Introduction: A Game-Changing Adventure Awaits

Cyberpunk 2077 isn't just any game; it stands as a monumental achievement in the gaming world, challenging even the most powerful PCs. Now, the question on everyone's lips is: Can the new Nintendo Switch 2 handle this colossal title?

The Anticipation of Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2

Fans have eagerly awaited news about Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2 since its mention in Nintendo's Direct event. Recently, we got a sneak peek, and although it’s still early in development, the hands-on experience was nothing short of fascinating.

Let's clarify one thing: the version showcased has been in development for longer than the seven weeks suggested during the event. However, our preview reflects the game's state from two months ago, with its release on the horizon, coinciding with that of the Switch 2.

Diverse Feedback from Other Events

Reports from other events in New York and Paris painted varying pictures of the game’s performance. Some praised its capabilities, while others were not as kind. This mixed feedback seems to hinge on the early build we experienced, where high moments were accompanied by clear optimization issues.

Performance Modes: The Balancing Act

During our testing, we explored both mobile and docked configurations, with varying performance modes. The quality mode aims for 1080p at 30fps while docked, and the performance mode pushes for 40fps, though at 720p on mobile. Both modes feature dynamic resolution scaling, hinting at a minimum of 540p in handheld mode.

The Visuals that Dazzle and Disappoint

Despite the resolution challenges, HDR10 support adds impressive highlights to encounters in Night City. The neon glow of the city dazzles, especially on the Switch 2's mobile screen.

The Struggles of the Switch 2: Frame Rate Issues

Our findings indicated that while the Switch 2 matches PS4 performance in some aspects, it still struggles with the demanding nature of Cyberpunk 2077. Open-world traversal and combat scenes faced notable hitches, dragging down the overall experience. This performance hit was evident in both handheld and docked modes.

Indoors vs. Outdoors: A Tale of Two Experiences

Interestingly, scenes set indoors fared better, suggesting that optimization is still a work in progress. The game’s demand for smooth performance is shedding light on CPU challenges amid its rich graphical content.

The Big Question: Will it Use DLSS?

The burning question remains—will Cyberpunk 2077 utilize Nvidia's DLSS technology on the Switch 2? The lack of confirmation from CD Projekt RED leaves us speculating. Our comparisons with similar hardware suggest that if it does, careful optimization will be necessary to balance performance and visual fidelity.

Final Thoughts: A Long Road Ahead

While Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 is not yet ready for prime time, it stands as a compelling benchmark for gauging the console's capabilities. Despite the performance issues, the stunning visuals hint at an exciting future. As CD Projekt RED races against the clock to finalize the port, we’re eager to see how much they can optimize within the limited timeframe.

The potential for a mind-blowing experience is there—now we just need to see if they can pull it off!