Cyberpunk 2077 is making waves again, this time on the new Nintendo Switch 2. It’s a game that has stirred up a lot of excitement, and its arrival on a portable console adds a fascinating twist. While you can enjoy it on older consoles, the graphic demands really test even the most powerful gaming rigs. The Switch 2 version has been in development for a while, but only in recent weeks have we gotten a clear look at it. Early hands-on experiences show promise but also highlight some challenges.
Reports from various events around the world have painted a mixed picture. Some players are impressed, while others raise concerns. This split is likely due to the unfinished state of the game. The current version, which is about seven weeks old, shows both stunning moments and some significant performance hitches. It’s noteworthy that some spots run beautifully, yet others can falter, indicating that there’s still considerable optimization needed. For many, it may feel like Cyberpunk 2077 is just too ambitious for the Switch 2 right now.
When I tried the game, I experienced it in both handheld and docked modes. There are two main settings: one prioritizing quality aiming for 1080p at 30 frames per second, and another focused on performance targeting 1080p at 40 fps. However, it’s essential to note that true native resolution isn’t the experience here—this version uses dynamic resolution scaling. Early tests suggest that while docked play may achieve around 720p, handheld gaming peaks at around 540p.
Interestingly, the game does support HDR10, which shines during nighttime scenes filled with neon lights. This visual enhancement was not highlighted in the Nintendo Direct, yet it adds a lot of vibrancy to the game world. But how does it perform in terms of gameplay? When traversing the open world of Night City and Dogtown, frame drops and stutters can disrupt the experience, especially during intense combat scenarios. Such issues were also prevalent in past console releases, highlighting how demanding this game really is.
A significant concern remains about whether the version on Switch 2 is using Nvidia’s DLSS technology, which enhances performance. A representative from CD Projekt RED was unable to confirm this at the showcase, leaving fans curious about potential enhancements and optimizations. For context, in demos of other games running on less powerful hardware, players reported similar issues, often tied back to the graphical load on the system’s CPU. This situation raises questions about how much performance can be stretched on the Switch 2 without slipping into frustrating gameplay.
To give some perspective, experts suggest that comparing the Switch 2’s capabilities to those of the PS4 provides a clearer understanding of its performance limits. While CD Projekt RED faced challenges optimizing for last-gen consoles, bringing a detailed expansion like Phantom Liberty to a mobile platform adds another layer of complexity.
Community reactions on social media reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism. Fans are anxious to see how the performance will evolve before the game’s official launch alongside the Switch 2. For many, it brings back memories of past “impossible” ports, like The Witcher 3, which had its own struggles when moving to the Switch.
Ultimately, Cyberpunk 2077 is still regarded as a benchmark for what gaming can achieve, and this new adaptation on Switch 2 could be a remarkable feat, depending on how the developers handle optimization in the coming weeks. It’s a major undertaking, and while the road ahead is challenging, the anticipation for its final version grows with each passing day.
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