Witcher 3 Remastered Switch 2 Analysis: 40 FPS Cap and No Ray Tracing

Key points

• The Switch 2 version runs at a dynamic resolution between 540p and 1080p when docked, and 360p to 720p in handheld mode.
• A 40 FPS cap is implemented but is not sustainable in all areas; Digital Foundry advises playing at 30 FPS for stability.
• The game includes no ray tracing, unlike the PC version, but features reworked lighting, new grass shaders, and dynamic shadows for local lights.
• The Switch 2 build is 55.5GB, larger than the 39.1GB Switch 1 version, with improved texture resolution and asset quality.
• The remaster includes quality-of-life improvements, a new combat system, and support for Joy-Con mouse and gyro controls.

Background

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered launched on September 29, 2026, across multiple platforms. Previous coverage noted that the Switch 2 version was expected to offer 720p handheld and 1080p docked performance with mouse support. A new expansion, Songs of the Past, is planned for 2027.

How outlets are covering it

NVIDIA emphasizes the PC version’s path tracing and DLSS 4.5 enhancements, highlighting high frame rates on RTX 50 Series GPUs. In contrast, Digital Foundry’s analysis of the Switch 2 version notes the absence of ray tracing and the instability of the 40 FPS cap. PC Gamer’s coverage was largely obscured by site interface elements, offering no substantive technical comparison, but the outlet’s title suggests a nostalgic defense of the original 2015 release against the remaster.

Why it matters

The technical limitations of the Switch 2 version highlight the trade-offs between portability and high-fidelity graphics. While the PC version leverages advanced AI upscaling and path tracing, the console version relies on traditional optimizations, affecting the overall visual experience for players on different platforms.

What to watch

Players should monitor performance in demanding areas to determine if the 40 FPS cap is viable for their playstyle. The upcoming Songs of the Past expansion in 2027 will likely include these remaster upgrades across all platforms.