iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is a substantial technical step up from the original Switch release, with sharper output, richer scenery and smoother character animation. But the reported 40 fps mode is not steady in demanding scenes, and the upgrade still has image-quality and usability compromises. The figures below come from Digital Foundry’s analysis as summarized by Nintendo Life; separate hands-on observations are identified as Nintendo Life review findings.
How much better does it look on Switch 2?
The biggest change is the amount of detail the game can show. Digital Foundry’s technical findings, as reported by Nintendo Life in October 2026, describe upgraded environment and character textures, more detailed surroundings, fuller foliage and improved background-character animation. Background NPCs no longer show the jitter seen in the original Switch version.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Star Fox™ - Nintendo Switch 2 | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2) | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The improvement is not uniform. Nintendo Life’s separate hands-on review describes lifelike scenery, but also says hair can look fuzzy and aliased, which the reviewer associates with DLSS. In other words, DLSS helps the game reach its output resolution, but does not make every fine detail consistently crisp.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat resolution does it use in docked and handheld play?
Digital Foundry’s reported figures distinguish the game’s dynamic rendering resolution from its output target. The rendering resolution changes with the scene; the target describes the signal sent to the display.
#1 Best Overall
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
| Play mode | Reported dynamic resolution | Output target |
|---|---|---|
| Docked | 540p to 1080p | 1080p, using DLSS |
| Handheld | 360p to 720p | 720p |
These are Digital Foundry measurements reported by Nintendo Life in October 2026, not independent measurements for this article. Dynamic resolution means the game can render below its output target when a scene is demanding, so the target should not be read as a guarantee that every frame is rendered natively at that resolution.
Does the Switch 2 version hold 40 fps?
No. The reported frame-rate cap is 40 fps when played on a 120 Hz display, and 30 fps otherwise, in either docked or portable play. Digital Foundry’s analysis, as relayed by Nintendo Life, says the 40 fps mode can waver between 30 and 40 fps in demanding situations such as Novigrad and fights with several enemies. Digital Foundry characterized the 40 fps target as “much too ambitious.”
Rank #2
- Blast off on a high-octane adventure to save a star system from invasion
- Tear through space, soar across planets, and shoot loads of foes out of the sky at every step of the way
- A cinematic take on the Star Fox 64 story, featuring fully voiced dialogue, an epic orchestral soundtrack, and a complete visual overhaul for the Nintendo Switch 2 system
- Enter first-person mode to experience the action from inside the cockpit, and even use mouse controls to fly
- Invite a second player* to join you as a gunner using Nintendo Switch 2 mouse controls
CD PROJEKT RED described the Switch 2 version before release as targeting 30–40 fps. That broad range is consistent with the reported performance, but the official target does not independently establish how the game performs in every scene. If steady performance matters more to you than the higher cap, expect demanding areas to be the key compromise rather than assuming 40 fps is locked.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How do movement, loading and combat feel?
Nintendo Life’s hands-on review is separate from Digital Foundry’s technical analysis. Its reviewer found Geralt’s movement less jittery, controls more responsive and Roach less likely to get stuck on terrain than in versions the reviewer remembered. Those are practical impressions, not measured comparisons.
Rank #3
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
- Bash through just about anything in groundbreaking exploration! Crash through walls and carve tunnels—the more you smash, the more areas open up to you
- Pair up with Pauline to use Bananza Transformations: smash through obstacles with the raw strength of Kong form, gallop with incredible speed as a Zebra, and more
- Team up with a friend in two-player co-op as Donkey Kong and Pauline! Blast foes and terrain alike with Pauline’s voice as you explore together
The same review reports long loading times, particularly in handheld mode, and roughly a one-second delay when opening the map or save menu. Combat benefits somewhat from new animations, but enemy targeting and dodging remain awkward; this is an improvement, not a complete combat redesign.
- Accessibility options include optional health and durability adjustments.
- Quick corpse looting is available as a quality-of-life setting.
- The reviewer preferred a Pro Controller, but described the Switch 2-specific controls as usable options rather than necessities.
What controls and features are included?
CD PROJEKT RED’s official Switch 2 feature announcement lists motion controls for aiming the crossbow, throwing bombs, casting signs, drinking potions and changing Roach’s speed. It also lists gyro aiming, mouse controls and touch-screen support for maps, menus and Gwent. These are options alongside other inputs; motion or touch controls are not required.
Rank #4
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
The official announcement also describes updated monster behavior, transmogrification and an expanded photo mode. The broader Remastered release includes refreshed interface elements, revamped combat and animations, a reimagined skill system and both expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These are publisher feature claims, not findings from the performance analysis. CD PROJEKT RED’s Nintendo Switch 2 announcement and its September 29, 2026 release announcement list the features.
Can original Switch owners get the Switch 2 upgrade free?
Yes. CD PROJEKT RED says owners of the original Nintendo Switch version can claim the Switch 2 Remastered version at no extra cost. The publisher’s support FAQ says existing saves and previously earned achievements carry over, but skills reset because the skill system was overhauled. The FAQ also states that the free upgrade is unavailable in Russia and Belarus, so check eligibility for your account’s region before following purchase or upgrade steps.
The Switch 2 release was reported as eShop-only by Nintendo Life in October 2026; distribution can change, so check the current store listing rather than assuming a Switch 2 cartridge is available. A physical copy of the original Switch edition is distinct from a physical Switch 2 Remastered release. The reported install size is 55 GB, according to Nintendo Life’s October 2026 coverage; confirm the current listing and available storage before downloading.
For upgrade eligibility and save details, see CD PROJEKT RED’s Remastered FAQ. Nintendo Life’s summary of Digital Foundry’s technical verdict covers the reported resolution and performance findings, while its Switch 2 hands-on review covers the reviewer’s play experience.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
