Table of Contents

Did the Switch Get The Witcher 3 Update? Unraveling the Portable Witcher’s Tale

Yes, the Nintendo Switch did receive updates for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. While it might not have gotten the full “next-gen” overhaul in the same way as PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the Switch version has seen numerous patches and improvements since its initial release. These updates brought bug fixes, performance enhancements, and even incorporated some content updates. Let’s dive into the specifics of The Witcher 3 on Switch and the updates it has received, and discuss the limitations and the overall experience.

The Witcher 3 on Switch: A Technical Marvel

The very fact that The Witcher 3, a sprawling, graphically demanding open-world RPG, is playable on the Nintendo Switch is a testament to the ingenuity of the developers. Of course, compromises were made to get the game running on the handheld console. Visual fidelity was reduced, resulting in lower resolutions and less detailed textures compared to other platforms. Despite these necessary downgrades, The Witcher 3 on Switch offers a surprisingly compelling and immersive experience, allowing players to explore the Continent on the go.

Initial Release and Subsequent Patches

Upon its initial release on the Nintendo Switch, The Witcher 3 was met with both excitement and skepticism. Players were thrilled to have Geralt’s adventures in a portable format, but some were concerned about the visual sacrifices. To address these concerns and improve the overall experience, CD Projekt Red released a series of patches and hotfixes.

These updates focused on:

Bug Fixes: Addressing various glitches and errors that plagued the initial release.
Performance Improvements: Optimizing the game to run more smoothly and consistently on the Switch’s hardware.
Content Updates: Incorporating some of the smaller content additions that were released on other platforms.

Patch 4.04 for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt arrived on all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. The update brought a number of fixes, including general gameplay and quest improvements. It’s also worth noting that this update was relatively small, approximately 2.38GB on GOG.

“Next-Gen” Update: What About the Switch?

The “next-gen” update, also known as Patch 4.0, was a significant overhaul of The Witcher 3 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This update brought:

Enhanced Graphics: Improved textures, models, and visual effects.
Ray Tracing: Added ray tracing support for compatible hardware.
New Content: Included a new questline inspired by the Netflix series “The Witcher.”
Gameplay Enhancements: Introduced various gameplay tweaks and improvements.

Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch did not receive this full next-gen update. The hardware limitations of the Switch simply made it impossible to implement all of these enhancements without severely compromising performance.

Compensations for the Switch

While the Switch missed out on the full next-gen treatment, the updates it did receive helped bridge the gap in some ways. CD Projekt Red worked to incorporate some of the improvements and fixes from the next-gen update into the Switch version, while remaining mindful of the hardware constraints.

Graphics and Performance on the Switch

The Nintendo Switch version runs at a lower resolution (540p in handheld mode and 720p when docked) compared to other consoles and PC. Texture detail is also reduced, and some visual effects are simplified. However, the game remains playable and enjoyable, especially in handheld mode where the smaller screen size helps to mask some of the visual shortcomings.

Performance-wise, The Witcher 3 on Switch generally maintains a stable frame rate, although dips can occur in particularly demanding areas. The updates have helped to smooth out the experience and reduce stuttering.

The Complete Edition Advantage

One of the major advantages of The Witcher 3 on Switch is the availability of the Complete Edition. This version includes:

The Base Game: The full, main storyline of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Hearts of Stone Expansion: A compelling expansion with a new storyline and characters.
Blood and Wine Expansion: A massive expansion that adds a brand-new region to explore and a gripping narrative.
All Free DLC: All of the smaller DLC packs that were released for the game, including new armor sets, weapons, and quests.

Having all of this content in one package makes The Witcher 3: Complete Edition on Switch an excellent value for players who want the full Witcher experience on the go. This makes the game a unique learning experience that provides hours of open-world exploration. The Games Learning Society website is an excellent resource for learning about the educational impact of such games: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Witcher 3 on Switch

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the status of The Witcher 3 on the Nintendo Switch and its updates:

Is The Witcher 3 fully updated on Switch? While the Switch didn’t get the full next-gen update like PC and other consoles, it has received several patches addressing bugs and improving performance. Some content updates have also been incorporated.
Does The Witcher 3 on Switch look as good as other versions? No. Due to hardware limitations, the Switch version has lower resolution textures and simplified visual effects.
What resolution does The Witcher 3 run at on Switch? It runs at 540p in handheld mode and 720p when docked.
Does the Switch version include all DLC? The Complete Edition includes the base game, Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine, and all free DLC.
Did the Switch get the next-gen graphics update? No, the Switch did not receive the full next-gen graphics update that PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S received.
How big is The Witcher 3 on Switch? The Complete Edition is roughly 32GB in size.
Is The Witcher 3 worth playing on Switch despite the downgrades? Yes, many players find it worth playing for the portability and the complete content package.
Does The Witcher 3 perform well on Switch? The game generally runs well, but frame rate dips can occur in demanding areas. Updates have helped to improve performance.
Are there any exclusive features on the Switch version? There are no exclusive features, but the portability is a significant advantage.
Is online multiplayer available on The Witcher 3 for Switch? No, there is no online multiplayer in The Witcher 3 on any platform. It is a single-player experience.
What is the difference between The Witcher 3 and The Witcher 3 Complete Edition on Switch? The Witcher 3 refers to the base game without any expansions or DLC. The Witcher 3 Complete Edition includes the base game, Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine, and all free DLC packs.
Is the game better on Switch OLED? The OLED screen enhances the colors and contrast in handheld mode, but the game’s performance and graphics remain the same as the regular Switch. The Games Learning Society helps researchers and educators understand the impact these differences can have on learning and engagement.
Can I upgrade my physical copy of The Witcher 3 on Switch to the Complete Edition digitally? No, you would need to purchase the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions separately from the Nintendo eShop to get the complete experience.
Are there any known bugs or issues with The Witcher 3 on Switch that haven’t been fixed? While many bugs have been addressed through patches, some minor graphical glitches or performance hiccups may still occur.
Where can I find the latest news and updates about The Witcher 3 on Switch? Follow CD Projekt Red’s official channels on social media, and check gaming news websites for the latest information.

Final Verdict: The Witcher on the Go

While The Witcher 3 on Switch isn’t the definitive version in terms of visual fidelity, it’s a remarkable achievement that allows players to experience one of the greatest RPGs of all time on a handheld console. The updates have improved the game significantly, and the Complete Edition offers exceptional value. If you’re willing to accept the visual compromises in exchange for portability, The Witcher 3 on Switch is definitely worth a look. It remains a compelling and immersive experience that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Did the Switch get The Witcher 3 update?