Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 Proves that I Don’t Need a Steam Deck Anymore

As I sat down to play Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on my brand-new Nintendo Switch 2, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The game's massive open-world RPG experience had been marred by poor performance and numerous bugs in its initial release, but CD Projekt Red has since pulled off an incredible feat: turning this behemoth into a technically impressive and visually stunning portable console experience.

Available on the Nintendo Switch 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition boasts solid performance and fantastic visuals that showcase what the system can do. The addition of Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive features, such as motion controls with the Joy-Con 2 controllers and a smart progression sharing system, makes this one of the best ways to play it on-the-go.

I must admit, I was less than thrilled with the game back at launch in 2020 due to its abysmal performance, bugs, and numerous missing features. However, today, having been thoroughly polished up, it's without a doubt one of the best RPGs around and offers hundreds of hours of entertainment.

Set in a nightmarish vision of the not-too-distant future, you play as V – a fully customizable protagonist with an incredible character creator that allows you to tweak your appearance for hours on end. The sheer number of post-launch additions like new hairstyles and makeup options have taken this feature to the next level.

After nailing your appearance, you're asked to select a Life Path, effectively your character backstory. This affects how the game's opening unfolds, with each choice dramatically altering subsequent playthroughs. While it may have limited impact outside of that, the massive skill trees offer more than enough variety to make repeat playthroughs worthwhile.

The Night City setting has always been a visual treat, and it holds up surprisingly well on Nintendo Switch 2. With two graphics presets to choose from – Quality and Performance modes – you can tailor your experience to suit your preferences. The unique ability to switch between these settings for handheld or docked play is a clever touch.

The performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 is where it really shines. In docked mode, Performance mode targets 40fps, while Quality mode goes for 30fps with slightly prettier lighting and reflections. While the resolution can take a noticeable hit in busier firefights, the framerate remains smooth and consistent.

Handheld performance, on the other hand, targets 720p at 40fps, making it my preferred choice when playing on-the-go. Visuals may be dialed down compared to docked mode, but they're still remarkably crisp on the Nintendo Switch 2's 7.9-inch screen.

One of the standout features of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is its use of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware features. Motion controls with the Joy-Con 2 controllers and mouse controls are seamlessly integrated, making it easy to switch between combat and exploration. The smart progression sharing system lets you seamlessly continue your saves from PC, PlayStation, or Xbox – a game-changer for a title of this size.

Overall, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a launch title on the Nintendo Switch 2. It's a real showcase of the system's technical chops, utilizes its exclusive features well, and hosts a rich RPG experience with plenty to do and lots of reasons to replay.

So, should you play Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition? If you've never tried Cyberpunk before, this is the perfect starting point. You get all of the content right out of the box, including the Phantom Liberty expansion, as well as numerous past content updates and fixes. The progression sharing system also makes it easy to continue playing while on-the-go.

On the other hand, if you already adore the game and want to play it on the move, this is a great way to do so. And if you're looking for a meaty launch title that offers hundreds of hours of entertainment, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is the perfect choice.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the nightmarish world of Night City and experience one of the best RPGs around on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Key Features:

  • Solid performance and fantastic visuals
  • Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive features, such as motion controls and a smart progression sharing system
  • Massive open-world RPG experience with hundreds of hours of entertainment
  • Fully customizable protagonist with an incredible character creator
  • Massive skill trees offering more than enough variety for repeat playthroughs
  • Visually stunning Night City setting that holds up surprisingly well on Nintendo Switch 2

Awards and Ratings:

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is a must-play experience for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner. Its technical performance, visuals, and RPG experience make it one of the best games available on this console.