Cities: Skylines - Expanded Edition is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 28, bringing a major revamp to the city-builder after a rocky initial release on the original Switch in 2018.
Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media have published detailed feature and pricing information ahead of the Nintendo eShop release, positioning the Expanded Edition as a rebuilt, console-optimized iteration of the popular PC city simulator.
Background and context
Cities: Skylines originally released on Nintendo Switch in 2018 but was widely criticized at launch for performance and control issues compared with its PC counterpart.
The Expanded Edition for Switch 2 arrives as a response to those shortcomings, promising upgraded performance, improved visuals, and refinements to input and user experience tailored to Nintendo's next-generation handheld-console hybrid.
Verified feature highlights
Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media list the following confirmed improvements for the Switch 2 Expanded Edition:
- 25 buildable tiles: The buildable area increases substantially from the original nine-tile limit to 25 tiles, allowing far larger city layouts.
- Map editor: Players can create and customize maps and landscapes prior to starting a city.
- UX improvements: Precision placement tools, a distance indicator, and updated snapping options are included for finer construction control.
- Environmental controls: Real-time adjustments for time of day, weather effects such as rain and fog, and environmental coloring.
- Quick selection tool: Faster access to essential tools and assets to streamline city management.
- Graphics and performance options: A Performance mode targeting 60 FPS (with upscaling and adjusted quality) and a Quality mode targeting 30 FPS to prioritize visual fidelity.
- Keyboard and mouse support: The Expanded Edition implements mouse mode alongside traditional controller configurations.
- Included DLC: Ten previously released expansions and content packs are bundled with the release, including After Dark, Snowfall, Green Cities, Sunset Harbor, and several map and content packs.
Pricing and upgrade path
The title will appear on the Nintendo eShop on October 28 priced at £41.49 / $49.00 / €41.00.
Owners of the original Switch version are eligible for a 70% discount on the Expanded Edition until April 28, 2027.
Industry perspective
When the Switch version first arrived in 2018, critics acknowledged the game's potential as a strong alternative to other city builders but noted it needed a thorough rework to avoid becoming a performance burden on Nintendo hardware.
The Expanded Edition seeks to address those longstanding issues on Switch 2, and the October release will be the first opportunity for fans to judge how effectively Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media have improved the console experience.
Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media have published detailed feature and pricing information ahead of the Nintendo eShop release, positioning the Expanded Edition as a rebuilt, console-optimized iteration of the popular PC city simulator.
Background and context
Cities: Skylines originally released on Nintendo Switch in 2018 but was widely criticized at launch for performance and control issues compared with its PC counterpart.
The Expanded Edition for Switch 2 arrives as a response to those shortcomings, promising upgraded performance, improved visuals, and refinements to input and user experience tailored to Nintendo's next-generation handheld-console hybrid.
Verified feature highlights
Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media list the following confirmed improvements for the Switch 2 Expanded Edition:
- 25 buildable tiles: The buildable area increases substantially from the original nine-tile limit to 25 tiles, allowing far larger city layouts.
- Map editor: Players can create and customize maps and landscapes prior to starting a city.
- UX improvements: Precision placement tools, a distance indicator, and updated snapping options are included for finer construction control.
- Environmental controls: Real-time adjustments for time of day, weather effects such as rain and fog, and environmental coloring.
- Quick selection tool: Faster access to essential tools and assets to streamline city management.
- Graphics and performance options: A Performance mode targeting 60 FPS (with upscaling and adjusted quality) and a Quality mode targeting 30 FPS to prioritize visual fidelity.
- Keyboard and mouse support: The Expanded Edition implements mouse mode alongside traditional controller configurations.
- Included DLC: Ten previously released expansions and content packs are bundled with the release, including After Dark, Snowfall, Green Cities, Sunset Harbor, and several map and content packs.
Pricing and upgrade path
The title will appear on the Nintendo eShop on October 28 priced at £41.49 / $49.00 / €41.00.
Owners of the original Switch version are eligible for a 70% discount on the Expanded Edition until April 28, 2027.
Industry perspective
When the Switch version first arrived in 2018, critics acknowledged the game's potential as a strong alternative to other city builders but noted it needed a thorough rework to avoid becoming a performance burden on Nintendo hardware.
The Expanded Edition seeks to address those longstanding issues on Switch 2, and the October release will be the first opportunity for fans to judge how effectively Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media have improved the console experience.
