The ride for CD Projekt RED’s Cyberpunk 2077 has been quite a rollercoaster. From its rocky debut in 2020 to its almost complete redemption with the fantastic Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023, this journey has been nothing if not dramatic. It’s challenging to overlook the game’s shaky initial release, and CDPR should rightfully face criticism for it. However, their efforts to bring the game up to par since then are worthy of praise. And now, in another surprising turn of events, Cyberpunk 2077 is making a comeback on Nintendo’s newest platform: the Switch 2.
For those who’ve yet to join the journey, Cyberpunk 2077 is essentially an immersive role-playing game with a strong emphasis on storytelling. The decisions you make, whether they seem minor or crucial, can have significant and sometimes shocking effects on the world around you. As you move through the game’s events, both major plot points and casual encounters on the street, your choices not only impact your own journey but also influence the lives of others caught in Night City’s turmoil.
One significant feature of this game is its choice-and-consequence system, which provides impactful outcomes that seem genuine. However, it’s worth noting that while the core gameplay is engaging, it doesn’t quite match the storytelling prowess of “The Witcher 3”. There are occasional discrepancies in tone and finish that prevent certain scenes from reaching the level of brilliance typically associated with CD Projekt RED.
Without a doubt, one of the most remarkable games launched alongside Nintendo’s latest hardware. And let me tell you, this port is simply exceptional.
However, once the addition of “Phantom Liberty” comes into play, everything shifts dramatically. This is when “Cyberpunk 2077” fully realizes its essence. A gripping, espionage-driven tale brimming with suspense, deceit, and ethical dilemmas, this expansion maintains a high level of tension from beginning to end. Each major character has contrasting objectives, and their narratives are filled with complexity and unexpected twists. The writing, tempo, and ambiance finally align, truly living up to the game’s promise. Moreover, for those who were indifferent about the original endings in the base game, “Phantom Liberty” offers a fresh conclusion that not only packs a punch but could very well be the ultimate ending to V’s journey.
To fully grasp the intricacies of gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077, I strongly advise you to read our initial review available here. In a nutshell: Night City is jam-packed with activities, ranging from intense combat situations to an engaging skills and customization system that caters to diverse playstyles. Essentially, the game world serves as a vibrant canvas for both visual and mechanical exploration. With the arrival of Phantom Liberty and numerous updates by CD Projekt RED, the game has transformed from average quality into an impressive piece of work. You’re likely to invest more than 100 hours immersed in its content, with the added bonus of replay value due to multiple endings and various pathways.
What’s truly remarkable is how this game motivates you to explore different strategies. Be it surprising enemies during battle or opting for stealth, every approach offers a satisfying payoff. It’s a significant departure from the game’s initial version and now truly lives up to its early hype. Essentially, the gameplay remains engaging—and combined with the refined systems and cybernetic enhancements, it provides one of the most authentic cyberpunk adventures around today.
Instead of asking “But the million-dollar question: How does it perform on the Switch 2?”, you could ask more casually, “So, how well does it run on the Nintendo Switch 2?” or “How’s the performance of the game on the new Nintendo Switch 2?” Both versions maintain the essence of the original phrase while sounding more conversational.
“Arguably the most impressive game available for Nintendo’s new hardware at launch, and boy—what an exceptional port this is. Visual compromises are, of course, expected, but what CD Projekt RED and the porting team have achieved is nothing short of remarkable and breathtaking.” This version uses a more descriptive term (“breathtaking”) and maintains the original’s praise for the quality of the port.
“The Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 is a shockingly good version of the game.”
In simpler terms, it’s quite daring to have a game with such advanced content, even the versions exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series, ready for play on the Switch 2 at its launch. It’s almost like a test or declaration – “Look what this device can do!” – as it’s capable of running such technically challenging games from the very start.
The revised Switch 2 edition of “Cyberpunk 2077” is remarkably superior to the game, and it significantly outshines CD Projekt RED’s previous title, “The Witcher 3”. While “The Witcher 3” was also adapted for the original Switch, that adaptation was commendable given the device’s similarity to a mid-range tablet from 2016. However, it wasn’t without its compromises. On the Switch, “The Witcher 3” appeared visibly inferior – it seemed like a last-generation iteration of the game in comparison to all other versions.
Instead of experiencing a significant drop in quality on the Switch 2, Cyberpunk doesn’t suffer as much. Although it may not look as good as high-end PCs, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series, it is still a version of the game that maintains a similar level of visual quality and performance. Instead of feeling like a significant step back, when played in docked mode, it feels like it belongs to the same generation, running at lower settings. While it’s noticeably less impressive – no one would confuse Switch 2 footage with PS5 footage – it still contributes to the same discussion about the game’s quality.
On the compact screen of Switch 2, the visuals appear utterly captivating. In handheld mode, the 1080p resolution seems more fitting and effective compared to docked mode. While it operates in 1080p resolution during both performance and quality settings in docked mode as well, the lower powered device’s influence is more noticeable there. However, this difference in performance is one of the key indicators that the game is being played on a less powerful system. DLSS is working efficiently here to enhance the overall experience.
This game effectively employs the tactile feedback provided by the HD Rumble feature on the Joycons, as well as the Pro controller.
On the Switch 2’s 1080p display, games running at their native resolution appear clear and detailed, and visual compromises are less apparent. The performance mode boosts the frame rate to 40fps (without a cap), but lowers the resolution to 720p. To be honest, I’m not sure if the performance Mode is beneficial in this situation – the frame rate seems more inconsistent than the steady 30fps in Quality Mode, and the graphics also seem less sharp (due to the lower resolution, the image appears softer). In my opinion, playing it in quality mode offers a better experience on Switch 2.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in both performance and graphics on Switch 2 compared to other portable gaming devices like Steam Deck. CD Projekt RED promised an exceptional portable experience for this game, and they certainly delivered! The mouse controls on the Joycons are a standout feature that gamers looking for finer control during combat will appreciate. Plus, the game makes great use of the HD Rumble haptics in the Joycons and Pro controller, adding another layer of immersion to the gaming experience.
All in all, this rendition of the game is exceptional, having transformed into an extraordinary and iconic adventure. Interestingly, Cyberpunk 2077 has managed the transition to Nintendo far more successfully than The Witcher 3 did. This edition stands firmly on its own qualities, making it a worthy choice for players, rather than just a backup option if other versions are unavailable. While it may not be as visually stunning or smooth-running as other console variants, it performs admirably, outshines most portable counterparts, and makes good use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s unique features.
This game was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Read More
2025-06-12 14:11