The video provides a hands-on preview of Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting that the demo code is a work in progress and showing mixed performance, particularly in demanding gameplay scenarios. While the visuals are considered satisfactory for the console, significant frame rate drops and performance issues are noted, leading to cautious optimism for future optimization before the game’s release.
The video discusses a hands-on experience with Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2, recorded during a press event in London. The presenters clarify that the demo code they interacted with is seven weeks old, not a product of a rushed port, and it represents work in progress ahead of the game’s launch alongside the Switch 2. They emphasize that the footage shown in the Nintendo Direct includes a mix of handheld and docked gameplay, with mixed impressions from various media outlets regarding the game’s performance and visuals.
The presenters begin by analyzing the docked experience, noting that the game runs in the demanding Dogtown area from the Phantom Liberty expansion. They compare the visuals to those seen on last-generation consoles, mentioning features such as screen space reflections and acceptable shadow quality. While the graphics are deemed satisfactory for a Nintendo console, performance issues arise during intense gameplay, particularly in high-speed scenarios and large firefights, where frame rates can drop significantly below 30 FPS.
In addition to visual quality, the video highlights the HDR capabilities of the Switch 2, which the presenters found impressive but difficult to discern in terms of performance differences between HDR and non-HDR modes. They suggest that the developers should focus on optimizing a stable 30 FPS quality mode rather than attempting to achieve a performance mode that targets higher frame rates. The presenters express concern over the game’s performance, indicating that both CPU and GPU limitations are evident, particularly during high-stress situations.
The handheld experience is also discussed, with the presenters noting that the original Cyberpunk content runs relatively well, while the Phantom Liberty content exhibits similar performance issues to those seen on last-generation consoles. The aesthetics of the game, particularly the neon lights, pop on the Switch 2’s screen, although it is not an OLED display. They express cautious optimism about the potential for improvement before the game’s launch, given that the code is still in development.
Overall, the presenters conclude that while the visuals are promising and align with last-generation standards, the performance currently falls short of expectations. They acknowledge the challenges of porting a graphically demanding game like Cyberpunk 2077 to a hardware-constrained device like the Switch 2. However, they remain hopeful that with further optimization and development time, a playable and enjoyable experience can be achieved by the game’s release.