Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2: A Technical Triumph for CD Projekt Red

Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2: A Technical Triumph for CD Projekt Red In a move that’s turning heads across the gaming industry, CD Projekt Red has achieved what many considered impossible: bringing the highly ambitious open-world RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Announced as a marquee third-party launch title for Nintendo’s latest platform, this port not only offers the full game on a physical cartridge—a rarity among large-scale third-party releases—but also showcases the technical capabilities of the Switch 2 hardware.

Digital Foundry, renowned for its hardware analyses, recently delved into the details of this impressive adaptation, shedding light on both the strengths and compromises inherent in this portable version. One of the most notable achievements highlighted in Digital Foundry’s review is the improved visual fidelity made possible by the Switch 2’s modern hardware.

Compared to previous-generation consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 features enhanced texture quality and, in some scenarios, outclasses even the Xbox Series S thanks to increased RAM.

According to Digital Foundry, this allows for a richer, more detailed presentation on Nintendo’s handheld than was previously possible, making it a standout release in the platform’s early life cycle. Despite these advancements, the port is not without its limitations.

Cyberpunk 2077’s demanding CPU requirements push the Switch 2’s processor to its limits, most notably in densely populated areas within Night City.

While the base game typically maintains a stable 30 frames per second (fps), performance drops and occasional stuttering occur when action intensifies.

The “Phantom Liberty” expansion, which proved too demanding for last-generation consoles and was never released on those systems, sometimes dips below 30 fps on Switch 2.

However, CD Projekt Red’s technical expertise ensures that the game remains fundamentally stable and far removed from the troubled state seen during Cyberpunk 2077’s original console launch. Another technical nuance addressed by Digital Foundry pertains to frame rate options.

The Switch 2 offers both a traditional 30 fps Quality mode and a 40 fps Performance mode.

However, due to the lack of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support while docked, the 40 fps mode exhibits some frame judder and inconsistency when played on a television.

For a smoother experience, Quality mode is recommended for TV play, while Performance mode offers value in handheld use thanks to the Switch 2’s VRR LCD panel, which helps minimize screen tearing and provides a more consistent experience. Beyond visual and performance enhancements, Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 introduces several user-friendly features.

CD Projekt Red has implemented complete keyboard and mouse control support, essentially transforming the game into a near-PC experience on a handheld system.

The inclusion of full rebindable controls and seamless cross-save compatibility means players can continue their Night City adventures from any platform, picking up exactly where they left off. In summary, the arrival of Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2 not only underscores CD Projekt Red’s technical prowess but also signals the growing potential of Nintendo’s latest console as home to high-fidelity, content-rich third-party titles.

As the Switch 2 continues to break sales records and secure headline-making launches, its ability to handle ambitious projects like Cyberpunk 2077 cements its place as a powerful and versatile platform in the latest hardware generation.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch CD Projekt Red Cyberpunk 2077 Nintendo Switch 2 Digital Foundry Switch Red CD Projekt Phantom Liberty Nintendo eShop Nintendo Direct