The GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition has so far disappointed with technical shortcomings, but a new update for PlayStation, PC and Xbox now promises the long-awaited rescue. Can Rockstar Games finally restore the classics to their former glory?
The GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition brings together three iconic titles – GTA 3, GTA San Andreas, and GTA Vice City.
This collection promised to deliver updated versions of these beloved classics, bringing modern enhancements to the games’ nostalgic charm.
However, since its release, the Definitive Edition has faced considerable criticism, with fans disappointed by poor performance across platforms.
Early ports of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition for current-gen consoles and PCs were plagued by technical issues, with gameplay so inconsistent that many players found it hard to recommend the collection at all.
Yet, a recent update for PlayStation, PC, and Xbox aims to address these setbacks, delivering a long-awaited improvement to performance and visuals.
Small Update, Big Impact
According to Rockstar Games and their official patch notes, this update introduces a "classic lighting mode” along with some general bug fixes.
However, reports from users on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that the patch does even more.GTA SA Defintive Edition after the New PatchLeft old Right New pic.twitter.com/kxBij35K4z
— Besk (@BeskInfinity) November 12, 2024
Players have noted upgrades to animations, as well as enhanced effects for rain, fog, and fire, breathing new life into the game’s atmosphere. Comparison images now show The Definitive Edition looking more like the visually enriched version that fans had hoped for when it was initially announced:
So just a quick thread to wrap up everything that's been added to the #GTA Definitive Editions today...Classic Lighting was added to PC/Console after it was first added to mobile, however it's done correctly this time each area in SA has its own atmosphere now! pic.twitter.com/3VOzobApQO
— TJGM (@TJGM_) November 12, 2024
Delayed Switch update frustrates fans
While PlayStation and Xbox users gained access to the update promptly, Switch players only received it a day later, sparking frustration among Nintendo fans. The delay stirred confusion and disappointment on X:
I HEARD YOU FINALLY FIXED THE 3 GTAS THAT MATTER EXTREMLY THAT YOU SCAMMED US ON CAUSE THEY ARE ALL DISGRACEFULLY BROKEN.SO I GO RUSH TO MY SWITCH TO UPDATE AND THERE IS NO FUKIN UPDATES SO WAS THAT JUST A RUMOR!?!?!?! YOU STILL DISGRACEFULLY DONT FKING CARE ABOUT THESE GAMES?!
— MGTOW ANONYMOUS (@AnonymousMgtow) November 13, 2024
This uneven rollout has renewed discussions about whether the more powerful Switch 2, expected next year, could support a version that runs more seamlessly.The new GTA Trilogy patch has also released for Switch Ps4 and Xbox just now! Idk why it happened a day later but whatever lol
— Besk (@BeskInfinity) November 13, 2024
Many fans are hopeful, as even mobile versions of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition for iOS and Android perform better than the current Switch edition.
Anyone with a Netflix subscription can enjoy the trilogy on mobile devices at no extra cost. Just go to the "Games" section to access it.
The improvements: What’s new?
User feedback highlights a series of noteworthy enhancements in this latest patch. The update appears to have restored subtle visual details, like heat shimmer and low-hanging clouds, adding richness to the game’s aesthetic.
The texture issues affecting jeans fabrics have reportedly been fixed, and the characters’ animations appear smoother, including faster swimming speeds.
Additionally, players discovered that GTA 3 and Vice City now allow shotguns, assault rifles, and flamethrowers to be fired while running, restoring a feature that had previously been removed.
Improvements to running and aiming animations, as well as the lighting from street lamps, round out the update’s visual upgrades.
Have you tried out the new patch? Let us know in the comments if the changes have made a difference in your gameplay experience!