Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Arrives as a Launch Title for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially announced that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will debut as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant milestone for both the platform and the widely acclaimed studio, CD Projekt Red.

Known globally for its work on The Witcher series, CD Projekt Red is bringing its expansive, futuristic RPG to Nintendo fans with a port that leverages the new hardware’s capabilities and modern features. As part of Nintendo's ongoing Creator's Voice video series spotlighting third-party developers behind Switch 2 launch games, CD Projekt Red took center stage this week.

Studio head Adam Badowski and lead engine programmer Charles Tremblay shared insights into the development process for Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting the technical achievements and new player experiences made possible by the console. Tremblay described the Switch 2 version as “the best way to experience Cyberpunk 2077 on the go,” emphasizing the advancements brought by the platform’s newly enhanced LCD screens with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.

This feature enables smoother gameplay and more vibrant visuals, enhancing immersion—one of the cornerstones of the Cyberpunk 2077 experience.

He commended the hardware by stating that these improvements have helped make this the most definitive handheld iteration of the title yet. Cyberpunk 2077 has previously been available on PC-based handhelds like the Steam Deck, but typically required lowered settings to run effectively.

Early footage of the game running on Switch 2 has drawn praise for its solid performance, even with a lower resolution.

Digital Foundry, in a recent overview of the Ultimate Edition, noted how impressive it is to see such a graphically intensive game performing so smoothly on a portable Nintendo system. One of the standout features in this adaptation is the integration of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which introduce motion controls for enhanced combat mechanics.

Players will be able to utilize the motion capabilities to execute katana attacks, offering fresh and responsive ways to interact with Night City.

According to Tremblay, the development team wanted to ensure that there are “a lot of ways to experience the game” and that the new control options offer a tactile boost to immersion. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition also becomes the first confirmed title on Switch 2 to utilize Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology, a notable technical achievement that helps balance image quality with performance.

The title will be available exclusively via the Switch 2 eShop and, notably, will not have a physical Game-Key Card release at launch. Nintendo Switch 2 owners and Cyberpunk fans alike won’t have long to wait.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition releases globally on June 5, 2024, coinciding with the launch of the new console.

This collaboration underscores Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to appeal to core gamers by expanding third-party support and technical innovations on its platforms.

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