The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition Switch Game Review: An Epic Journey on a Handheld

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a seasoned gamer and critic. Today, I'm bringing you an in-depth review of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition on the Nintendo Switch. As a phenomenal open-world RPG, The Witcher 3's appeal is undeniable. But how does it perform when ported to the relatively underpowered Switch platform? Is it worth Witchers reaching for their wallets? Let's delve in.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition Switch Version: A Blend of Nostalgia and Compromise

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt tells the story of Geralt of Rivia searching for his adopted daughter Ciri and fighting against the invading Wild Hunt. The game is known for its engaging story, complex character relationships, vast open world, and rich side quests. The "Complete Edition" includes the base game and all DLC, including the highly acclaimed "Hearts of Stone" and "Blood and Wine." This means you can experience the full Witcher 3 experience on the Switch, which is a huge draw in itself.

However, squeezing such a massive game onto the Switch inevitably requires compromise. Graphical downgrades are unavoidable; distant details, texture quality, and lighting effects are all noticeably reduced. But even so, developer Saber Interactive has done its best to maintain the core experience, allowing players to experience the magic of The Witcher 3 on a handheld.

2. Gameplay: Core Experience Preserved, But Requires Adjustment to Controls

2.1 Combat System and Skill Tree

The Witcher 3's combat system blends action elements and strategic choices. Geralt can use swordsmanship, Signs, alchemy, and bombs to fight various monsters and enemies. The core gameplay experience of the Switch version is fully preserved. You can roll, block, and dodge attacks like on other platforms, use Signs to control enemies, and enhance your abilities through alchemy.

However, due to differences in the Switch's button layout and joystick accuracy compared to platforms like PS4/Xbox One, the handling takes some getting used to. The fluidity of operation is somewhat affected, especially when frequently switching Signs and using bombs.

2.2 Open World Exploration and Quest System

Open-world exploration is one of the essences of The Witcher 3. The Switch version also retains the complete world map, allowing players to freely explore areas such as Velen, Novigrad, and the Skellige Isles, and experience various side quests and Witcher contracts.

The quest system is also fully retained. Players can make various choices that affect the plot and the fate of the characters. This freedom and immersion are the core competitiveness of The Witcher 3 and the most commendable aspects of the Switch version.

2.3 Compromises and Optimizations in Visual Presentation

As mentioned earlier, the Switch version makes compromises in graphics. Reduced resolution, blurry textures, and fewer details in the distance are readily apparent. The jagged edges are particularly noticeable in TV mode.

However, Saber Interactive has also put a lot of effort into optimization. By using techniques such as dynamic resolution adjustment and image sharpening, they have tried to improve image clarity as much as possible. In handheld mode, due to the smaller screen size, the picture looks relatively better, and the jagged edges are less pronounced.

3. Graphics, Sound Effects, and Optimization: A Painful Choice, But Acceptable

3.1 Visual Presentation: A Bit Blurry, But the Atmosphere is Still There

The Witcher 3's graphics are top-notch on other platforms, but on the Switch, they can only be described as "acceptable." Blurry distant views, missing details, and simplified lighting effects are the biggest problems with the Switch version. However, the development team cleverly used color, lighting, and scene atmosphere to compensate for the lack of graphics, allowing you to still feel the charm of The Witcher 3 world.

For example, the muddy swamps of Velen, the bustling city of Novigrad, and the magnificent scenery of the Skellige Isles can all be reproduced to some extent on the Switch. Although the details are lacking, the overall atmosphere is still in place.

3.2 Sound Effects: Music and Voice Acting Still Excellent

In terms of sound effects, the Switch version basically retains the high standards of the original. The majestic symphony music, the delicate environmental sounds, and the excellent voice acting of the various characters all add to the game. Even in handheld mode, wearing headphones provides a good listening experience.

3.3 Optimization: Stable Frame Rate is Key

For the Switch version, a stable frame rate is a more important consideration than graphics. Under high effects settings, the frame rate of the Switch version of The Witcher 3 usually fluctuates between 20-30 frames per second, and frame drops may occur in battles or complex scenes.

However, Saber Interactive provides a variety of graphic settings options that players can adjust according to their needs. For example, turning off anti-aliasing and reducing shadow quality can effectively increase the frame rate. Overall, with reasonable settings, the frame rate of the Switch version of The Witcher 3 is acceptable and will not seriously affect the gaming experience.

4. Story and Characters: An Epic Story, Revisited on a Handheld

4.1 Engaging Main Storyline

The Witcher 3's story is one of its biggest highlights. The main story of searching for Ciri is full of twists and turns, suspense, betrayal, love, and sacrifice. Geralt's father-daughter relationship with Ciri, his love entanglement with Yennefer, and his complex relationship with various characters all immerse players in the game.

4.2 Vivid and Lifelike Character Development

The Witcher 3's character development is very successful. Characters such as Geralt, Ciri, Yennefer, Triss, and Dandelion all have distinct personalities and complex inner worlds. Their choices and actions all affect the plot, giving players a strong sense of immersion.

4.3 Side Quests and World Building

The Witcher 3's side quests are equally exciting, and the plot depth of many side quests even exceeds that of some games' main quests. Through these side quests, players can gain a deeper understanding of The Witcher universe and experience a variety of stories.

Revisiting the epic story of The Witcher 3 on the Switch, even with some graphical compromises, still allows you to feel its powerful narrative charm.

5. Handling: Takes Some Getting Used To, But the Fun Remains

5.1 Button Layout and Operating Habits

The button layout of the Switch is different from that of PS4/Xbox One and other platforms, which requires players to adapt to a certain extent. For example, operations such as switching Signs and using bombs need to be re-familiarized.

5.2 Joystick Accuracy and Operating Fluency

The accuracy of the Switch's joystick is relatively low, which may affect the smoothness of combat. Especially when precise positioning and quick reactions are required, it may feel a little difficult.

5.3 Custom Settings and Operation Optimization

To improve the handling, players can try adjusting the game's sensitivity settings or replacing the Joy-Con controller with one that better suits their habits. Overall, although the handling is not as good as on other platforms, a good gaming experience can still be obtained through certain adjustments and adaptations.

6. Game Recommendations and Purchase Suggestions: Sentiment is Priceless, Choose Rationally

6.1 Suitable for:

• Fans of The Witcher series: If you are a loyal fan of The Witcher series, then the Switch version of The Witcher 3 is definitely worth playing, allowing you to relive the classic anytime, anywhere.
• Players who like open-world RPGs: If you like open-world RPGs but don't have enough time or energy to play on PC or consoles, then the Switch version of The Witcher 3 is also a good choice.
• Handheld game enthusiasts: If you like playing games on handhelds and can accept graphical compromises, then the Switch version of The Witcher 3 can also bring you a good gaming experience.

6.2 Not Suitable for:

• Players with extremely high graphic requirements: If you have extremely high graphic requirements and cannot accept the compromises in graphics, then the Switch version of The Witcher 3 may not be suitable for you.
• Players prone to motion sickness: The Witcher 3's open world and fast movement may cause motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to purchase with caution.

6.3 Purchase Suggestions

It is recommended to buy it during a discount, which is more cost-effective. At the same time, it is recommended to buy the physical version for easy collection.

7. The Witcher 3 and the Future of the Nintendo Switch 2

Now let's look to the future. Considering that the Nintendo Switch has been around for many years, there is increasing news about its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2. If the Nintendo Switch 2 has more powerful performance, then The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will perform even better. Higher resolution, more stable frame rates, and more detailed graphics will all bring players a better gaming experience.

We can even expect to see a natively ported The Witcher 3 on the Nintendo Switch 2, without having to make too many compromises and optimizations. Of course, all of this depends on the final configuration of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the developer's optimization capabilities. You can refer to nintendo switch2 first look for more information.

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has always been the focus of players' attention. Considering the cost and market positioning, the nintendo switch2 price may be slightly higher than the current Switch, but it should not be too expensive.

Another issue worth noting is whether the Nintendo Switch 2 will be compatible with older games. If the Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with Switch games, then The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can still run on the new console and may receive a performance boost. You can follow nintendo switch2 compatibility for more information.

8. Summary and Score: An Epic on a Handheld, Worth a Try

Overall, the Switch version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a game with both advantages and disadvantages. It makes compromises in graphics, but still maintains a high standard in terms of gameplay, story, and character development. If you can accept the graphical compromises and like playing open-world RPGs on a handheld, then the Switch version of The Witcher 3 is definitely worth a try.

Score: 8.0/10 (IGN gave the Switch version of The Witcher 3 a score of 8.0, and the average media score on Metacritic is 79 points, Metacritic Witcher 3 Switch. This score takes into account the advantages and disadvantages of the game, as well as its particularity on the Switch platform.)

Advantages:

• Complete game content, including all DLC
• Engaging story and vivid character development
• Vast open world and rich side quests
• Convenience of playing anytime, anywhere

Disadvantages:

• Significant graphical downgrades, missing details
• Frame rate fluctuations, optimization still needs to be strengthened
• Handling not as good as other platforms

Final Recommendation: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a very attractive game on the Switch, proving that an epic gaming experience can be presented even on a platform with limited performance. If you are a fan of the Witcher series, or like open-world RPGs, and don't mind the graphical compromises, then this game is definitely worth buying. We look forward to the future Nintendo Switch 2 bringing a more perfect Witcher 3 experience!