L.A. Noire is worth playing if you want a story-led detective game built around examining crime scenes and reading suspects—not a modern open-world action game. The 2017 enhanced editions on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One include the original game and its additional downloadable content. Choose Switch for portability; choose PS4 or Xbox One if sharper visuals and higher frame rates matter more.
What is L.A. Noire?
Set in 1947 Los Angeles, L.A. Noire follows Cole Phelps, a decorated veteran starting a career as a detective. You investigate cases inspired by real-world crimes by searching locations for clues, questioning suspects, and pursuing criminals. Its MotionScan facial animation technology is central to interrogations, where you judge whether a person’s account seems truthful. PlayStation’s official game page outlines the setting and premise; Rockstar also described the investigation and facial-animation systems in its 2017 release announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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L.A. Noire - PlayStation 4 | $17.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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L.A. Noire (PS4) | $20.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![L.A. Noire - Remastered - PS4 (Playstation 4) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xXWMwm1KL._SL160_.jpg)
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L.A. Noire - Remastered - PS4 (Playstation 4) [video game] | $31.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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L.A. NOIRE COMPLETE | $9.13 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Take 2 L.A. Noire (Ps3) | $8.71 | Buy on Amazon |
What does the 2017 enhanced edition include?
The Switch, PS4, and Xbox One editions launched on November 14, 2017. Rockstar described the PS4 and Xbox One releases as including “the complete original game and all additional downloadable content,” alongside enhanced lighting and clouds, new cinematic camera angles, and higher-resolution textures. The publisher’s announcement says PS4 and Xbox One output at 1080p, with 4K output on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. Rockstar’s announcement also describes Switch-specific controls and features.
These are enhanced re-releases of the original game, not a recent-generation remaster. The added content is the original game’s downloadable content; the publisher does not describe it as new story content made for the 2017 editions.
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#1 Best Overall
- Showcased in 1080p for the PlayStation 4 and stunning 4K for PlayStation 4 Pro.
- Includes the complete original game and all additional downloadable content plus new collectibles and detective suits to unlock, each with unique special abilities.
- Features an array of technical and graphical enhancements for a more realistic Los Angeles.
Which version should you get?
| Version | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Players who want to play handheld or value portable controls. | Supports Joy-Con gyroscopic and gesture-based controls, HD rumble, wide and over-the-shoulder camera angles, and contextual touchscreen controls. A 2017 review reported frame-rate drops and visual limitations in docked mode; see the performance notes below. |
| PlayStation 4 | Players who prioritize sharper visuals and higher frame rates over portability. | Outputs at 1080p; PS4 Pro supports 4K output, according to Rockstar’s 2017 announcement. The US PlayStation Store listing says the PS4 edition is playable on PS5, while warning that some PS4 features may be absent. |
| Xbox One | Players who prioritize sharper visuals and higher frame rates over portability. | Outputs at 1080p; Xbox One X supports 4K output, according to Rockstar’s 2017 announcement. GameSpot recommended the PS4 and Xbox One versions for sharper visuals and higher frame rates. |
The PS5 compatibility detail comes from the current US PlayStation Store listing; it should not be taken as confirmation of compatibility on other hardware or in other regions. Xbox and Switch backward compatibility are not established here.
How does it play, and how well does the Switch version hold up?
The central appeal is the casework: collecting clues and interrogating suspects gives the story a distinct rhythm. GameSpot’s November 2017 Switch review praised the story, Phelps, interrogations, and the ability to play portably. It also found combat movement clunky and activity outside missions limited. The game is not an especially lively free-roaming sandbox between cases.
Rank #2
- Showcased in 1080p for the PlayStation 4 and stunning 4K for PlayStation 4 Pro.
- Includes the complete original game and all additional downloadable content
- Plus new collectibles and detective suits to unlock, each with unique special abilities.
- Features an array of technical and graphical enhancements for a more realistic Los Angeles.
GameSpot awarded the Switch version 7/10 and reported that its frame rate generally maintained 30 frames per second, with substantial dips around multiple non-player characters or vehicles. The reviewer also criticized docked-mode visuals and performance. These are launch-era review observations, not a fresh test of current hardware or software. The review disclosed that the reviewer received a complimentary code. Read GameSpot’s Switch review.
A separate GameFAQs user review, dated November 21, 2017, rated the Switch version 8/10. That individual reviewer praised the image compared with the PS3/360 generation and the included DLC cases, while mentioning occasional frame-rate drops. It is one user’s assessment, not an editorial consensus score; neither score should be treated as a current performance measurement.
Is the Switch physical edition a full install?
A GameFAQs user review reported a substantial install even with a physical Switch copy, but did not provide an exact download size. That is not a confirmed current storage specification, so check the live product information and available console storage before buying. Extra microSD storage may help if your system is short on space, but the available evidence does not establish that every buyer needs a card or support a particular capacity recommendation. The user review is here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verdict
L.A. Noire remains a strong pick for players drawn to detective stories, clue hunting, and suspect interviews, provided they are comfortable with dated action mechanics and limited distractions between cases. The 2017 editions contain the complete original game and additional DLC. For a portable option, get Switch; for the sharper presentation and higher frame rate favored by GameSpot, choose PS4 or Xbox One, with 4K output available on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X per Rockstar’s announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
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