Few video games pack the technical punch of Cyberpunk 2077, making it an attention-grabbing proposition for Nintendo’s shiny new handheld. Whereas the Switch 2 is a big improve to the unique, Cyberpunk 2077 is taken into account one of the hardware-intensive video games in recent times. Regardless of this, CD Projekt Purple’s formidable Switch 2 port is a commendable one which makes the many of the console’s energy, however with some noticeable drawbacks.
Cyberpunk 2077 for the Switch 2 provides a efficiency mode and high quality mode for each docked and handheld play, with the important thing distinction between the 2 play types being decision. Whereas docked, Cyberpunk 2077’s decision ranges between 540p and 1080p. In high quality mode, it should not fall under 720p. Handheld play, relying on the graphics mode, scales between 360p and 810p. This sounds tough, however given the display dimension and DLSS, Cyberpunk 2077 seems to be fairly palatable on the Nintendo Switch 2. Put up-processing results assist offset this low decision and the Switch 2 display boasts a clear picture, particularly at a standstill. The high quality can differ relying on what’s occurring on display, although. In the event you’re dashing by means of Evening Metropolis or within the warmth of fight, the decision could plummet, however most gamers in all probability will not have the ability to inform.
High quality mode targets 30 frames per second and efficiency mode targets 40. The caveat is that efficiency mode whereas docked solely works with 120Hz TVs and screens, that means that not each show can make the most of the body price enhance. Nonetheless, in my testing, the body price enhance appeared fairly negligible when in comparison with high quality mode. That is largely because of the truth that the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t help variable refresh price whereas docked, that means the body price dips are noticeable. Fortuitously, the standard setting seems to be extra constant. The body price can fluctuate relying on the place you’re on the earth and what’s occurring. Because of the Switch 2’s built-in VRR display, efficiency mode feels fairly strong whereas taking part in handheld. That mentioned, Canine City–the new district added within the Phantom Liberty DLC–appears to be notably taxing on the Switch 2. It is from unplayable, however it does run barely worse than different elements of the town. This should not come as a shock contemplating Phantom Liberty by no means made it to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One because of technical limitations. That makes its inclusion on the Switch 2 all of the extra noteworthy.
With a purpose to get Cyberpunk 2077 operating on the Switch 2, the visuals have noticeably been pared again. Whereas it would not really feel as excessive of a downgrade as The Witcher 3’s 2019 Switch port, those that performed Cyberpunk 2077 on a high-end PC, Xbox Collection X, or PS5 will certainly see the distinction. Draw distances are reined in, textures aren’t as detailed, and the lighting is not as crisp. That mentioned, it does seem to outpace last-gen consoles–perhaps not in each method, however I would a lot moderately play Cyberpunk 2077 on my Switch 2 than my creaky previous Xbox One. For me, probably the most notable variations are the smaller crowd sizes and emptier roads. At occasions, particularly within the downtown areas, Evening Metropolis feels a bit empty. Concessions needed to be made, and I perceive why this was chief amongst them, however wandering round a quiet metropolis middle can take me out of the expertise.
Cyberpunk 2077 is not only a simple port to the Nintendo Switch 2. CD Projekt Purple has leveraged the console’s {hardware} so as to add in some new methods to play. The most attention-grabbing of the bunch are mouse controls. This allows you to use a Pleasure-Con as a mouse as a way to goal, and it really works properly. As soon as I tweaked the sensitivity, I had no bother lining up headshots and gunning down enemies from afar. It is just a little awkward maneuvering with mouse controls exterior of fight, and the default button structure took some getting used to, however it seems like greater than only a gimmick. I may see myself taking part in for dozens of hours with mouse controls turned on. Nonetheless, the gyro controls do really feel like a gimmick. Utilizing a Professional Controller or Pleasure-Con, you’ll be able to goal utilizing movement; it is not fairly as imprecise because it sounds, however it’s definitely not the best solution to play Cyberpunk 2077. The extra approachable, center floor is to make use of the gyro controls for refined changes whereas aiming. You possibly can management your digital camera with the correct stick, however when it’s good to make a slight adjustment you need to use the movement controls.
Moreover, CD Projekt Purple has added contact controls to the expertise. This primarily enables you to navigate menus along with your finger. As somebody who has put in over 250 hours into Cyberpunk, navigating the menu with analog sticks is muscle reminiscence at this level, so I’ve largely ignored this function (I additionally don’t love getting fingerprints on my screens). Nonetheless, the contact display controls are intuitive and will alleviate a few of the stock administration points that newer gamers would possibly expertise.
Fairly probably the best function within the Switch 2 model is cross-progression, letting you switch your saves between PC and console. This is not new for Cyberpunk or CD Projekt Purple, however it makes this bundle significantly extra inviting. After I accomplished Phantom Liberty for the primary time in 2023, I have been slowly chipping away at a 100% playthrough, and cross-progression makes that much more attainable. The Witcher 3 for Switch finally acquired cross-play, however for that performance to work on day one with Cyberpunk 2077 is commendable.
In the event you’ve by no means performed Cyberpunk 2077 and the Switch 2 is your solely means to take action, then it is a simple suggestion. The base sport is superb and the Phantom Liberty enlargement is phenomenal. Nonetheless, in case you’ve already performed Cyberpunk 2077 and do not feel an itch to return to Evening Metropolis, then this will not be value your time. The Switch 2-specific options are a pleasant touch–and it is nice to see CD Projekt Purple embracing the hardware–but they do not elevate Cyberpunk 2077 past its already spectacular pedestal.