"Cyberpunk 2077's" next-gen version launch seems to be right around the corner, and it might start off with a free trial for Xbox Series X and Series S owners.
Photo taken from Cyberpunk 2077 Steam page
GameSpot reports that the next-gen version of "Cyberpunk" will come to Xbox first before PlayStation, according to an announcement by Xbox Netherlands. The announcement was posted to Twitter and spotted by Twitter user Nibel, as follows:
Whether a next-gen console release for CD Projekt Red's open-world romp will happen or not, one thing is for certain: the developer is holding a "Cyberpunk" stream today, February 15th. A lot of people are assuming that news about the game's next-gen version will officially be shared there.
The aforementioned stream is scheduled to happen at 7:00 A.M. PT / 10:00 A.M. ET, so be sure to check it out, so you don't miss it.
Numerous other things point to an imminent next-gen release for "Cyberpunk" as well. For one, the game has already been listed on the Xbox store as "enhanced" for the Series X and Series S, as spotted by GameSpot.
There's also a reported PS5 version spotted on the PlayStation network spotted late last month, as per a report by IGN. An initial release window of late February to early March was rumored as well.
All of these rumors appear to be quite in line with CDPR's projections of a Q1 2022 next-gen launch for "Cyberpunk." After this, it will be the turn of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's" next-gen version, which is slated for Q2.
The only thing that remains now is an official confirmation from CDPR about the release of the Series X, Series S, and PS5. For now, it looks like those who already own the game on last-gen platforms will be getting the upgrade for free, but there might also be a standalone next-gen version on the new consoles.
Lastly, there could be news about upcoming expansions for "Cyberpunk" that will be revealed during the live event. All that's left now is wait.
Read also: Reports Spotted 'Cyberpunk 2077' Optimized Version for Xbox Series X|S
What Will Next-Gen 'Cyberpunk 2077' Have?
Some of you might not know it, but the playable version of "Cyberpunk" on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Series S is actually a last-gen version of the game running on backward compatibility. A true next-gen version will come with more substantial improvements over the old one.
Since the CDPR live event still hasn't begun as of writing this article, what follows is pure speculation based on how the last-gen version runs on the new Sony and Microsoft consoles.
The game runs smoother on the PS5 than the Series X, mostly running at a locked 60 FPS on the Sony console. On Series X, there are some framerate dips to the low 50s in more demanding sections of the game.
However, only the Microsoft console features a toggle for Performance or Quality mode as of the moment. On Performance mode, the game will run at a smoother frame rate (60 FPS target) and will have resolutions ranging from native 1080p to 1296p at the highest. On the other hand, the Quality mode will lock the game at 30 FPS and pursue resolutions as high as 1728p.
Next-gen "Cyberpunk" could finally bring the Performance and Quality mode toggles to the PS5, considering how it's missing on the console so far. This is alongside other enhanced graphical and performance features as well.
Related: 'Mother 3' Producer Wants the Game to be Localized in the West
Story posted on GameNGuide
Written by RJ Pierce
