Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2: a cutting-edge game translates well to Nintendo's console hybrid

Cyberpunk 2077 showcases impressive engineering on Switch 2, offering portable and docked play with unique DLSS upscaling.

: Cyberpunk 2077 arrives on the Switch 2, boasting a portable gaming experience aided by Nvidia's DLSS for enhanced image quality. The game's main adventure runs smoothly at a targeted 30fps in quality mode or 40fps in performance mode. However, the Phantom Liberty expansion reveals some technical limits, causing frame-rate struggles in the demanding Dog Town region. Overall, the Switch 2 ports showcase CD Projekt Red's ambition and engineering, with distinct optimizations capitalizing on the new console's capabilities.

Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2 establishes a notable milestone in adapting high-demand, visually intense games for Nintendo's hybrid console. The release marks an impressive venture by developer CD Projekt Red, who have undertaken the challenge of porting the visually complex game into a format playable on less powerful hardware. By optimizing for the ARM-based architecture of the Switch 2, they maintain the core integrity of the game while introducing unique adaptations like Nvidia's DLSS for image upscaling, which is an exclusive feature for the Switch 2 platform among consoles.

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The Switch 2 offers robust gaming configurations, distinguishing itself with four main modes: 30fps quality mode and 40fps performance mode, applicable in both docked and portable forms. What sets the Switch 2 apart is its innovative use of DLSS compared to FSR on rival consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series. The result is a sharper, clearer image, maintained across various levels of action, though significant activity may still push resolution and image quality to their limits due to the GPU's power restrictions.

In terms of hardware capabilities, the Switch 2 leverages 9GB of usable RAM, allowing it to surpass the texture details offered by the Xbox Series S and PS4. This enhanced memory capacity enables sharper texture mapping, evident in the detail differentiation on characters and environments. However, the expansion "Phantom Liberty," exclusive to newer consoles, presents challenges for the Switch 2 as it drops frame rates below 30fps in the highly detailed Dog Town region.

The differences in gaming experience between the Switch 2 and its predecessors like the PS4 are stark. Switch 2's capabilities in terms of internal storage access, when paired with expandable storage options, minimize load times and reduce visible pop-ins significantly. This results in a more seamless gaming experience with fewer disruptions when compared to the slower HDD of the PS4.

Despite some limitations, such as lower NPC and vehicle density comparable to last-gen consoles, and distinct challenges in maintaining shadows' fidelity in outdoor settings, the Switch 2 remains competitive. These concessions seem to balance overall system performance, keeping frame rates stable in most scenarios. Additional unique features, like Joy-Con mouse controls and support for USB peripherals, further enhance gameplay on the Switch 2, showcasing CD Projekt Red's thoughtful deployment of the console's complete capabilities.

Sources: Digital Foundry, CD Projekt Red

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