Witcher 3 Remastered Free on Switch 2 with Old Cartridge

Did you hold onto your old Witcher 3 cartridge for Nintendo Switch? If so, you're in for a treat on Switch 2. The Witcher 3 Remastered is now available, and it's a free upgrade for anyone who owns the original 2015 RPG – or even just borrows it.

Here's how it works: if you have the 2019 Switch version of The Witcher 3, simply insert the cartridge into your Switch 2. The console will recognize it and grant you access to the full digital version of The Witcher 3 Remastered. No extra payment needed. A clever Reddit user discovered this real-life "hack" and shared a screenshot as proof that they snagged the revamped RPG without paying a dime.

But wait, there's more. This also means you can theoretically borrow a copy of the Switch game from a friend, use it just long enough to register the remaster on your Switch 2, and then give it back. That effectively makes the remaster completely free for anyone with pals who own The Witcher 3. As the Redditor wrote, "My brother and I were able to claim the full game virtual game card for both of our accounts with the same single cartridge!" Hey, if it works, it works.

Fans are absolutely thrilled that CD Projekt Red and Nintendo allowed this. One commenter summed it up perfectly: "That's a genuinely generous way to handle it. Most publishers would have charged an upgrade fee, and letting the cartridge unlock a digital copy for more than one account is more than anyone expected. CD Projekt keeps doing this sort of thing and it's a big part of why people forgive them for Cyberpunk's launch." Yes, they referenced the disastrous Cyberpunk 2077 release – one that has been remedied, mind you – but they're not exactly wrong. This was a great way to handle The Witcher 3 Remastered.

Another fan added, "That should be a common thing with physical [copies], good job CD Projekt!" I'm inclined to agree myself, honestly. Here's to more companies following suit… and a Songs of the Past launch that's just as successful. Searching for some other new games to wishlist? Browse through our roundup of all of the upcoming CD Projekt Red games for more.

What do you think about this free upgrade? Will you be digging out your old cartridge or borrowing one from a friend? Let us know in the comments!