Split Fiction Review: Hazelight's Ambitious Co-Op Adventure Shines on Nintendo Switch 2

Split Fiction Review: Hazelight's Ambitious Co-Op Adventure Shines on Nintendo Switch 2 Hazelight Studios, renowned for their innovative co-op experiences A Way Out and It Takes Two, returns with Split Fiction—an exciting narrative-driven action-adventure designed exclusively for co-op play.

Released on June 5, 2025, as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Split Fiction is published by Electronic Arts and continues Hazelight’s tradition of engaging, uniquely integrated multiplayer storytelling.

Background and Game Overview Hazelight Studios has carved out a niche in the gaming industry, delivering critically acclaimed cooperative adventures that require two players to succeed.

Split Fiction further elevates this formula with a dynamic mix of platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving, all wrapped into the studio’s signature narrative style.

True to Hazelight’s consumer-friendly philosophy, Split Fiction supports couch co-op, local wireless, and online multiplayer—requiring only one copy of the game for two players to join together. Gameplay and Co-Op Mechanics Split Fiction stands apart as a co-op-only experience, meaning solo play is not an option.

Both players need a full set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Pro Controller, or a compatible Nintendo Switch 1 controller.

While the much-anticipated GameShare feature on Nintendo Switch 2 allows owners to host sessions for nearby friends, optimal performance was confirmed only when both consoles were Switch 2s. The story puts players in the roles of Zoe and Mio, two writers unexpectedly thrust into a high-tech trap by the shady Rader company.

After being deceived into participating in an experiment within "The Machine," Zoe and Mio must navigate fantastical and sci-fi worlds brought to life from their own imaginations.

Gameplay is continuously refreshed through unique mechanics and challenges, with each character adopting new skills and forms as they transition between one another’s story universes.

For instance, players might transform into creatures with special abilities or collaborate to solve rapidly shifting puzzles as they race to escape Rader’s clutches. Hazelight Studios’ approach ensures that Split Fiction never feels repetitive.

The developers expertly blend core mechanics with inventive scenarios, delivering a flow of surprise encounters, challenging side stories, and show-stopping boss battles.

These set pieces act as “final exams,” thoroughly testing players’ mastery of newly acquired abilities with multi-phase confrontations that are both memorable and demanding. Performance and Technical Details On Nintendo Switch 2, Split Fiction impresses with sharp visuals, detailed environments, and stable performance, though it caps at 1080p and 30 frames per second.

Minor dips in framerate were observed but did not detract from the overall experience.

One consideration for players is the hefty 70GB install size—approximately one-third of the Switch 2’s onboard storage.

Playing in tabletop mode is possible for local co-op, but the game is best enjoyed on a TV due to occasional distant camera angles. Accessibility and Difficulty Split Fiction is notably more challenging than Hazelight’s previous titles.

Boss battles in particular require quick reflexes and tight communication, which may pose difficulties for less experienced partners.

Thankfully, an accessibility option reduces incoming damage, making the game more approachable, and well-placed checkpoints minimize potential frustration from failure. Verdict Split Fiction is a tour de force in co-op design on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Hazelight Studios delivers another highly-polished, inventive, and entertaining adventure that keeps gameplay fresh from start to finish.

While the narrative treads familiar ground with its archetypal setup, the evolving character dynamics between Zoe and Mio and the non-stop creative gameplay scenarios keep both seasoned gamers and casual players engaged.

Thanks to robust accessibility options, inventive mechanics, and a focus on shared experience, Split Fiction establishes itself as one of the essential launch titles on Nintendo Switch 2 for fans of cooperative play. Split Fiction is available now for Nintendo Switch 2.

Review copy provided by Electronic Arts.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Split Fiction Hazelight Hazelight Studios Switch 2 Switch Adventure Electronic Arts A Way Out It Takes Two GameShare Zoe Mio Rader