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Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4/Xbox One suffers from performance issues

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Maybe this needed a bit more development time?

While many of us are still starting our Cyberpunk 2077 adventure on various platforms, several of us have noticed that the game is a bit around the edges if you’re playing on the console. And it would seem that after doing some research that we’re not the only ones experiencing this.

CD Projekt Red’s 8-plus year project is out, and while it’s still too early to even think of a review,  we can talk about early impressions. While some of us started on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC, I also double-dipped on an Xbox One version to see if the older console could handle the game; it definitely can not. The PS5 and Xbox One performance are just not in a good place right now.

Update: While CDR has not responded to our email, they did tweet out they are looking into the reported issues.

The console versions that we’ve played have exhibited the following issues;

  • Low-resolution – can’t be sure but it does look like this is 720p.
  • Low frame rates, resulting in the game becoming a stuttering mess.
  • Slow texture loading (15-20 seconds at times).
  • Pop-in issues.
  • Clipping issues with both the play and NPC walking through walls and falling through floors.
  • Stuck item placement on-screen that didn’t go away.

And as I mentioned, we’re not the only ones experiencing this. I’ve watched several streamers attempting to showcase the game on PS4 and Xbox One, and it was abysmal. Not to say that it wasn’t hilarious at times, but it was interesting watching events ranging from cars appearing out of nowhere and causing people to crash to NPCs randomly walking through walls was eye-opening.

Then there’s the little issue of those on PS4 and Xbox One not knowing if they are on the day-0 patch or not. Many have stated they had encountered issues when trying to download patches, while others don’t seem to see any patches being available. This entire process has been a mess. Though the more I think about this, it is likely due to everyone using the “New Zealand Trick”, to gain early access to the game. We’ll find out soon as the game is now officially available worldwide, so those who had issues with the patch not being available should be resolved.

So far, the Cyberpunk 2077 subreddit has been keeping a running tally of the number of issues that have plagued the game. It’s the best place to keep track of all the ongoing, as long as you can weather the nonsense over there.

Again, most of the complaints stem from the last generation PS4 and Xbox One consoles, making up the majority of the console bases. Sure, the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC have a fair amount of complaints as well. But at least they’re playable and provide a reasonable experience. While I haven’t tested the Xbox Series X version, I’ve heard positive things about it. Though it seems that if you want the ultimate experience, a well-equipped PC is the way to go.

This is not to discredit CD Projekt Red, a company that has shown time and time again that they support their titles and eventually smooth everything out. It’s just that the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions aren’t what myself and others had expected. I’m not surprised that either of these consoles is not the best platform to play the game on, but I hoped it would be better than this. And it’s not like most people can head out to their local Best Buy or Gamestop or Amazon and pick up a new PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or even a new gaming PC for that matter.

I am also disappointed that the only reviews that we’ve seen on various outlets were the PC version. It now feels like this was done on purpose, as the console versions of the game weren’t even up for consideration of a review. Guessing CD Projekt Red was quite aware of the performance of the PS4 and Xbox One versions. But maybe this is just me.

Our recommendation, for now, is to hold off on either the PS4 or Xbox One versions, if you can. We understand that a hype building title such as Cyberpunk 2077 is enough to “force” you to purchase the game. However, in the state that the game is on these platforms, it could just ruin your experience. Hold off until CD Projekt Red makes an official announcement about upcoming patches. Or not, it is your money, after all. Or if you 

We’ve reached out to CD Projekt Red for a comment and will update when/if we get a reply.

Keith Mitchell profile image

Keith has been a fan of geek culture and video games ever since his father gifted him his first gaming console many decades ago and has used this love of for the genres to start The Outerhaven. Keith keeps follows on the ongoings of videogames, anime, comics and technology, and while he has been writing about these topics for the past 14 years, he has been a gamer and tech guy for 30 years.

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