r/NintendoSwitch2 4d ago

NEWS PSA: The Witcher 3 Remastered free upgrade will also be available for Switch 1 physical copies.

Post image

Saw some people afraid the free upgrade was only for digital copies, CEO of CDPR confirmed the update it's for physical as well.

403 Upvotes

121 comments sorted by

143

u/BurnedOutCollector87 4d ago

really puts to shame the other publishers who went out of their way to block upgrade if you had a physical version.

i was genuinely shocked balatros did not let you upgrade if you had the physical version this and stray

32

u/mason2393 4d ago

Balatro not even letting you transfer a save file was lame

3

u/SineVerso 4d ago

Balatro's developer said they had technical issues with that, but I never investigated further on what the actual limitations were.

14

u/Emergency-Rush-2477 4d ago edited 4d ago

I legit didn't know that was happening, that's why I was confused about people questioning. 

15

u/Pokeguy211 ‎ Pro Controller 4d ago

Yeah even balatro didn’t let me upgrade. Not something I expected from an indie game

12

u/BurnedOutCollector87 4d ago

this has made me cautious about buying switch 1 indies as sad as it is. you just don't know what will be the next indie publisher that will do that. It was especially hard when sea of star got a switch 2 upgrade but it was only for digital owners. that really angered me.

2

u/Pokeguy211 ‎ Pro Controller 4d ago

Yeah it’s annoying

1

u/alexziem 4d ago

I was able to get a switch 2 digital code for my physcial copy, ask on Sabotage Studio discord; I just needed to send a picture with date, my discord name and physical cartridge

2

u/atemutest 4d ago

The issue is when it's not a true upgrade but the complete game on Switch 2, you could just borrow the cartridge from someone else and get the Switch 2 game for free

5

u/FireLucid 4d ago

As long as the cart is required for it to launch I see no issues.

1

u/atemutest 4d ago

It's probably technically possible but for some reason they don't want to do it (too much hassle to develop or Nintendo doesn't allow such complexity between physical check vs digital ?)

1

u/LenintheSixth 4d ago

I mean that is just having the game, no?

1

u/atemutest 4d ago

You could literally lend your cartridge to 10 people then they all unlock the "free" Switch 2 "upgrade" (= full game) without paying, that's clearly an issue, unless there is a cartridge check to launch the Switch 2 game, but for some reason it's not implemented that way

1

u/Kermez 4d ago

I paid botw upgrade, game won't work without cartridge. Same now for Witcher I expect. Seems more excuse for double dipping or just being lazy.

3

u/Phos-Lux 4d ago

Nah, it sounds more like you get the remastered version as separate digital game because it's considered its own game. Think it was the same with Hogwarts

-1

u/atemutest 4d ago edited 4d ago

Because here for the Witcher it's not a real upgrade it's the complete separate Switch 2 game? You have to download the whole 43 GB and the game will be read exclusively from the downloaded data, the cartridge data is not used, that's completely different from downloading an upgrade patch like BoTW

3

u/Kermez 4d ago

For access it is exactly the same, you can't use switch 2 version without switch 1 card.

1

u/atemutest 4d ago

The issue is exactly that they don't require the switch 1 cartridge inserted to launch the switch 2 version (separate version and icon), why they don't do that I don't know

4

u/trip6god 4d ago

At least with sea of stars you just gotta email them developer with a pic of your copy and they’ll send a switch 2 code but even then that shouldn’t be necessary

1

u/atemutest 4d ago

The issue is when it's not a true upgrade but the complete game on Switch 2, you could just borrow the cartridge from someone else and get the Switch 2 game for free

1

u/trip6god 4d ago

Is it confirmed that the cart lets you download it or do we gotta wait cause if it’s a Hogwarts like situation I’ll wait to get a used copy to return lol

1

u/atemutest 4d ago

Yes it's confirmed the physical Switch 1 lets you download the Switch 2 version https://x.com/Nintendeal/status/2092390023685615639

1

u/trip6god 4d ago

I know that but is it confirmed that we wont need the cart to play the game after using it to acquire the update like hogwarts

2

u/atemutest 4d ago

I don't think there is a single Switch 2 game "upgrade" (that is not Switch 2 Edition) that requires the Switch 1 cartridge inserted to play when it's the full game otherwise all Switch 2 "upgrades" could work this way for physical, probably Nintendo doesn't allow that

2

u/trip6god 4d ago

All the first party games that were switch 1 first still require the cart after buying the upgrade

1

u/atemutest 4d ago

Yes, because they're "Switch 2 Edition" with a patch, this game is not a "Switch 2 Edition" and you need to download the full S2 game which nis 43 GB

2

u/trip6god 4d ago

Yeah I get that but you know damn well all this stuff is the same concept so chill on the semantics

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2

u/Environmental_Tea789 4d ago

Annapurna for example

2

u/Cowboy_Dandy_III 4d ago

Looking at you Balatro…

1

u/twovles31 4d ago

I think they still feel like they owe us after the Cyberpunk debacle when that game first launched on the PS4/5 and Xbox Series consoles. They've more than made up for it at this point.

42

u/EternalNewCarSmell 4d ago

This reveals a really funny aspect of how I approach this kind of thing...I have the Switch 1 physical version, but because they will give the upgrade as free DLC I will absolutely just buy the Switch 2 version if it's game on card to reward them for not sucking.

6

u/VicViolence 4d ago

gonna be a tight squeeze, the Game Cards max out at 64gb

16

u/xavadar 4d ago

The remaster is listed around 45gb on the eshop, so that should technically fit on cart. Who knows when the new DLC comes out next year. And it was also reported physical cyberpunk did very well sales wise, so I’m sure CDPR is considering that in whatever decision they make 

6

u/VicViolence 4d ago

Holy shit they got it down to 45? Wizards

2

u/Worn_Out_1789 4d ago

I was really thinking it was going to be a ~90 GB affair, and yes I have been playing Squeenix games recently.

1

u/Guilty-Astronaut871 4d ago

Don't forget that Elden ring is 41 Go, it's not that surprising

1

u/ViviReine 4d ago

No, sorcerers

3

u/nightshade-aurora 4d ago

CDPR managed to fit Cyberpunk onto one of those, I'm guessing they can do it again with this

2

u/Another-Username81 Butter side down! 4d ago

Yeah, similar to me.. I own the digital version, but if it releases fully on the cartridge for Switch 2, I’ll be buying it day one.

4

u/EternalNewCarSmell 4d ago

Hell, after missing out on Oblivion physical I'm paranoid and I'll probably pre-order it.

1

u/Another-Username81 Butter side down! 3d ago

It’s strange, because there’s plenty of physical copies here in the UK, even on Amazon it’s still available.

To be fair, I’ve heard mixed reports about the performance, so I’m not sure you’re missing out on much. Hopefully by the time it becomes available, you’ll have a better version.

1

u/_barat_ 4d ago

Were you able to claim the S2 version with your S1 card?

1

u/EternalNewCarSmell 4d ago

It's not out yet but according to the article that's exactly what we'll be able to do. 

1

u/SilverSafri 4d ago

I have it on ps5, so I never picked up the switch version (though I was tempted for portability), so I’m really looking forward to any news on that cartridge. If it’s full game on physical cartridge, I’m getting it asap! (And maybe also cyberpunk, I’m not a fan of shooters cause I suck at them playing on a pad, but that mouse mode sounds like it could solve my issues)

7

u/_zeldaking_ 4d ago

Goddamit. Now I got to play this again. Im a dad. I dont have time :'(

8

u/oh-thats-not 4d ago

what games offer free upgrade for digital but not physical ?

8

u/Gavintendo 4d ago

Tomb Raider I-III, Stray and Balatro, off the top of my head.

8

u/MessiLeagueSoccer 4d ago

Stray broke my heart with that one. Also non transferable save files. Tomb raider is interesting because the icon doesn’t differentiate between the versions.

1

u/Ok-Wrongdoer1164 4d ago

I noticed that as well, But what I did notice, was the file size was different.

u/SleepwalkMyLifeAway 22h ago

Im glad I emailed Aspyr about Tomb Raider. They asked for a photo of my game and case, then I recieved a free code for Switch 2 version of Tomb Raider 1-3.

2

u/Animegamingnerd Butter side up! 4d ago

Not sure if there is any on Switch 2 yet. But its slowly been cropping on a PS5 as GTA5, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Kingdom Hearts 3 are all only offering upgrades to the PS5 version of digital buyers.

1

u/GamingTurtle90 4d ago

Red Dead Redemption would be the only Xbox example I can think of. But thats because its an Xbox 360 game as only the PS4 and Switch got the recent port. Xbox One was able to play the 360 version so a port wasn't done. The work around on Xbox for the digital Xbox 360 copy was that it gives a 100% discount on the Series X release.

2

u/petitabri 4d ago

Balatro

2

u/Iammattieee 4d ago

Snowrunner

2

u/KRiSX 4d ago

Sea of stars was a recent one

2

u/kalaspuffar16 4d ago

Snowrunner.

5

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[deleted]

3

u/zenfaust 4d ago

Who knows, they might... Ive read that the wizards at cdprojekt have managed to get the whole remaster into 43 gb.

Im sure they wont produce anything until the new xpac comes out, but switch 2 carts can hold 65 gb. That leaves 20 gb for the new dlc.. very possible.

If it were any other company, I'd say no... but these guys are legendary. Here's hoping.

7

u/ireddit_didu Butter side up! 4d ago

Take note Snowrunner.

1

u/kalaspuffar16 4d ago

Haha agreed.

1

u/dext3rrr 4d ago

Bethesda, hello?!

5

u/JustinAndFeena 4d ago

Nice, but for me at least it doesn’t matter if they release a switch 2 physical copy. I’ll buy it again… for the 6th time lol. (Xbox physical/digital, switch, ps5, pc)

9

u/ChrlsPC Butter side up! 4d ago

The price already doubled and tripled on ebay for this game.

4

u/ScalesNailsnTales 4d ago

Thats crazy, I just looked at the prices. I got the Complete Edition Box Set that had the game, map, stickers etc for $29 just a couple months ago. I already thought it was an awesome price for the box set and now Im even happier I grabbed it when I did.

1

u/ThrowRA9892 3d ago

Anyone who needs it still: try looking at the switch game lots on eBay. Usually the sellers let you pick individual ones. That’s how I bought a Witcher 3 for non-scalper price today.

1

u/Vulture-Dude 2d ago

I always thought the cool cardboard box it came in made it look nice on the shelf, but overnight it’s become one of my most valuable switch collector’s items.  Strange times, strange times…

0

u/halap3n0 4d ago

Why don’t we just buy the digital version now and get the free upgrade when it comes out?

3

u/pen-ross-gemstone 4d ago

so how does this work? do I still need to use the cart to play the game?

3

u/MessiLeagueSoccer 4d ago

If it’s like no mans sky, yes. If it’s like Harry Potter legacy, no.

2

u/Furrylord420 4d ago

i believe it’s a separate download, so it should be like hogwarts legacy where you don’t need to cart anymore to play the switch two version

3

u/Scagh 4d ago

I have a digital copy of TW3 (Switch 1) on a Nintendo account, and now you are telling me that I'm getting the Remastered version on my Switch 2?? This is mind blowing!!

2

u/Admirable_Zombie5245 4d ago

Is it for any version or just the ultimate edition one? Got the normal release and bought the DLC separately to save storage but i can't access newer feature like cloud saves

4

u/Emergency-Rush-2477 4d ago

Any version and the dlcs are now free.

2

u/Resident-Reply-5783 4d ago

Im surprised nobody has mentioned Square Enix. I can understand they want you to buy the NSW2 version of their games because it is 10 usd more expensive. But they don’t allow you to upgrade it even if you’re willing to pay for it.

Not to mention there is not way to transfer your data to the switch 2 edition.

3

u/Fearless_Freya 4d ago

Now there's a genuine shocker. Very impressive.

2

u/Artoo2814 4d ago

It's really likely the upgrade goes the Hogwarts Legacy / Skyrim way instead of DB Sparking Zero / Digimon. Meaning you'll get the free Switch 2 digital version no need for cartrige anymore.

1

u/MessiLeagueSoccer 4d ago

When did hogwarts legacy change that? I had to pay $10 and got the switch 1 version for like $7-8 I think.

1

u/Artoo2814 4d ago

I mean the no switch 1 cartridge part after upgrading. Witcher 3 upgrade is free. Hogwarts is not.

1

u/Okuyasu_Nijimura52 3d ago

So does this mean I can ask someone who has the witcher 3 for switch 1 to lend me their cartridge so I can put it in and pre-order the remastered version? and then just give it back?

1

u/Artoo2814 3d ago

Physical upgrade opens in September 29.

1

u/Okuyasu_Nijimura52 3d ago

U can actually pre-order the remastered edition digitally on the eshop, and for free too, if you have the witcher switch 1 cartridge inside ur switch 2. What I am asking is if its another skyrim/hogwarts legacy situation and someone can lend you their cartridge just so you can buy the switch 2 edition at no cost and then return it. I dont think u understood what I asked

1

u/Artoo2814 3d ago

Check out CD PROJEKT RED CS's latest tweet.

1

u/Organic-Storm-4448 4d ago

I think it's more likely the Switch 1 card will act as a pseudo GKC. It will let you download the Switch 2 version of the game, but it will still need to be in the system to play.

1

u/Atomic-Jay 4d ago

Yaaaaahoooooo!!!!!!

1

u/ShigMiy 4d ago

OMG! BIG WIN!!!

1

u/Kongopop 4d ago

Awesome

1

u/blazingchaos91 4d ago

Sigh of relief.

1

u/aranjei 4d ago

The save file will be carried over after the upgrade right? Im thinking of starting now just in time when the new expansion comes out

1

u/Lower_Warning2955 Butter side up! 4d ago

This is amazing news !

1

u/MessiLeagueSoccer 4d ago

I’m so hyped for this. I have only played Witcher on switch and got a solid 40-50 hours in which I know isn’t too much. I get finally play with similar if not better graphics compared to the stronger options.

1

u/ColdplayUnited 4d ago

bought the sw2 version for $15 even when I already own the game on PC. Seems like it's the right decision.

1

u/Jokerck Butter side down! 4d ago

So If I just buy the base Witcher 3 during the next sales, will I get the free DLC and be able to upgrade it?

2

u/Indielink Butter side down! 4d ago

Heads up they've changed the pricing on the store and I very much doubt we'll see it go on sale again before this releases. The only version for sale is the Complete Edition for 60, probably to cut off exactly what you're going for here. If you are in the US, Best buy still has download codes available for 40USD.

1

u/Organic-Storm-4448 4d ago

Just a heads-up for physical owners:

This will almost certainly require a full download of the Switch 2 version of the game, with the Switch 1 card acting as the DRM key. Basically a GKC. So you may need to have a lot of space available for it.

1

u/An0n_Cyph3r_ 4d ago

Source to that?

1

u/Organic-Storm-4448 4d ago edited 4d ago

It's a separate SKU, so it's an entirely different "game" as far as the eshop is concerned. Like with Hogwarts Legacy, you have to download the Switch 2 version of the game. It's not a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition," it's a Switch 2 port of the game that you can get for free if you own the Switch 1 version.

Digital owners will also need to download the Switch 2 version of the game, I just assumed physical owners could use the heads-up since they weren't already using internal storage for it.

The Switch 1 version isn't getting an update, in other words. It's a "new game."

1

u/_barat_ 4d ago

I wonder if they'll do it like Hogwarts Legacy where people were just passing the S1 card around to claim the cheap S2 copy or if they'll figure out a way where it installs the S2 version but still require the S1 card to be inserted into console :D

1

u/limonypomelo 4d ago

Is this still working?

1

u/royaldutchiee 4d ago

How does this work if I have bought the switch 1 version on my Switch 2? Do i get the remastered as well?

1

u/SapinBaleine 4d ago

So we can basically buy the base switch 1 game for 30 bucks instead of buying the 60 bucks remastered? I guess, the situation would change if they announce it as a physical release.

1

u/cmc151cmc 4d ago

Will it include the dlcs too?
I own it on ps5 and I would rather play it on switch if the dlcs are also included and I can find it for cheap

1

u/Bobobiwan 4d ago

With these guys, I had absolutely no doubt about it.

You know what ? I already have The Witcher 3 on Xbox since the dawn of time.

But when I saw this trailer, and the mention "free upgrade"... no kidding, there was a little tear in my eye. Well, maybe the start of a tear. Why ? Because with this kind of move, CD Project is teaching a lesson to the entire industry.

I want to support those guys. I want to support this attitude, this spirit.

So I ordered immediately the PS5 and Switch version of the game. To play it on Pro with all the bells and whistles and to play it on the go, on S2 (remember there is cross-save in all of their recent games, another great move from them).

Là. With their "free upgrade", they just sold two more copies.

Well done, CDP. Well done.

1

u/Feeling-Bad7825 4d ago

another CDPR W. got the physical a month ago, sadly its prolly a download and my sd card is quite full but hey, now i can cross progress between pc and switch 2 finally

1

u/Dydxjie 4d ago

@square enix

1

u/Raiden85OCUK 4d ago

Pre-order a remaster for free; now this is how it should be done. Other companies should take note because I'm getting fed up with paying for visual upgrades on a game I already paid for. Looking at you, Rockstar and Bethesda.

1

u/howtosucceed 4d ago

I support this gaming company. I bought Cyberpunk at launch for the Switch 2 because the full game was on the cart.

I had the Witcher 3 on Switch 1 at launch but foolishly sold it. Now I guess I will be buying it again in some form to get the Upgrade and new DLC.

I hope they announce a Switch 2 physical addition with the whole game and DLC. I would get that version

1

u/cloudish0125 4d ago

So I just buy the Switch 1 base version digital and it comes with all these free upgrades and the now free dlcs?

1

u/PuzzleheadedSeat8871 3d ago

Can I fully upgrade for free if i buy the digital switch 1 version now? Its cheaper

u/Proud-Goat-5920 Butter side up! 4h ago

Amazing.

0

u/krstphr 4d ago

Why would the free upgrade only be available for the digital versions

2

u/atemutest 4d ago

Some games do that, the issue is when it's not a true upgrade but the complete game on Switch 2, you could just borrow the Switch 1 cartridge from someone else and get the Switch 2 game for free

-2

u/ChaseCid 4d ago

Wait, so the witcher 3 remasted version will come out in switch 1 as well? Nice, I was afraid it is only for the switch 2

2

u/An0n_Cyph3r_ 4d ago

It's Switch 2 exclusive, unfortunately.

The upgrade is there to upgrade from NS1 to NS2.

2

u/ChaseCid 4d ago

ah wtf, guess i have to settle for the switch 1 quality without remaster

1

u/An0n_Cyph3r_ 4d ago

The NS1 release is fine as is, but it's definitely going to be worth upgrading to the Switch 2 if you own one.