Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Review … born to hack!
Summary: Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition Nintendo Switch 2 is the perfect port for this hybrid console!
4.5
Born to hack!
CD Projekt Red have created some of the best open-world games to date that included the amazing Witcher 3 universe to their latest sci-fi epic, Cyberpunk. The attention to detail in these worlds is nothing short of stunning and on the latest next-gen consoles and PC gaming rigs, the visuals are nothing short of gaming eye candy. And if you remember the Witcher 3 port on the original Nintendo Switch, it was a disappointment.
Editor: Our PC and PS5 reviews of Cyberpunk 2077 can be found at Cyberpunk 2077 Review – Night City or Nothin! – Impulse Gamer and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Review (PS5) – Impulse Gamer if you want to go into the story and gameplay.
So how does Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition play on the new Nintendo Switch 2 console? Cutting straight to the chase – it plays amazingly well and being able to play in this universe in both handheld and TV mode is nothing short of impressive. I did have doubts like other people but wow, CD Projekt Red have knocked this port out of the park as the game boasts next-gen visuals and more importantly, a smooth framerate that lends itself very well to the gameplay.
Given the amount of power this game is drawing from the Nintendo Switch and if you’re playing in handheld mode, the battery of the console will last just over 2-hours which still makes it great for short flights such as Melbourne to Sydney. The Switch 2 version also comes with the Phantom Liberty DLC, including cross-save functionality.
A PS5 Pro or a high-end PC is undeniably still the king of Cyberpunk 2077 but man, the Nintendo Switch 2 is very close. So yes, there are some graphical downgrades here and there but overall, the world of Cyberpunk 2077 is a rich and detailed world that also showcases the power of this new console.
The lighting effects really pop and this futuristic cyber-dystopian city that channels its inner Blade Runner is perfectly recreated, including realistic weather effects. You can also tweak the graphics with a “performance” and “fidelity” mode – Performance lets you run the game at 40 frames per second (FPS) at 1080p and 720p in handheld mode, with fidelity running at 1080p in both docked and handheld modes. With the VRR and DLSS technology, it really helps boost the visuals and keep the gameplay running smoothly. Some sections suffered a few dips in FPS during key moments but personally for me, it didn’t impede on the gameplay.
Character models look fantastic and all move with a human-like grace that really helps with the overall immersion factor. Seeing the Cyberpunk characters of Johnny Silverhand (Keanu Reeves), Judy Alvarez and Jackie Welles for the first time on the Switch 2 really highlighted the subtleties of these virtual people and how much work has gone into their creation. They look great! Because you take most of this for granted on next-gen consoles or PC’s, it makes you appreciate it even more on this console and even though I have played this on the PS5 before, it felt fresh again and that first gun fight was a little nerve wracking as I was scrambling around Night City.
CD Projekt Red have also implemented one of the new features of this console into the game and although the title is perfectly playable in handheld mode, if you connect it to your TV, you can use the Joy-Cons as either mouse or motion controls thanks to gyro. It’s a fun experience and is the perfect way to show off the Switch 2 to your friends and family. However, I do prefer to play the game with the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller on the TV but my go to was playing Cyberpunk 2077 in handheld mode. Additionally, you can also use the touch screen to help with in-game navigation as well.
Final Thoughts?
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is a true achievement for Nintendo’s new Switch 2 that will pave the path for more next-gen AAA titles on this console. The game not only looks great but plays exceptionally well and being able to play Cyberpunk 2077 on the go is worth the admission price of Night City!
Brilliant!
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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