
Cyberpunk 2077 Shines on Nintendo Switch 2: A Review Update
2025-06-13
Author: Michael
Cyberpunk 2077 Surprises on New Hardware
The Nintendo Switch 2 is boasting significantly improved hardware compared to its predecessor, and one of the most unexpected stars on this platform is Cyberpunk 2077. I immersed myself in CD Projekt Red’s latest port to see how it performs, how it looks, and how the new mouse controls feel in this fast-paced FPS. The results? Truly impressive. For newcomers ready to explore Night City, this is a solid choice.
A Brief Throwback to 2020's Launch Debacle
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to 2020, when Cyberpunk 2077 first launched. Back then, the game was infamous for its disastrous performance on consoles like Xbox One and PlayStation 4, requiring us to revisit it with a much lower score. Fortunately, the Switch 2's version is a far cry from that catastrophe and is, in fact, quite exceptional.
Visuals That Stand Out on Switch 2
A glance at Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Switch 2 reveals that the graphics hold up impressively well. The neon-lit streets of Night City burst with life, even if they lack the pristine quality found on PC or next-gen consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X. While it may not be the "definitive" way to experience this game, it certainly delivers a practical and visually appealing option.
Framerate: Good, Not Groundbreaking
Technical specs show Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 1080p when docked and either 1080p or 720p in handheld mode, depending on your performance settings, maxing out at a respectable 40fps. As a casual gamer rather than a performance purist, I found the docked mode generally enjoyable, albeit not as smooth as other Switch 2 offerings like Tears of the Kingdom. Players accustomed to the original Switch should find this experience satisfactory, but those who can't tolerate framerate dips may want to reconsider.
Mouse Controls: A Surprising Bonus
One of the most notable features of the Switch 2 is the ability to use mouse-like controls with a sideways Joy-Con. This adds a layer of precision to aiming in fast-paced scenarios, and I found it easy to transition from traditional gaming to this setup, scoring more headshots than usual. Although it's not quite the same as using a high-DPI gaming mouse, it greatly enhanced my experience.
The Drawback of Lengthy Sessions
However, the compact design of the Joy-Con poses a challenge for long gaming sessions. My hand started cramping after extended play, and even with a 3D-printed shell for comfort, it was hard to maintain a good grip while juggling various buttons and controls. While the mouse option is impressive, I worry that this discomfort may limit my future use.
Motion Controls: A Missed Opportunity
As for motion controls, they pale in comparison to mouse controls. While you can fine-tune your aim using the right stick, the additional motion features—like swinging to use melee weapons—felt clunky and reminiscent of early Wii games. I'd happily choose mouse control over these options any day.
A Must-Play RPG Experience
Revisiting Night City reminds me why Cyberpunk 2077 remains a stellar RPG, especially after numerous post-launch improvements. The game's atmosphere is rich and immersive, making players feel truly integrated into its world. Its quest designs are second to none, presenting conversations in a cinematic style that keeps you engaged. For anyone yet to experience this title, the Switch 2 version is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed.