CD Projekt Red has officially released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered for the Nintendo Switch 2, bringing significant visual enhancements and performance upgrades over the original platform’s port. The updated title is available as a free digital upgrade for existing owners of the game, complete with all previously released downloadable content, including the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.
Testing across iconic regions like Novigrad, Skellige, Kaer Morhen, and Toussaint reveals substantial graphical improvements. The release introduces four specialized input modes tailored for the hardware: gyroscope controls, motion patterns, mouse sensor functionality, and touchscreen support. Notably, gyroscope functionality is currently exclusive to the Switch 2 build.
Performance Benchmarks and Load Times
Performance benchmarks indicate noticeable improvements in load times compared to the previous console generation, though performance still trails behind the native PlayStation 5 version. Players downloading the game will find a file size of approximately 48.5GB to 50GB, replacing the older software footprint.
| Version | Dashboard to title (s) | Loading a save (s) | Fast travel (s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 Remaster | 50-52 | 27-29 | 42-43 |
| S1 on S2 | 40 | 30-35 | 66 |
| Original Switch (S1) | 44-46 | 51 | 110 |
| PS5 Remaster | 50-52 | 11-13 | 24-26 |
How to Claim the Free Switch 2 Upgrade
Unlike current-gen platforms that automatically update titles, the Switch 2 requires users to download the remastered version as a separate digital product through the Nintendo eShop. For digital owners, the upgrade shows a 100% discount upon checkout. Players who own a physical copy of the original Switch release can also claim their free digital upgrade on launch day by accessing the eShop listing, ensuring they gain faster read speeds without needing to run the legacy cartridge.
For players who do not own the base game, The Witcher 3 Remastered is available to purchase on the eShop for £45.99 / $59.99.
Key Enhancements and New Features
Beyond technical upgrades, the remastered package incorporates comprehensive updates to gameplay mechanics and user accessibility:
- Combat & Controls: Reworked combat responsiveness, movement adjustments, modified skill trees, and updated finishing moves.
- Inventory & Looting: Introduction of area looting to collect nearby items simultaneously, and mounted looting allowing Geralt to gather items while riding Roach.
- Visual Upgrades: Enhanced textures, improved HDR lighting, revamped Witcher sign visual effects, and a larger Photo Mode with full transmog options.
- Accessibility: Cross-platform mod support and refined user interface navigation.
CD Projekt Red continues to support the title across multiple platforms simultaneously, offering similar enhancements for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S alongside the new Nintendo hardware release.
