The Nintendo Switch 2’s repertoire of games at launch is impressive, with graphics and processing-intensive titles likeCyberpunk 2077. With the optimization issues that this game had during its release year, it’s pleasantly surprising to see it running on a small, handheld device like the Switch 2. While it’s quite a feat to get this AAA title optimized for the new Switch 2, Nintendo and CD PROJEKT RED shouldn’t stop there. Releasing the sequel toCyberpunk 2077on the Switch 2 could be a beneficial move for both companies, and of course, the fans.
Cyberpunk 2077was originally released in December 2020 to mixed reviews. While fans and critics praised the game’s story, many who purchased the game encountered janky and bug-filled playthroughs. However,Cyberpunk2077won fans back with thePhantom Libertyupdateand consistent bug fixes. Now, the game is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, taking full advantage of the Joy-Con’s motion controls for combat and navigation. TheCyberpunkteam also has its sights on a sequel, codenamedProject Orion. If it could fulfill a promise that the first game didn’t, it could be one of the best games to port to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Project Orion Could be an Excellent Game to Show Off the Switch 2’s Capabilities
Project Orion Could Make the Most of the Switch 2’s Voice Chat Feature
Some fans may have been disappointed that the plannedmultiplayer mode forCyberpunk 2077was canceled. As such, players are pushing for this feature in the sequel. A multiplayer mode inProject Orionwould be a great way to show off the Switch 2’s GameChat, which is the console’s official voice chatting feature. It also lets players stream their game to their friends in the lobby and add a video feed using a Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory. It essentially works like a built-in Discord or TeamSpeak.
WhetherProject Orion’s possible multiplayer mode will be PvP, PvE, or a mix of both,Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChatcan enrich the experience by letting players have the option to conveniently interact and socialize with their friends. Players can use it to coordinate strategies to clutch a win, get advice from more experienced players, and, most importantly, engage in friendly banter. Plus, if the game works well in handheld mode, players could forego GameChat altogether and revive the good ol’ LAN party.
Project Orion for the Switch 2 Could be CD PROJEKT RED’s Most Ambitious Optimization Project Yet
Even if the current Nintendo Switch has some impressive specs for its form factor, it still pales in comparison to the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and even mid-range PC builds.Switch ports for demanding games likeThe Witcher 3had to cut corners in terms of graphics just to get them to run at a reasonable frame rate on the Switch. If Nintendo and CD PROJEKT RED can properly optimize not justCyberpunk 2077but its next-generation sequel on the Switch 2, it’s a big win for both companies.
The Switch 2 already has a one-up over other popular consoles because of its versatility, allowing the player to use it handheld or docked. It’ll gain even more clout if it can start to get competitive with the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X/S in terms of performance in demanding games. CD PROJEKT RED also has something to gain from creating a well-optimized Switch 2 version ofProject Orion, especially at launch, as it can help the company win back the trust of even more players years after the troubled release of the first game.Project Orionis in its early development stagesat CD PROJEKT RED’s North America arm, whileCyberpunk 2077and its DLC,Phantom Liberty,will be available as a game card or digital download for Nintendo Switch 2 at the time of the console’s launch.
