Review Update: Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2

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Okay, so here’s the thing. The Switch 2, right? Everyone’s buzzing about how much better the hardware is. Honestly, though, I was kind of floored to see Cyberpunk 2077 running on it at all. Like, seriously, I didn’t expect it. This is a Nintendo system we’re talking about! And, okay, maybe it’s not like perfect-perfect, but it’s pretty darn close. So I spent a few days, you know, really getting into it to see how it performs, especially with the whole new-fangled mouse controls. Let me just say, across the board? Yeah, it’s impressive. And if you haven’t roamed around Night City yet, this is a legit way to dive in.

Okay, before I get too ahead of myself, remember my review from the PC release back in 2020?

Throwback to Cyberpunk 2077 on PC

Man, Cyberpunk 2077 just throws you into this insane cityscape, right? So many choices in how you design your character, tackle quests, and deal with baddies. It’s wild how your actions really shape the world and the narrative. The stories? They hit you with everything. Emotional. Funny. Dark. Thrilling. Sometimes all at once, honestly. Main quest? Kinda short when you look at it alone, and navigating to those story-altering decisions can be, well, confusing. But those side quests, oh boy, they hit hard and change everything. But yeah, bugs can be a total mood-killer sometimes, which sucks. Still, the game’s flexibility is off the charts. It’s something special. – Tom Marks, December 7, 2020

Score: 9

So, go read my full PC review if you feel like it.

Anyway, that was the PC version. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions were… yikes. Hot messes. We had to drop the score big time when those dropped. (Oh, also, there was that DLC Phantom Liberty in 2023, which is packed in the Switch 2 version.) Thank the stars, the Switch 2 port isn’t anywhere near as chaotic. Honestly, it’s kind of great.

Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2 Looks Solid

Just a peek and you see it: Cyberpunk 2077 looks really good on this new Nintendo console. The neon lights, the grungy streets of Night City, all there. Sure, not as razor-sharp as the PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X, but hey, it works. It’s definitely not some “barely working” port like The Witcher 3 had on the original Switch.

Framerate? Decent, Not Mind-Blowing

So here’s the techy stuff – yada yada yada – if you’re docked, it’s 1080p, handheld it’s either 1080p or 720p, depending on if you want quality or performance, maxed out at 40fps. Here’s where I admit something: I’m not a total frame-rate fanatic. Less than 60fps? Doesn’t bug me. So on docked, Cyberpunk 2077 felt alright, even if it stuttered a bit. It wasn’t buttery like Switch 2’s editions of Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild, but nothing too jarring. If you demand 60fps, you might want to skip. But if you’ve played on the old Switch? You’re golden.

Mouse Controls Rocks, Kinda

Here’s a kicker: Switch 2’s sideways Joy-Con mouse control. Love it. Easy transition from PC, and yeah, I’m getting more headshots. It’s not quite a snazzy gaming mouse, but I’ll take it.

But Long Sessions? Not So Much

Problem is, using it for ages? My hand felt like it had cramped up like I was gripping a brick. I even tried a 3D-printed shell (fancy, right?) but still, no bueno. Maybe it’s my thumb placement? I don’t know. I’ll tell you this, though: without a better grip, I’m stumped on how often I’ll be using it.

Motion Assist? Meh

And by the way, those motion assist options? Kinda gimmicky. Aiming with the right stick is fine, but flailing the Joy-Con for melee? I was back in 2006. Not cool. Camera goes insane. Mouse it is for me.

Still an Epic RPG

Revisiting Night City was, well, a reminder of how epic this game is, bugs and all. The vibe, the danger – feels immersive. The way conversations turn into cinematic scenes without pulling you out is genius. If Cyberpunk 2077 is still on your to-play list, definitely consider the Switch 2 version.

I’m wrapping up my final Switch 2 review soon, but until then, check out our takes on Mario Kart World and that Welcome Tour. Curious about other ports? We’ve got those too: like Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, and Hogwarts Legacy.