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I don’t envy CD Projekt Crimson. The duty of cramming a huge open-world role-playing sport (RPG) right into a extremely compressed package deal for a brand new transportable console in time for launch day should have been a frightening one.
Even so, the developer has managed one thing spectacular with Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which stands aside as simply probably the most formidable and completed Nintendo Swap 2 port but.
Assessment data
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Swap 2
Out there on: Nintendo Swap 2
Launch date: June 5, 2025
That is the definitive Cyberpunk 2077 package deal, full with its excellent Phantom Liberty growth and nearly 5 years of content material updates. I have to admit that I used to be lower than thrilled with the sport again at launch in 2020 because of its abysmal efficiency, bugs, and numerous lacking options, however at this time, having been totally polished up, it is surely one of many best RPGs round and affords tons of of hours of leisure.
Play your manner
For those who’ve by no means tried Cyberpunk 2077 earlier than, the Swap 2 model is a worthy place to begin. Set in a nightmarish imaginative and prescient of the not-too-distant future, you’re V – a totally customizable protagonist. The character creator right here is unbelievable, thanks in no small half to the sheer variety of post-launch additions like new hairstyles and make-up choices that it acquired, and equips you with the whole lot that you have to obtain your required look.
You can simply spend hours fastidiously tweaking its many, many sliders, or just go for one thing from the strong choice of presets to leap proper in. After nailing your look, you’re requested to pick a Life Path, successfully your character backstory.
Finest bit
In a world of Recreation-Key Card releases, you must give some credit score to CD Projekt Crimson. The bodily Nintendo Swap 2 model of Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version comes loaded on a 64GB cartridge, letting you play and not using a obtain proper out of the field.
There are three to select from: a wandering nomad, a high-flying company fixer, or a fundamental avenue thug. Every one dramatically alters the sport’s opening, which may boost subsequent playthroughs, however has a restricted affect exterior of that. You get a couple of new dialogue choices now and again, plus the odd distinctive quest or too, however you shouldn’t anticipate a radically totally different expertise.
Fortunately, the huge ability timber provide greater than sufficient selection to make repeat playthroughs worthwhile. They’re full of attention-grabbing talents and cater to a variety of playstyles. I’ve been an unstoppable axe-wielding big with the flexibility to take hits like a fridge, a nimble hacker selecting off opponents one by one fully undetected, and a flashy gunslinger touchdown lethal essential hits with my pistols.
The choice to outfit your character with a spread of Cyberware (futuristic physique enhancements) brings an excellent better degree of fine-tuning. From enhanced eyesight to super-powered jumps and electrical punches, you could be spoiled for selection, however you’re not going to battle to seek out one which fits your required strategy.
Again within the neon streets
The Night time Metropolis setting has at all times been a visible deal with, and it holds up surprisingly properly on Nintendo Swap 2. You’ve got two graphics presets to select from; the usual High quality and Efficiency modes, however, uniquely, the choice to decide on a special one for both handheld or docked play. Each goal a 1080p image when docked, with High quality aiming for 30fps and Efficiency going for 40fps.
Though you do profit from barely prettier lighting and reflections in High quality, I’d advocate Efficiency mode all the best way when docked, because the framerate just isn’t solely larger however much less vulnerable to small drops. The decision can take a noticeable hit now and again, particularly in busier firefights, however by no means sufficient to really spoil the expertise.
It’s an enormous enchancment in comparison with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 variations of Cyberpunk 2077 both manner, and doesn’t really feel too far off from the form of efficiency you’d anticipate on the Xbox Collection S – an excellent consequence for a transportable, slim machine.
Efficiency can also be my choice in handheld mode, the place it targets 720p at 40fps. The decision is a bit larger in High quality mode, however I don’t suppose it’s value dropping efficiency over. Visuals have been noticeably dialed down in handheld in comparison with docked, however truthfully it may be laborious to identify lots of the cutbacks on the far smaller 7.9inch Nintendo Swap 2 display screen in comparison with a 4K TV.
The sport actually holds up considerably higher than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, one other sprawling RPG from the identical studio, did again on the unique Nintendo Swap. That was undeniably a powerful port too, however the a lot lower-power {hardware} led to way more compromised visuals.
Sadly, it does disintegrate a bit while you get to the content material from the Phantom Liberty growth. The neon-lit district of Dogtown pushes the Nintendo Swap 2 to its absolute limits, particularly in the event you begin buying and selling hearth with its many armed goons. Once more, the efficiency by no means renders the sport unplayable – but it surely’s noticeably extra jagged.
Total, this handheld efficiency nonetheless places the Nintendo Swap 2 firmly forward of its largest competitor: the Steam Deck OLED. Shifting from my Steam Deck to Nintendo Swap 2, the distinction was evening a day. Taking part in on Nintendo Swap 2 felt smoother and the visuals have been way more constant all through.
The upper decision 1080p display screen of the Nintendo Swap 2 additionally results in a considerably extra crisp image, although the Steam Deck OLED’s OLED panel does provide brighter colours on the entire.
Hack and slash
Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version additionally takes full benefit of a wealth of Nintendo Swap 2 {hardware} options. There’s assist for movement controls with the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers, permitting you to slash enemies with melee weapons by swinging your arms or intention weapons extra exactly with the in-built gyroscope. Mouse controls are additionally current, which is a blessing in the event you prefer to run round with a sniper rifle.
The good development sharing system even permits you to seamlessly proceed your saves from PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. This can be a sport changer for a title of this measurement, and a unbelievable cause to purchase on Nintendo Swap 2. Nothing fairly beats the sensation of taking part in for a couple of hours on PC earlier than heading out for a flight secure within the data you could decide up precisely the place you left off on the transfer.
This all leads to a Nintendo Swap 2 launch sport that’s simple to advocate. It’s an actual showcase of the system’s technical chops, makes use of its unique options properly, and, on high of all that, hosts a wealthy RPG expertise with a lot to do and plenty of causes to replay.
Ought to I play Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version?
Play it if…
Don’t play it if…
Accessibility options
Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version includes a devoted accessibility menu with loads of choices. This consists of interface customization, comparable to the flexibility to allow totally different colorblind modes (protanopia, tritanopia, and deuteranopia), improve the scale of HUD parts, or take away visible results.
Subtitles are featured all through the sport, with choices to alter the scale and look of them. There are additionally loads of problem choices, plus intention help options for individuals who discover the fight a problem.
How I reviewed Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version
I performed Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version for greater than 15 hours on Nintendo Swap 2. Throughout this time I endeavoured to finish as a lot content material as attainable and in contrast my expertise to my testing of the PlayStation 5 and PC variations of the sport.
I examined each docked and handheld mode, taking the Nintendo Swap 2 out and about on quite a lot of journeys. Whereas on planes or trains, I relied on my trusty pair of Remaining VR500 earbuds for audio. When taking part in in docked mode, I used both the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers or the Nintendo Swap 2 Professional Controller.
First reviewed August 2025