How Big is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch? A Deep Dive
The age-old question for Switch owners contemplating a plunge into the Continent: How big is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition on Switch? The short, sweet, and potentially wallet-wincing answer is: approximately 32 GB. This makes it one of the larger titles on the Nintendo Switch eShop, demanding careful consideration of your storage situation. Let’s unpack what this means, explore the download process, and address frequently asked questions to ensure your Witcher journey on the go is a smooth one.
Understanding the Witcher 3 Switch Download Size
The 32 GB figure encompasses the entire Witcher 3: Wild Hunt experience. This includes the base game, both critically acclaimed expansions – Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine – and all previously released DLC. It’s the whole enchilada, offering hundreds of hours of monster slaying, political intrigue, and Gwent matches in your pocket.
However, that 32 GB is just the base requirement. It doesn’t account for potential patches or updates released after your initial download. These updates, while typically smaller in size, can still add to the overall footprint on your SD card or internal storage. Therefore, it’s prudent to plan for slightly more than 32 GB of dedicated space.
Internal Storage vs. MicroSD Card: The Storage Conundrum
The Nintendo Switch boasts a modest 32 GB of internal storage (though a portion of this is reserved for system files). This means if you own a standard Nintendo Switch and haven’t invested in a microSD card, installing The Witcher 3 will likely consume the vast majority, if not all, of your available space. This could necessitate deleting other games or apps.
The wiser course of action is investing in a high-quality microSD card. These cards come in various sizes, from 64 GB to 1 TB or more. A 128 GB or 256 GB card offers a good balance between affordability and storage capacity, giving you ample room not only for The Witcher 3 but also for other games you might fancy.
It’s important to select a microSD card with a fast read/write speed. Slower cards can lead to longer loading times and a less-than-optimal gaming experience. Look for cards that are UHS-I (Ultra High Speed) compatible and have a speed class of U1 or U3 for best performance.
Pre-Purchase Considerations and Digital vs. Physical Editions
Before hitting the “download” button, take a moment to weigh your options. Are you a purely digital gamer, or do you prefer physical copies? The Witcher 3 on Switch has both.
The Allure of Digital Convenience
The digital version, purchased directly from the Nintendo eShop, offers instant access to the game upon download completion. There’s no need to swap cartridges, making it ideal for those who value portability and ease of access. However, it’s crucial to have sufficient storage space and a stable internet connection for the download.
The Tangible Appeal of Physical Cartridges
The physical version comes on a game cartridge. While it still requires a download, it’s significantly smaller than the full digital version. The cartridge includes the base game, but you’ll still need to download a sizeable update (usually around 28 GB) to access the expansions and DLC. Even with the update, the physical version can save you some storage space compared to the full digital download.
The decision hinges on your priorities. Do you prefer immediate access and the convenience of digital, or do you value having a physical copy and saving a little bit of storage space (albeit with a still significant download)?
Navigating the Download and Installation Process
Once you’ve made your choice, the download and installation process is relatively straightforward.
- Purchase: Navigate to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition on the Nintendo eShop or insert your game cartridge.
- Download (Digital): If purchasing digitally, initiate the download. Ensure your Switch is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Download times will vary depending on your internet speed.
- Update (Physical): If using a physical cartridge, the Switch will prompt you to download the necessary update files.
- Installation: Once the download is complete, the game will automatically install.
- Enjoy: Launch the game and prepare to lose yourself in the world of Geralt of Rivia.
Addressing Common Concerns: Compression and Performance
Some might wonder if the Switch version is heavily compressed to fit the hardware. While there’s undoubtedly some compression involved, the developers at CD Projekt Red and Saber Interactive (who handled the Switch port) did an impressive job maintaining visual fidelity and overall performance.
The Switch version naturally has graphical compromises compared to its counterparts on more powerful consoles and PCs. Resolution is lower, textures are less detailed, and the frame rate is capped at 30 frames per second. However, the core gameplay and immersive experience remain intact. It’s still The Witcher 3, just optimized for the Nintendo Switch.
Additional Resources and Community Support
If you encounter any issues during the download, installation, or gameplay, don’t hesitate to consult online resources. The Witcher community is vast and active, with countless forums, guides, and tutorials available.
You can also check the official Nintendo support website for troubleshooting tips. CD Projekt Red also provides support resources for their games.
As gamers, we learn and grow from every experience. You can find useful information regarding gaming and learning at the Games Learning Society, visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Witcher 3 on Switch Size
1. Is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition worth it on Switch, despite the size?
Absolutely! While the size is a consideration, the ability to play this massive, critically acclaimed game on the go makes it a worthwhile investment for many Switch owners. The graphical compromises are outweighed by the portability and convenience.
2. Can I delete the game and re-download it later?
Yes. Once you’ve purchased the digital version, it’s tied to your Nintendo Account. You can delete the game to free up space and re-download it at any time.
3. Does the physical version require an internet connection to play?
Yes, after you insert the physical copy, you need to be connected to the internet to download the required update. After that the game can be played offline.
4. How does the Switch Lite handle The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
The Switch Lite handles The Witcher 3 just as well as the standard Switch. The performance is identical, but the smaller screen size might make some of the finer details less noticeable.
5. Can I transfer my save data from another platform to the Switch?
Unfortunately, no. Save data is not transferable between different platforms. You’ll need to start a new game on the Switch.
6. Will the size of the game increase with future updates?
Potentially. While significant content updates are unlikely at this point, smaller patches and bug fixes could incrementally increase the game’s size.
7. What is the difference between the digital and physical versions in terms of gameplay?
There is no difference in gameplay. Both versions offer the same content and features.
8. Does The Witcher 3 on Switch support cloud saves?
Yes, The Witcher 3 on Switch supports cloud saves via Nintendo Switch Online. This allows you to back up your save data in case of console failure or data loss.
9. What happens if I run out of storage space during the download?
The download will pause. You’ll need to free up storage space by deleting other games or apps before resuming the download.
10. Does the size of the update for the physical version vary?
The size of the update might vary slightly depending on the region and any patches released after the cartridge was manufactured.
11. Is there a way to compress the game to reduce its size?
No, Nintendo Switch does not allow user-based compression of games.
12. Can I play The Witcher 3 on Switch using an external hard drive?
No, the Nintendo Switch does not support installing games directly onto external hard drives. You must use the internal storage or a microSD card.
13. Does the game require a constant internet connection to play?
No. Once the game is downloaded and installed (including any updates), you can play offline. An internet connection is only required for the initial download, updates, and accessing online features (like cloud saves).
14. Will the game run better if I use a faster microSD card?
Yes, a faster microSD card with a higher read/write speed can potentially reduce loading times and improve overall performance.
15. Is The Witcher 3 on Switch censored in any way compared to other versions?
No. The Witcher 3 on Switch is not censored. It contains the same mature content as other versions of the game.