the original Switch version runs at up to 900p and 30 FPS, while its handheld resolution can fall as low as 540p.
Major Visual Improvements
The biggest differences between the two versions can be seen in image quality and level of detail. The Switch 2 version features substantially higher-quality textures, improved vegetation and enhanced lighting, while retaining the visual features introduced as part of the updated release.
The improvements are particularly apparent when the two versions are compared side by side. The original Switch port was an impressive technical achievement given the hardware it was running on, but the Switch 2 version benefits from considerably more powerful hardware and can push settings much further.
The Witcher 3 also supports VRR and HDR on Switch 2, making the updated version better suited to playing on a large display while docked.
The Switch 2 upgrade is available as a free upgrade for owners of the Switch version of The Witcher 3. The updated release also includes the game’s downloadable expansions for players who previously owned only the base game on other platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is scheduled to launch on September 29, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S. The updated version also features an overhauled combat system, reworked skill trees, improved quest tracking and an updated graphics pipeline.
