Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 offers my preferred gaming experience, and it's not solely due to the mouse controls.
In a surprising turn of events, the Nintendo Switch 2 has emerged as the go-to platform for playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the go, outperforming competitors like the Steam Deck and PlayStation 4 in many aspects.
**Performance**
The Switch 2 decisively outperforms the Steam Deck and PS4, thanks to its optimised GPU, faster memory (LPDDR5), and SSD storage. This results in smoother gameplay and better frame pacing, delivering a more enjoyable gaming experience. While it maintains a close lock on 30 FPS in docked mode, some frame drops occur during demanding scenes. Compared to PS4's older CPU/GPU and mechanical drive, Switch 2 is far superior in frame times and general performance, with PS4 often feeling erratic due to memory and streaming bottlenecks.
**Visual Quality**
The Switch 2 runs Cyberpunk at 1080p when docked and at 1080p or 720p in handheld mode, depending on whether Quality or Performance mode is selected. It features advanced Nvidia tech such as DLSS, which helps maintain higher image quality than the Steam Deck despite lower GPU clocks in handheld mode. However, visual fidelity is reduced compared to more powerful consoles like the PS5 Pro or high-end PCs, with fewer NPCs, reduced lighting and shading, and simpler distant traffic (sometimes represented as 2D images) to maintain performance. Some visual artifacts like ghosting, shimmer, and occlusion are present but less severe than on competing devices.
**Controls**
One of the standout features of the Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 is the unique mouse-like control option provided by the sideways Joy-Con. This feature offers greater precision in a first-person game like Cyberpunk 2077, praised as a significant improvement over traditional gamepad controls and preferred by players switching from PC.
**Comparative Analysis**
| Aspect | Switch 2 | Steam Deck | PS4 | |------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Performance | Best handheld; ~30 FPS docked; smooth but some frame drops | Lower frame rates; more visual artifacts | Poorer CPU/GPU; mechanical drive; erratic frame times | | Resolution | 1080p docked; 1080p/720p handheld | Lower resolution | Lower resolution and visual settings| | Visual Quality | DLSS-enabled; fewer NPCs; minor artifacts| More artifacts; lower visual fidelity| Reduced LOD, lighting, geometry | | Controls | Mouse-like Joy-Con control option | Standard gamepad | Standard gamepad |
Overall, **Nintendo Switch 2 delivers the best Cyberpunk 2077 experience on a handheld device**, balancing performance, image quality, and innovative control options, though it still trails behind the graphical fidelity and frame rates possible on high-end home consoles. However, for those seeking a portable gaming experience, the Switch 2's version of Cyberpunk 2077 offers an impressive and immersive experience.
[1] Source: TechRadar [2] Source: IGN [3] Source: Gamespot [4] Source: PC Gamer
- Gizmodo reports on the performance of Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2, stating that it outperforms competitors and offers the best handheld gaming experience, despite trailing behind high-end home consoles.
- In their reviews of various devices, both Future Technology and TechRadar highlight the promising future of portable gaming with the Nintendo Switch 2's superiority in performance and innovative control options compared to other handheld devices.
- As the go-to platform for playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the go, the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to garner praise for its technology and gadgets, with its latest iteration setting new standards in handheld gaming performance and visual quality.
