Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus – Platforms That Power the Resistance
What if the Nazis won World War II—and you were the only one left to stop them?
That’s the chilling premise behind Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, the adrenaline-fueled sequel that catapults players into an alternate 1960s America under fascist rule. But beyond its gripping narrative and explosive gameplay lies a critical question for gamers: Which platforms deliver the best experience for this revolutionary FPS? Whether you’re a console loyalist, a PC purist, or a handheld enthusiast, knowing where Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus thrives can make or break your fight against tyranny.
Platform Availability: Where Can You Join the Resistance?
First, let’s clarify where you can actually play Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game launched in October 2017 and is available across a wide spectrum of platforms:
- PlayStation 4 (including PS4 Pro)
- Xbox One (and enhanced for Xbox One X)
- PC (via Steam, Bethesda.net, and other digital storefronts)
- Nintendo Switch (released later, in June 2018)
Each platform brings its own strengths—and limitations. Your choice isn’t just about convenience; it’s about immersion, performance, and how deeply you want to dive into BJ Blazkowicz’s war-torn world.
PC: The Ultimate Battlefield for Purists
For those who demand total control, PC remains the definitive platform for The New Colossus. Why? Three words: mods, resolution, and framerate.
On PC, you can crank up textures to 4K (or beyond), unlock framerates to silky-smooth 144Hz+, and even install community mods that add new weapons, skins, or gameplay tweaks. One notable mod, “New Colossus Redux,” overhauls enemy AI and weapon balancing—proving that the PC version isn’t just visually superior, but endlessly expandable.
Performance-wise, a mid-range gaming rig (think GTX 1060 / Ryzen 5) handles 1080p/60fps with ease. High-end systems push 4K HDR with ray-traced ambient occlusion mods (via third-party injectors), making Nazi bunkers feel unnervingly real.
Case in point: A Reddit user documented their experience running the game at 3440×1440 on an RTX 3070, noting how environmental details—like propaganda posters peeling off walls or steam rising from manholes—added layers of immersion impossible to replicate on consoles.
PlayStation 4 & Xbox One: Console Warriors Unite
Both Sony and Microsoft platforms offer near-identical core experiences, but subtle differences matter.
On PS4 Pro, the game runs in checkerboard 4K with dynamic resolution scaling, hovering around 30fps with occasional dips during heavy combat. The standard PS4 locks at 1080p, still smooth and cinematic.
Xbox One X, however, delivers the most polished console experience: native 4K resolution, more stable 30fps, and faster load times thanks to its superior SSD architecture (even before the Series X|S era). If you own an Xbox One X, this is the console version to beat.
Controller feel matters too. The Xbox controller’s textured grips and responsive triggers pair perfectly with the game’s visceral gunplay. Meanwhile, PS4 players benefit from Sony’s refined DualShock 4 haptics—especially during stealth sections, where subtle vibrations cue enemy patrols.
Nintendo Switch: Portable Rebellion
Perhaps the most surprising—and impressive—port is the Nintendo Switch version. Ported by Panic Button (the studio behind the acclaimed Doom 2016 and Rocket League Switch ports), The New Colossus runs at 720p handheld and 900p docked, targeting 30fps.
Yes, textures are compressed. Draw distances are shorter. But here’s the kicker: it’s still playable—and remarkably faithful. Panic Button implemented dynamic resolution scaling and clever asset streaming to keep performance stable. In handheld mode, tearing the head off a Nazi commander with a hatchet feels just as satisfying as on any other platform.
One YouTube reviewer, “Switch Player Weekly,” compared docked gameplay side-by-side with PS4 footage. While environmental detail suffered, core animations, enemy behavior, and voice acting remained untouched. For gamers who value portability over pixel-perfect graphics, the Switch version is a triumph of optimization.
Next-Gen Consoles? Backward Compatibility to the Rescue
Though The New Colossus never received a native PS5 or Xbox Series X|S patch, both consoles support it via backward compatibility—with enhancements.
On Xbox Series X, the game runs at 4K/60fps thanks to FPS Boost (enable it in settings). Load times are slashed by 50%+, and HDR support makes Roswell’s neon-lit streets pop with color.
PS5 players get faster load times and DualSense haptic feedback—subtle but impactful. Squeezing the trigger to fire a laser cannon now rumbles with escalating intensity, adding tactile weight to every shot.
Pro tip: Use FPS Boost on Xbox Series S for a locked 60fps experience, even if resolution dips to 1080p. For fast-paced shooters like this, fluidity often trumps fidelity.