Discover the Future: Digital Foundry’s In-Depth Cyberpunk 2077 Tech Review for Switch 2!

Digital Foundry recently reviewed Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Switch 2. They put the game through various tests to see how well it performs on Nintendo’s new console, especially focusing on the main story and the Phantom Liberty expansion.

One interesting point is that CD Projekt Red decided to skip older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One for this game, anticipating that only more powerful hardware could deliver a decent experience. The fact that the Switch 2 can handle it is impressive, but it does face challenges.

Cyberpunk 2077 offers four visual modes: two each for handheld and docked play. Here’s a quick look at the resolutions:

• Handheld Performance: 640×360 – 1280×720
• Handheld Quality: 800×450 – 1440×810
• Docked Performance: 960×540 – 1920×1080
• Docked Quality: 1280×720 – 1920×1080

While DLSS helps improve clarity, some fast action can cause blurriness. But surprisingly, the visual quality is quite similar whether you’re playing on the TV or handheld.

When it comes to texture quality, the Switch 2 matches the PS5. This means it surpasses Xbox Series X and PS4 in certain aspects. Many textures are uniform across platforms, but when differences arise, the Switch stands its ground. However, the density of pedestrians and vehicles is comparable to the PS4, which can make Night City feel a bit quieter on the Switch 2. This downgrade helps ensure smoother frame rates, but it still impresses with its capabilities.

Speaking of frame rates, the Switch 2 performs well in quality mode, hitting about 30fps. However, Phantom Liberty has more complex environments, which can drop the frame rates to as low as 20-25 during intense moments.

In the 40fps performance mode, experiences can vary. Indoor areas usually maintain around 40fps, while outdoor scenes can dip back to 30fps or lower during busy encounters. When playing handheld, the performance is reportedly similar to docked mode, benefiting from variable refresh rate technology, which can help make gameplay smoother. But when frame rates drop below 30fps, you will notice it more on the smaller screen.

Overall, the Switch 2’s capability to run Cyberpunk 2077 is a noteworthy achievement. It showcases how game technology can advance even in more compact systems, reflecting a broader trend in gaming where performance continues to improve alongside game development. A recent Statista report indicates a significant increase in gaming hardware sales, reflecting a growing demand for high-quality gaming experiences.

As more players engage with the Switch 2, it will be fascinating to see how they react to the performance of games like Cyberpunk 2077 in both docked and handheld modes. Social media platforms are abuzz with opinions, with many players expressing excitement over the technical achievements and discussing whether the gameplay experience justifies the differences compared to other consoles. What are your thoughts on Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2? How do you think it stacks up against its competitors?

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Videos, Nintendo Switch 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Digital Foundry