Introduction to Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2

Digital Foundry has released an extensive tech review of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Switch 2. This review specifically examines the performance of both the main story and the Phantom Liberty expansion on Nintendo’s latest console.

Remarkable Hardware Performance

One of the standout features noted by Digital Foundry is the inclusion of Phantom Liberty, particularly since developer CD Projekt Red opted to bypass older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One. The ability of the Switch 2 to handle this content shows commendable performance, despite some struggles with the hardware.

Visual Modes and Resolutions

Cyberpunk 2077 offers four distinct visual modes, including options for both handheld and docked play:

• Handheld Performance: 640×360 – 1280×720
• Handheld Quality: 800×450 – 1440×810
• Docked Performance: 960×540 – 1920×1080
• Docked Quality: 1280×720 – 1920×1080

While DLSS enhances the experience, players may notice visual artifacts during intense action, like blurriness and temporal noise.

Texture Quality and Game Environment

Compared to other consoles, the Switch 2 achieves texture quality similar to that of the PS5, surpassing the Xbox Series X and PS4. Many textures are consistent across platforms, making the Switch 2 one of the more competitive consoles in this area. However, pedestrian and vehicle density on the Switch 2 is closer to that of the PS4, leading to a slightly less populated Night City.

Frame Rate Performance

Frame rate stability is impressive, with the Switch 2 maintaining a 30fps target in quality mode for the main campaign. However, the Phantom Liberty expansion can see frame rates dipping to between 20-25 due to its more complex environments. In the 40fps performance mode, indoor experiences generally hover around 40fps, while outdoor environments during chaotic scenes may drop to 30fps or lower.

Handheld vs. Docked Experience

Playing in handheld mode also offers a comparable frame rate experience to docked play, though this aspect hasn’t been fully tested by Digital Foundry. Thanks to VRR, handheld gameplay is expected to deliver a smoother experience. However, performance drops below 30fps are more noticeable during intense gaming scenarios.