L.A. Noire Remaster Coming to Switch, PS4, and Xbox One: Everything We Know About the Release

Rockstar Games has officially announced that their acclaimed 1940s detective thriller L.A. Noire is getting the remaster treatment across multiple platforms. With enhanced graphics, new features, and the promise of bringing Cole Phelps' investigation to modern consoles, here's everything we know about this highly anticipated re-release.

The announcement came as a pleasant surprise during Rockstar's recent showcase, revealing that the beloved detective noir will be making its way to current-generation consoles with significant improvements. For many players, this represents the perfect opportunity to experience or revisit one of the most unique and ambitious games of the previous console generation.

A Detective Story Worth Revisiting

Originally released in 2011, L.A. Noire was a groundbreaking achievement in interactive storytelling and facial animation technology. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, players stepped into the shoes of Cole Phelps, a war veteran turned LAPD detective, navigating through a web of corruption, murder, and conspiracy in the City of Angels' golden age.

What set L.A. Noire apart from other open-world games was its focus on investigation and interrogation rather than action and violence. Using revolutionary MotionScan technology, the game captured incredibly detailed facial performances from real actors, allowing players to read suspects' expressions for tells and lies during questioning—a mechanic that was both innovative and challenging.

The game's recreation of 1940s Los Angeles was nothing short of spectacular, featuring over 8 square miles of meticulously detailed cityscape, complete with period-appropriate architecture, vehicles, and fashion. From the glamorous Hollywood Hills to the seedy underbelly of downtown, every corner of the city told a story.

What's New in the Remaster

The L.A. Noire remaster isn't just a simple port—Rockstar has implemented several significant improvements to bring the experience up to modern standards. The most immediately noticeable enhancement is the visual upgrade, with support for 4K resolution on PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X, delivering crisp, detailed imagery that showcases the game's impressive art direction.

Enhanced lighting systems breathe new life into the noir atmosphere, with improved shadows and ambient lighting that better capture the moody, cinematic feel the original was striving for. The famous facial animation technology has also been refined, with higher resolution textures on character faces making the already impressive performances even more lifelike.

The Nintendo Switch Experience

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this remaster is its arrival on Nintendo Switch, marking the first time a major Rockstar Games title has appeared on a Nintendo platform in years. The Switch version promises to deliver the complete L.A. Noire experience in both docked and handheld modes, though with some unique considerations.

Due to the Switch's storage limitations, the game will require a significant download even with the physical cartridge, as the complete experience includes all DLC cases and enhanced assets. However, the ability to play this cinematic detective story on the go represents an exciting new way to experience Cole Phelps' investigations.

The Switch version also includes some platform-specific features, such as HD Rumble support for enhanced feedback during investigations and the ability to use Joy-Con motion controls for certain gameplay elements, though traditional controls remain the primary input method.

Complete Edition Content

One of the most appealing aspects of the L.A. Noire remaster is that it includes all previously released downloadable content, making it the definitive edition of the game. This means players will have access to all the additional cases that were released post-launch, providing even more investigative content to explore.

The included DLC cases—"The Consul's Car," "The Naked City," "A Slip of the Tongue," "The Badge Pursuit," and "Nicholson Electroplating"—add several hours of additional gameplay and further flesh out the world and characters. These cases were originally sold separately and represent significant value for players getting the complete package.

Why L.A. Noire Deserves Another Look

In an era dominated by fast-paced action games and battle royales, L.A. Noire offers something refreshingly different—a methodical, story-driven experience that rewards patience and observation over quick reflexes. The game's unique interrogation system, where reading facial expressions and body language is crucial to success, remains unmatched in the gaming industry.

The narrative, inspired by classic film noir and real Los Angeles history, tackles mature themes of corruption, war trauma, and moral ambiguity with a sophistication rarely seen in video games. Each case feels like an episode of a premium television series, complete with compelling characters, plot twists, and atmospheric storytelling.

For players who missed the original release or those looking to revisit Cole Phelps' investigations with modern enhancements, the remaster represents an excellent opportunity. The game's focus on detective work and story makes it particularly well-suited for the current gaming landscape, where narrative-driven experiences are increasingly valued.

Technical Innovation That Still Impresses

Even six years after its original release, L.A. Noire's MotionScan facial capture technology remains impressive. The system captured 32 cameras worth of facial data for each actor, creating incredibly detailed and nuanced performances that allow players to genuinely read emotions and detect deception—a gameplay mechanic that was revolutionary at the time and remains unique today.

The remaster's enhanced version of this technology showcases just how ahead of its time the original implementation was. With higher resolution displays and improved processing power, the subtle facial expressions and micro-movements that make the interrogation system work are more visible and impactful than ever.

Beyond the facial technology, the game's recreation of 1940s Los Angeles remains one of the most authentic and detailed period recreations in gaming history. The remaster's visual improvements help bring this world to life with even greater fidelity, making the city feel more lived-in and atmospheric.

Market Positioning and Expectations

The L.A. Noire remaster arrives at an interesting time in the gaming market. With the success of narrative-driven games like The Last of Us, Life is Strange, and Telltale's various series, there's clearly an appetite for story-focused experiences that prioritize character development and meaningful choices over pure action.

Rockstar's decision to remaster L.A. Noire rather than focus solely on Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead Redemption suggests confidence in the game's unique appeal and potential for finding a new audience. The relatively modest pricing compared to full new releases makes it accessible to curious newcomers while offering existing fans a reason to return.

The inclusion on Nintendo Switch is particularly strategic, as it brings Rockstar's sophisticated storytelling to a platform known more for family-friendly and arcade-style games. This could introduce L.A. Noire to an entirely new demographic of players who might not have considered it on other platforms.

What to Expect on Release Day

When L.A. Noire launches on November 14, 2017, players can expect a comprehensive package that includes the complete original campaign plus all DLC content. The main story follows Cole Phelps through four different LAPD departments—Traffic, Homicide, Vice, and Arson—with each offering distinct types of cases and investigative challenges.

The game's structure allows for both linear progression through the main narrative and optional exploration of side content, including street crimes and collectible hunting. The remaster's improved performance should make both aspects more enjoyable, with faster loading times reducing downtime between cases and smoother gameplay enhancing the investigation experience.

For newcomers, the game offers extensive tutorials and guidance systems to help players understand the unique interrogation mechanics and investigation techniques. Veterans will appreciate the visual improvements and performance enhancements that make returning to 1940s Los Angeles feel fresh and engaging.