---
title: "Get The Witcher 3 Remastered Free on Switch 2 with a Switch 1 Cartridge"
url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/get-the-witcher-3-remastered-free-on-switch-2-with-a-switch-1-cartridge/"
description: "Witcher 3 Remastered free Switch 2 upgrade: borrow a Switch 1 cartridge, claim the Remastered digital copy, and play without the cart. Start today."
author: "Patrick Dankers"
published at: "2026-10-15 14:26:52"
image: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/get-the-witcher-3-remastered-free-on-switch-2-with-a-switch-1-cartridge.webp"
markdown url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/get-the-witcher-3-remastered-free-on-switch-2-with-a-switch-1-cartridge.md"
---

Get The Witcher 3 Remastered Free on Switch 2 with a Switch 1 Cartridge | Nintendo Switch 2 News | NintendoReporters

 [![Get The Witcher 3 Remastered Free on Switch 2 with a Switch 1 Cartridge](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/get-the-witcher-3-remastered-free-on-switch-2-with-a-switch-1-cartridge.webp "Get The Witcher 3 Remastered Free on Switch 2 with a Switch 1 Cartridge")](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/get-the-witcher-3-remastered-free-on-switch-2-with-a-switch-1-cartridge.webp)**Summary:**

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered is available as a free upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2 for anyone who already owns the original Switch release. If you own the Switch 1 version physically or digitally you qualify, and the physical path is surprisingly simple: update the Switch 1 cartridge version, insert it into your Switch 2, launch the game, and follow the in-game prompt to claim the Switch 2 Remaster from the eShop at no cost. Once claimed and downloaded the Remastered edition runs as a standalone digital title on your account so the cartridge is no longer required. This method means you can borrow a Switch 1 cartridge from a friend, a library, or a second-hand store, claim the upgrade, and then return the cartridge without losing access to the Remastered copy tied to your Nintendo account. This piece explains how the flow works, why Nintendo and CD PROJEKT RED set it up this way, key region and account details to watch for, and common troubleshooting tips so you can claim the game smoothly and enjoy the big improvements on Switch 2.

---

## [](#what-the-free-switch-2-upgrade-does-for-the-witcher-3-remastered-and-who-qualifies)What the free Switch 2 upgrade does for The Witcher 3 Remastered and who qualifies

The free upgrade replaces your ownership of the older Switch version with a license for the Remastered Switch 2 edition tied to your Nintendo account. If you previously bought The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on the original Nintendo Switch – either digitally or as a physical cartridge – you meet the basic qualification. For digital owners the upgrade often appears automatically in the eShop once you sign into the same account on Switch 2. For physical owners the upgrade is unlocked via the cartridge – inserting a Switch 1 cart into a Switch 2 and following the in-game prompt will load the eShop listing and present a free download option. This approach gives Switch 2 users the updated visuals, performance improvements, and included expansions without forcing another purchase, and it ensures that the Remastered edition becomes a separate entry in your download history so you can redownload it later like any other eShop purchase. NintendoReporters covered the upgrade confirmation and the wider rollout when CD PROJEKT RED announced the remaster’s Switch 2 launch, and the option is live now for qualifying owners.

### [](#how-the-physical-cartridge-method-works-step-by-step)How the physical cartridge method works step-by-step

Using a Switch 1 cartridge to claim the Remastered Switch 2 copy is straightforward and safe if you follow the steps. First, make sure the Switch 1 physical game is updated to the latest patch – the upgrade prompt appears only after the game version has been brought up to date. Next, insert the Switch 1 cart into your Switch 2 and start the game; at the title screen you should see a menu option or banner that says the Switch 2 Remaster is available. Selecting it will open the eShop page and show a free download or claim button for the Remastered edition. Confirm the free download and allow it to install – once the Remastered version completes installation it will appear as its own icon on your Home Menu. After the claim completes the Remastered title is attached to your Nintendo account and you no longer need to keep the cartridge inserted to launch the game. If you borrowed the cart you can return it, and if you own it you can safely remove it while still keeping digital access to the Remaster. For more information on Switch 2 features and compatibility, check the Nintendo Switch 2 hub for details and updates.

#### [](#why-you-dont-need-the-cartridge-after-claiming)Why you don’t need the cartridge after claiming

When the in-game prompt links to the eShop and offers a free download, the store is effectively granting a digital license to your Nintendo account based on ownership evidence supplied by the cartridge. That process mirrors other modern upgrade flows where physical media proves entitlement and the platform then issues a digital entitlement. Once the eShop ties the Remastered SKU to your account it behaves like any other eShop purchase – the data sits in your library and the game can be redownloaded without the cart. This design is convenient for players who borrowed a copy or picked up a cheap used cart to access the upgrade. It also reduces wear on the cartridge and removes the need to swap media every time you want to play. Keep in mind, though, that Nintendo and the publisher control the entitlement mechanism, so a future firmware update or publisher policy could change how upgrades are validated; for now the Remastered edition remains playable digitally once claimed.

##### [](#region-account-and-common-pitfalls-to-watch-for)Region, account and common pitfalls to watch for

Region mismatches and account differences are the most frequent causes of upgrade confusion, so double-check a few things before you begin. The Switch eShop ties purchases to a specific Nintendo account and region – if the Switch 1 cartridge you’re using was purchased in a different region it may not line up with the eShop region of your Switch 2 account. In that case you might need to sign into a matching region account or adjust your console region temporarily to access the free claim. Also ensure your Switch 2 system software is up to date and that the Switch 1 game has received its latest patch, because the in-game claim option is surfaced by the updated Switch 1 build. Finally, some regional restrictions may apply – CD PROJEKT RED notes exceptions for certain countries – so verify the official FAQ or publisher notice if you run into an error. Following these simple checks helps prevent delays when claiming the Remastered edition.

## [](#whats-new-in-the-witcher-3-remastered-on-switch-2)What’s new in The Witcher 3 Remastered on Switch 2

The Remastered edition brings a broad set of improvements across visuals, performance, and gameplay quality while including the two expansions – Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine – in the package. Expect upgraded textures, improved foliage and lighting, refined animations, and performance modes tailored for Switch 2 hardware. CD PROJEKT RED also added gameplay polish, combat tweaks, and UI updates that modernize the experience compared to the original 2015 release and the 2019 Switch port. For Switch 2 specifically there are features like gyro aiming support, touch controls for menus, and optimizations that make the game run much more smoothly on the handheld. Those changes make this Remaster one of the most meaningful upgrades for players who want the full Witcher experience on a Nintendo device, with the convenience of the Switch 2 download flow once your entitlement is confirmed.

### [](#is-the-cartridge-method-supported-by-cd-projekt-red-and-nintendo)Is the cartridge method supported by CD PROJEKT RED and Nintendo?

Yes – the upgrade path is a supported, intentional flow. CD PROJEKT RED publicly stated that Remastered is available as a free upgrade to owners across platforms, and Nintendo’s eShop mechanism supports physical-to-digital entitlement checks. The publisher’s official announcement explains that Switch 1 owners can claim the Remaster for Switch 2, and multiple reputable outlets and hands-on guides have confirmed the cartridge prompt appears at the title screen once the Switch 1 release is updated. That said, the community has noticed how generous the approach is and some users have pointed out how it can be used repeatedly if the same cart is passed between players. While the mechanism works as intended today, remember that long-term policies or technical changes could alter available options, so treat entitlements responsibly and follow any guidance from the developer and Nintendo.

#### [](#troubleshooting-what-to-try-if-the-free-download-doesnt-appear)Troubleshooting: what to try if the free download doesn’t appear

If you don’t see the free Remastered download when you insert the Switch 1 cartridge, try a few quick steps. First, ensure the Switch 1 version is updated to the latest patch and that your Switch 2 console firmware is current. Next, sign into the Nintendo account that you normally use on Switch 2 or the account associated with your eShop purchases. If the cart’s region differs from your account, try using an account that matches the cart’s region or temporarily change the console region settings – some users have reported success this way. If the eShop still doesn’t list the free download, restart the console, check your internet connection, and confirm there are no regional restrictions in the publisher FAQ. If problems persist, consult official support pages or reach out to CD PROJEKT RED’s support for account-level troubleshooting.

#### [](#quick-checklist-before-you-try-the-upgrade)Quick checklist before you try the upgrade

Before you borrow or use any Switch 1 cartridge to claim the Remaster, run through a quick checklist: back up important saves, update the Switch 1 game and your Switch 2 system, confirm which Nintendo account you’ll use for the claim, check the cartridge region versus your eShop region, and have a stable internet connection for the download. If you borrowed the cart from a friend or library, make sure you follow any return terms and don’t keep the cart inserted while sharing accounts. This simple prep avoids the most common hiccups and gets you into the Remastered version faster – ideal when you just want to enjoy the visual improvements and gameplay fixes without fuss.

##### [](#conclusion)Conclusion

The physical cartridge route to claim The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered on Nintendo Switch 2 is a remarkably user-friendly option that rewards existing owners without forcing another purchase. By updating the Switch 1 release, inserting the cart into a Switch 2, and following the in-game prompt to the eShop you can claim the Remastered edition and have it appear as a digital title tied to your account. That means borrowing a cart works if you need temporary access, and once downloaded you won’t need to rely on the cartridge. Follow the region and account tips above to avoid issues, and consult official publisher support if you hit a snag. NintendoReporters will keep tracking any policy or firmware changes that affect this flow, but for now the upgrade is an easy win for Witcher fans who move to Switch 2.

##### [](#faqs)FAQs

- **Can I use a borrowed Switch 1 cartridge to claim the Remastered version?**
    - Yes – borrowing a Switch 1 cart can let you claim the free Switch 2 Remaster, provided you update the game first and use an account/eShop region that accepts the entitlement. Once claimed the Remastered copy is tied to your account and the cartridge is no longer required.
- **Do I need the cartridge every time I want to play?**
    - No – after you download the Remastered version the game appears as a standalone digital title on your account, so the original Switch 1 cart is not needed to launch the Remaster.
- **What if the free download doesn’t show up in the eShop?**
    - Make sure the Switch 1 game is fully updated, your Switch 2 has the latest system firmware, and that your Nintendo account/region matches the cartridge’s region. Try restarting the console, checking your internet connection, or contacting CD PROJEKT RED support if issues persist.
- **Are there any countries where the free upgrade is blocked?**
    - CD PROJEKT RED’s official FAQ notes some regional exceptions for the free upgrade. If you run into a restriction, check the publisher’s support page for the list of affected countries and further guidance.
- **Will using someone else’s cartridge to claim the game be considered piracy?**
    - Using a borrowed or legally purchased second-hand cartridge to claim an upgrade is not piracy – it’s taking advantage of the entitlement flow set up by the publisher and Nintendo. Still, always respect the owner’s terms when borrowing and avoid violating local laws or the platform’s terms of service.

##### [](#sources)Sources

- [The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered available now!](https://www.cdprojekt.com/en/media/news/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-remastered-available-now/), CD PROJEKT RED, September 29, 2026
- [How to upgrade to The Witcher 3 Remastered on Switch 2 from the Switch 1 physical version](https://www.rpgsite.net/news/21484-how-to-upgrade-to-the-witcher-3-remastered-on-switch-2-from-switch-1-physical-version-cartridge), RPG Site, September 29, 2026
- [The Witcher 3 Remastered has a way to get the game for free on Nintendo Switch 2 using Switch 1 physical version](https://nintendoeverything.com/the-witcher-3-remastered-nintendo-switch-2-physical-version-free/), NintendoEverything, September 30, 2026
- [The Witcher III: Wild Hunt Remastered Confirmed For Switch 2, Launching Next Month](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/08/the-witcher-iii-wild-hunt-remastered-confirmed-for-switch-2-launching-next-month), Nintendo Life, August 25, 2026

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