Konami has delivered what may be the final significant update to its Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1, a compilation that has long served as a bridge between the PS1-era classics and modern gaming expectations. The latest patch introduces 4K resolution support for MGS3: Snake Eater, a 61GB high-resolution texture pack that automatically installs for owners, and—most notably—keyboard controls and button remapping for MGS1. The update also fixes a persistent usability issue in MGS1* by allowing players to swap confirm and cancel inputs, a change that will be welcomed by those who’ve struggled with accidental menu exits for years.
For MGS3, the update is the most substantial. The High Resolution Texture Pack—which adds 4K support, upscaled textures, and improved internal rendering—is now available as a free DLC for all owners. However, the trade-off is steep: the pack requires approximately 70GB of free space on Steam (though only 61GB is used by the textures themselves). While the visual upgrades are undeniable—characters like Naked Snake appear sharper, and environments benefit from clearer details—the update also introduces a notable flaw: AI-upscaled text in some areas becomes unreadable, a side effect of the process used to enhance clarity. Original legible text remains intact, but smaller UI elements now resemble distorted glyphs.
The patch also expands MGS3’s resolution options, allowing players to push the game to 4K (2160p), 1440p (WQHD), or 1080p (FHD)—a far cry from its original 2023 release, which struggled with soft rendering even at lower settings. Players can toggle between Adjusted Mode (preserving original proportions) and High Resolution Mode, which prioritizes detail over scaling accuracy.
MGS1 receives more practical improvements. The update adds native keyboard controls, a long-overdue feature for PC players, and introduces high and max resolution settings—though these come with caveats. The game’s PS1-era geometry and textures were not designed for upscaling, leading to visible white seams in certain areas when played at higher resolutions. Despite this, the option to swap confirm (A/X) and cancel (B/Circle) buttons is a standout fix, resolving a decades-old frustration for console and controller users.
MGS2: Sons of Liberty sees minimal changes, limited to minor bug fixes and adjustments. The update does not introduce new resolution options, texture packs, or control schemes for Raiden’s campaign.
The patch underscores Konami’s commitment to refining its classic library while acknowledging the limitations of retro assets in modern high-resolution environments. For MGS3 owners, the 61GB texture pack is a must-try for those with ample storage, though the text readability issue may deter some. MGS1 players, meanwhile, now have greater flexibility in controls and resolution, even if the upscaling isn’t perfect. The update serves as a reminder that even decades-old games can evolve—though not without trade-offs.
- MGS3: 4K support, 61GB high-res texture pack (auto-installed), AI-upscaled textures (with unreadable text in some areas), High Resolution Mode preset.
- MGS1: Keyboard controls, high/max resolution options, swappable confirm/cancel buttons, white seams at higher res.
- MGS2: Minor fixes only.
What You Should Do Now
- If you own MGS3, the High Resolution Texture Pack will install automatically. Ensure you have 70GB+ free space before applying.
- MGS1 players can now enable keyboard controls and adjust resolution settings in the Options menu.
- Test higher resolutions in MGS1 and MGS3—some setups may experience instability; revert to defaults if issues arise.
- No action is needed for MGS2* unless minor bugs were previously encountered.
