Witcher 3 for the Switch Will Have Lower Resolutions at 540p and 720p

CD Projekt Red is bringing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition to the Nintendo Switch, but it is not without some sacrifices to the games overall graphical presentation.


Published: June 13, 2019 4:00 PM /

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witcher 3 switch screenshot 1

CD Projekt Red is bringing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition to the Nintendo Switch, but it is not without some sacrifices to the games overall graphical presentation.

The company confirmed via Twitter that Witcher 3 will be running at 720p with dynamic resolutions while the Switch is docked, and at 540p while handheld. Digital Foundry's Tom Morgan also confirmed the resolutions in an interview with Eurogamer.

According to Morgan, Witcher 3 for the switch will effectively run similar to low PC settings for comparison, with 1280x720 resolution and 896x504 at the lowest resolution possible.  He also admits the game's settings are very obvious in the footage shown at E3 this year, noting that Witcher 3 is attempting to a stable 30fps on "mobile technology." Morgan had the following to say about the port

Based on the footage so far, foliage and characters draw distances do take a hit on Switch as a result, and so the environment is less populated at range compared to PS4.

The changes are apparent when comparing the footage of The Witcher 3 in is highest resolutions, but the technical feat of getting such a complex game to run on the Nintendo Switch, even with a graphical downgrade, is still impressive.  Most graphical-heavy aspects found in the PC and other console versions - from shadow resolution and SSAO settings - have been cut entirely to accommodate the system's limitations, though Morgan admits that it makes sense to eliminate those settings to help the game function properly.

"We'll see how the final game turns out, states Morgan. "These are logical changes, and it shows just what a technical exercise The Witcher 3 will be for Switch. All eyes are on the final game, and I can't wait to see how it turns out."

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition was announced for the Nintendo Switch during their E3 2019 Nintendo Direct. The game will contain all DLC in one package and is scheduled for release later this year.

What are your thoughts on all of this? Looking forward to more Witcher 3? Leave your comments below, and be sure to check out the rest of our E3 2019 coverage at our E3 Coverage Hub

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A longtime player of games, creator of worlds, and teacher of minds. Robert has worked many positions over the years, from college professor to education… More about Robert

More Info About This Game
Learn more about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developer
CD Projekt Red
Publisher
CD Projekt
Release Date
May 18, 2015 (Calendar)
Genre
Open World, RPG
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