Cyberpunk 2077 Cross-Gen Performance: Digital Foundry Tests Switch 2, Xbox Series S, PS4 & PS4 Pro

Michael

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Post on Aug 03, 2025

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Cyberpunk 2077 Cross-Gen Performance: Digital Foundry Deep Dive into Switch 2 (Rumored), Xbox Series S, PS4 & PS4 Pro

Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red's ambitious open-world RPG, has seen its fair share of performance controversies since launch. While the game ultimately found its footing on higher-end platforms, the experience on older and less powerful consoles remained a point of contention. Now, with whispers of a Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, Digital Foundry has delved into the cross-generational performance of Cyberpunk 2077, testing the game on a rumored Switch 2 spec sheet, Xbox Series S, PS4, and PS4 Pro. The results are, as expected, varied and reveal fascinating insights into the game's optimization across different hardware.

Digital Foundry's Methodology: A Rigorous Approach

Digital Foundry, renowned for its in-depth technical analysis of video games, employed a rigorous testing methodology. They utilized a range of metrics, including frame rates, resolution, draw distances, and texture quality, to comprehensively assess Cyberpunk 2077's performance on each platform. The inclusion of a projected Switch 2 spec sheet adds an intriguing element, offering speculation on how the game might perform on Nintendo's next-gen handheld. This proactive approach allows gamers to anticipate future performance based on current technological trends and expectations.

Xbox Series S: A Compromised Experience

The Xbox Series S, Microsoft's budget-friendly console, unsurprisingly delivered a compromised Cyberpunk 2077 experience. While the game ran, Digital Foundry reported significant compromises in resolution and visual fidelity to maintain a playable frame rate. Expect lower texture detail, reduced draw distances, and a generally less visually impressive experience compared to its more powerful sibling, the Xbox Series X. The Series S struggles to balance visual fidelity and performance, leading to a less immersive gameplay experience, especially in crowded areas of Night City.

PS4 and PS4 Pro: A Tale of Two Consoles

The PS4 and PS4 Pro showcased the stark differences in performance capabilities between console generations. The base PS4 struggled considerably, often experiencing frame rate drops and significant visual compromises. The PS4 Pro, however, offered a noticeable improvement, achieving a more stable frame rate and slightly higher resolution. However, even the PS4 Pro couldn't escape the limitations of its hardware, leading to some performance hiccups in demanding areas.

The Rumored Nintendo Switch 2: A Promising Outlook (with Caveats)

The inclusion of the speculated Nintendo Switch 2 specifications in Digital Foundry's analysis is particularly noteworthy. Based on leaks and rumors, Digital Foundry projected how Cyberpunk 2077 might run on the anticipated hardware. While the results are not definitive, they suggest a potentially playable, albeit visually downgraded, experience. It remains crucial to remember that these are projections based on unconfirmed specifications. The actual performance may vary depending on the final hardware and any potential optimizations implemented by CD Projekt Red.

Key Takeaways from Digital Foundry's Analysis:

• Hardware Matters: The performance disparity between the tested platforms highlights the significant impact of hardware on the Cyberpunk 2077 experience.
• Optimization Challenges: Even on more powerful consoles, optimizing Cyberpunk 2077 for optimal performance remains a challenge.
• Switch 2 Potential: The projected Switch 2 performance suggests a possible, albeit compromised, port, offering a glimpse into potential future availability.
• Compromises are Inevitable: Gamers should expect compromises in visual fidelity on less powerful hardware to achieve a playable frame rate.

Looking Ahead: Future Updates and Optimization

CD Projekt Red continues to support Cyberpunk 2077 with updates and patches. Future updates may bring further performance improvements, especially for older consoles. However, the inherent limitations of older hardware will likely remain a factor. Gamers considering playing Cyberpunk 2077 on less powerful hardware should manage expectations accordingly.

This detailed analysis from Digital Foundry provides valuable insights for gamers considering playing Cyberpunk 2077 across different platforms. Remember to check Digital Foundry's video for a complete and visual breakdown of their findings. What are your thoughts on Cyberpunk 2077's cross-gen performance? Share your experiences in the comments below!