The Witcher 3 on Nintendo Switch – Full Review & Performance in 2025

Looking to dive into the world of Geralt of Rivia on-the-go? Here’s our full 2025 review of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Nintendo Switch, covering graphics, performance, gameplay, and whether it’s still worth your money today. Join games4nintendo.com to dive deep into the details.

Introduction to The Witcher 3 on Switch

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, developed by CD Projekt Red, is widely regarded as one of the greatest open-world RPGs of all time. Originally launched in 2015 for PC and major consoles, the game was ported to the Nintendo Switch in October 2019 as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition. This version aimed to deliver the full experience—complete with all expansions and DLC—on a handheld platform for the first time.

Despite the Switch’s hardware limitations, this port captured attention for making such a massive, graphically intense game playable on a compact, portable system. But now, six years later in 2025, the key question remains: does The Witcher 3 on Switch still hold up in terms of performance, visuals, and gameplay in today’s gaming landscape?

Graphics & Performance Analysis

The most debated aspect of The Witcher 3 on Switch is its graphics. While the visual fidelity is significantly reduced compared to PC and other consoles, the Switch port uses dynamic resolution scaling and visual downgrades to maintain playability.

• Resolution: Dynamic 540p–720p in handheld mode and up to 720p docked.
• Frame Rate: Targets 30 FPS with occasional dips during heavy scenes.
• Texture Quality: Noticeably lower, with blurrier environments and simplified lighting effects.

In 2025, these visuals may feel dated, especially when compared to newer Switch releases or the next-gen editions of The Witcher 3. However, the performance remains stable, and CD Projekt Red has released patches over time to improve frame pacing and stability.

Gameplay Experience on Switch

Despite graphical compromises, the core gameplay remains intact. The controls are well-mapped for Joy-Cons or Pro Controller, and load times are reasonable thanks to later optimizations.

Key gameplay highlights include:

• Smooth combat mechanics
• Responsive controls
• Minimal crashes or bugs in the latest patch (v3.8 as of 2025)

The ability to play The Witcher 3 anywhere is a major selling point for Switch owners, offering freedom that other platforms can’t match.

Content & Features Included

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch is a fully loaded package, offering one of the most content-rich RPG experiences available on the platform. This version includes:

• The base game, featuring the full main storyline and massive open-world exploration
• Two critically acclaimed expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, each adding new regions, quests, characters, and gear
• All 16 pieces of free DLC, including additional quests, armor sets, cosmetic changes, and more
• Switch-specific features such as touchscreen support for menus and inventory, and cross-save compatibility with Steam and GOG on PC, allowing seamless game progression between platforms

Together, this content offers well over 150 hours of gameplay, combining deep storytelling, rich side quests, and meaningful character development. Whether you’re exploring the war-torn lands of Velen, navigating the political intrigue of Novigrad, or savoring the beauty of Toussaint, this version delivers the complete Witcher experience—fully playable on a handheld system.

In 2025, the Switch edition still stands out as an excellent value, offering unmatched content density in a portable format rarely seen in modern RPGs.

Pros and Cons of Playing on Switch

Bringing The Witcher 3 to the Nintendo Switch was an ambitious move—and while the port has its limitations, it also comes with unique advantages that make it appealing, especially for gamers on the go.

Pros:

• True portability: Experience the full Witcher adventure anytime, anywhere—ideal for travel or casual handheld play.
• Complete Edition: Includes the base game, both major expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine), and all 16 free DLCs right out of the box.
• Stable performance: Despite hardware constraints, the game runs smoothly at 30 FPS in most scenarios, with few major technical issues.
• Ongoing support: CD Projekt Red has released multiple performance and stability patches, keeping the experience polished over time.

Cons:

• Visual downgrades: Lower resolution textures, reduced environmental detail, and simplified lighting make it the least visually impressive version.
• Frame rate limit: Locked at 30 FPS, with occasional dips during graphically intense scenes.
• Small UI elements: Text and interface elements can be hard to read in handheld mode, particularly for long play sessions.
• Not optimal for first-timers: New players looking for the most immersive, high-fidelity experience may prefer the enhanced versions on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC.
  
  

Player Reviews & Community Feedback (Optional)

When The Witcher 3 launched on Nintendo Switch in 2019, initial reactions were mixed—primarily due to the noticeable visual downgrades compared to other platforms. However, over time, both critics and players came to appreciate the port for its accessibility, stability, and sheer ambition.

By 2025, the community widely regards the Switch version as a technical triumph, proving that a massive open-world RPG can run smoothly on a portable console without compromising gameplay depth. Many players have praised it as the “best handheld RPG experience available,” highlighting how it delivers the full Witcher journey—complete with all expansions—on a device that fits in your backpack.

Reviews across forums like Reddit, Metacritic, and gaming subreddits consistently mention how well the game holds up, even years later. Long-time fans commend the portability and content value, while new players appreciate the ability to jump into such a rich game without needing a high-end console or PC.

Although it doesn’t offer the same visual fidelity as its next-gen counterparts, the Switch version has earned its place as a fan-favorite for portable gaming, balancing performance and content with surprising success.

Is The Witcher 3 on Nintendo Switch Still Worth It in 2025?

As of 2025, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch remains a worthwhile choice for players who prioritize portability, content value, and gameplay accessibility over cutting-edge visuals. Whether you’re revisiting Geralt’s journey or exploring it for the first time, the Switch version offers a fully-featured RPG experience that fits in the palm of your hand.

For gamers who often play on the go—while commuting, traveling, or simply relaxing away from a TV—the ability to carry such a massive open-world adventure is a major advantage. Despite its visual compromises, the Switch port maintains stable performance, complete story content, and optional cloud save features that add to its flexibility.

That said, if you’re seeking high-resolution textures, faster frame rates, advanced lighting effects, or modding support, you’ll find a more visually impressive and customizable experience on platforms like PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X.

In short, the Switch version may not be the most technically advanced, but it still holds strong in 2025 as the best way to play The Witcher 3 portably—and that, for many players, is more than enough.

Where to Buy and Pricing

As of 2025, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch is widely available both digitally and physically, offering flexibility depending on your preference for convenience or collecting physical copies.

• Nintendo eShop: The digital version is priced at $29.99, with frequent discounts during seasonal sales, promotions, and special events. Keep an eye out for price drops, especially during major sales like Black Friday or Nintendo’s own eShop deals.
• Physical Copies: You can find the game at Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop, with physical cartridges priced around $29.99, though prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer or ongoing promotions.
• Used Game Retailers: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, used copies are often available at game resale shops or online platforms, with prices typically ranging from $15 to $25 USD, depending on the condition of the cartridge.

For the best deals, keep an eye out for digital sales, especially during holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Nintendo’s seasonal discounts, where you might find the Complete Edition for a fraction of its usual price.

Final Verdict

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Nintendo Switch remains an impressive achievement, bringing one of the most expansive and intricate open-world RPGs ever created into the hands of players. While it may not stand out for its graphics in 2025, the depth of content, portability, and continued performance support make it an excellent choice for RPG fans looking for a truly portable experience.

For those who haven’t yet explored the world of Geralt and are limited to the Switch, the Complete Edition provides exceptional value, offering the full game along with both major expansions and all downloadable content. Even for returning players, the chance to experience this vast, award-winning RPG in a handheld format is undeniably appealing.

In short, while The Witcher 3 on Switch may not deliver the same visual spectacle as its next-gen counterparts, it remains a worthy investment for players who prioritize portability and the sheer scope of content. Whether you’re playing on the go or enjoying a relaxing gaming session at home, revisiting the Continent on the Switch offers a satisfying and immersive experience.