CD Projekt Red’s Remastered edition on Switch 2 delivers large visual improvements, new input options, better performance in several areas, and a few remaining issues — notably handheld image softness and load times that still lag behind PS5.
Wild Hunt is a game I started multiple times since launch, but never finished until playing it on Nintendo Switch.
I know that version was not even close to the best way to play it, but it was the one that finally hooked me.
I had over a hundred hours into the Switch version back then and have since been chipping away at more of the game's optional content and even some of the DLC over the years with cross progression.
# What this review covers This brief summarizes a hands-on comparison of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered on Nintendo Switch 2 with the original Switch 1 port and the PS5 remaster. The reviewer evaluated visuals across multiple locations, input and control options, load times, handheld vs docked behavior, and platform-specific features such as cross-progression and early mod availability.
# Visual and performance changes Switch 1 → Switch 2 transition. Across several distinct regions (Novigrad, Skellige, Kaer Morhen, Toussaint, Crookback Bog) the remaster looks and feels substantially improved compared with the original Switch port. The upgrade is attributable to the remaster itself and the more capable Switch 2 hardware.
Even without the console's 120 Hz setting enabled, the game impressed visually when tested docked. However, handheld output appears softer than expected: some UI elements and in-game visuals look noticeably less crisp than the docked presentation. The reviewer suggests a future optional mode that targets 30 fps to improve handheld image quality.
# New control and input options on Switch 2 On first boot the game prompts players to choose among four input methods that affect different parts of the experience: gyroscope mode, motion patterns, mouse sensor, and touch screen. Gyro support is currently a Switch 2 exclusive among the tested platforms. The reviewer also notes early evidence of mod availability on Switch 2, with two mods visible pre-release, while leaving final judgment on how open that support will be until after launch.
# Load times: measured comparisons
These results show the Switch 2 remaster improves fast travel and save load times significantly over the original Switch 1 builds, but PS5 still loads saves and fast travel far faster. The reviewer also calls out the long initial startup sequence (company logos and splash animations) as something that should be skippable via a patch.
# Remaining issues and launch impressions
# Bottom line
In my The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered review, I explain how its quality-of-life changes and Switch 2 exclusive features make it a must-own.
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