Witcher 4 at 60FPS on Xbox Series S poses major challenge

CD Projekt Red developers reveal significant technical hurdles in maintaining 60fps performance for The Witcher 4 on Xbox Series S. This limitation sparks discussions about Microsoft's hardware requirements and offers insights into the game's quest design philosophy.

The Witcher 4 Development Updates

60fps on Xbox Series S Presents Major Technical Hurdles

The Witcher 4's impressive tech demo showcased stunning visuals during State of Unreal 2025. While CD Projekt Red aims for consistent 60fps on PS5, maintaining similar performance on Xbox Series S proves significantly more demanding.

In a June 14 Digital Foundry interview, developers discussed technical priorities. CDPR's VP of Technology Charles Tremblay acknowledged: "60 FPS will definitely be extremely challenging on Series S." This echoes broader industry concerns about Microsoft's Series S compatibility mandate.

Multiple developers have voiced frustrations regarding Series S limitations affecting game design and performance:

• Bossa Studios VFX Artist Ian Maclure previously called Series S "an albatross around production"
• Rocksteady's Lee Devonald cited Series S as the reason Gotham Knights ran at 30fps across platforms
• Larian Studios delayed Baldur's Gate 3 due to Series S split-screen co-op challenges

Microsoft maintains its commitment to Series S support. Phil Spencer argued in 2025 interviews that Series S prepares developers for the growing handheld market, stating: "Our games have been built portable across many different specs."

Potential Nintendo Switch 2 Version Considered

The Nintendo Switch 2's technical capabilities sparked discussions about potential Witcher 4 compatibility. Digital Foundry analysts suggest scaling the PS5's 60fps demo to Switch 2's 30fps target appears feasible.

CDPR's history with Nintendo includes successful Switch ports of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Wild Hearts Producer Takuto Edagawa notes Switch 2's performance aligns closer to Xbox Series S than PS4.

Quest Design Philosophy Revealed

Narrative Director Philipp Weber confirms The Witcher 4 will avoid traditional fetch quests, responding to player feedback from The Witcher 3. Weber emphasizes CDPR's commitment to meaningful storytelling: "We explore questions worth delving into, not just answering."

The Witcher 4 releases for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with no confirmed Switch 2 version currently announced.