Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition review (Nintendo Switch 2)

We all know how the launch of CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 went. I absolutely loved my time with the PC version which I played for review, but at the time, the console versions were abysmal. Since then, CD Projekt Red has released native versions on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and has worked hard on further improving the title on those formats as well as PC, delivering meaningful upgrades as well as a fantastic expansion in the form of Phantom Liberty. All of these feature in Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which inexplicably is a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title.

Putting players in control of a mercenary named V, Cyberpunk 2077 invites them to Night City, a place where opportunity awaits for those brave (or perhaps stupid) enough to throw caution to the wind. For V in particular, their penchant for throwing themselves into risky mercenary work in order to achieve fame and fortune soon puts them in an unfortunate predicament. After a job goes wrong, they have no choice but to insert a mysterious biochip into their body. The result? A death sentence, along with being haunted by a rock star/terrorist by the name of Johnny Silverhand, brilliantly played by the legendary Keanu Reeves.

A story-driven open-world adventure, Cyberpunk 2077 does a great job of making you feel like your choices and actions matter. And they do, in fact. There are many ways certain events and scenarios can play out, leading to plenty of replayability. Who do you trust? Who do you want to find romance with? And perhaps most importantly, how might you be able to get out of your unusual and rather unfortunate predicament? You’ll have to consider your options as you play, as well as develop your own playstyle. It leads to an experience that’s both gripping and rewarding.

Being set in a cyberpunk world, body modification is big here, and it’s one of the things that’s been improved in Cyberpunk 2077 since launch. And so, as well as choosing where your hard-earned stat and skill points should be distributed to facilitate your chosen playstyle, whether it’s to rush in and strike at your enemies with melee weapons or take a more measured and stealthy approach, perhaps hacking electronic devices along the way to give you the other hand, you’ve also got to consider the hardware implanted into you. Faster reflexes, superhuman strength and a whole lot more is at your fingertips… providing you have the cash to afford it.

As already mentioned, in addition to the main campaign, which is likely to take most players around 30 hours to complete, this Ultimate Edition of Cyberpunk 2077 also includes the Phantom Liberty campaign, which brings another Hollywood star in the mix, Idris Elda. This espionage-themed adventure adds considerable meat to the game’s bones, and adds even more options when it comes to the development of your doom-stricken mercenary. All in all, don’t be surprised if you spend 50 hours or more in Night City before seeing the credits roll. And then you might jump in again to see another ending or do more side-content.

Understandably, what with the state in which Cyberpunk 2077 launched on consoles, you might be wondering how the Switch 2 manages with it. The answer is: surprisingly well. Obviously, there are concessions here versus playing the game on PS5, Xbox Series X or a powerful PC. Resolution-wise, 1080p is the aim when docked, and lower when played in handheld. Further to that, it’s clear that DLSS is being used in both modes to upscale from lower render resolutions. Two performance options are available as well, Quality and Performance, with the latter aiming for 40fps.

Honestly, whether you’re playing handheld or docked, you’re better off opting for the 40fps performance mode if you can (it requires a TV capable of 120Hz when docked). It offers a much smoother playing experience, while the hit to image quality isn’t all that noticeable. In any case, it has to be said that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition particularly shines in handheld mode on Switch 2. It looks nice enough docked, sure, but it’s absolutely stunning at times on the Switch 2’s vibrant 8″ screen. It draws you in just as much as playing the game elsewhere on more powerful hardware.

Performance isn’t perfect, though. As you make your way through the game, you’ll soon find that driving through Night City can be a bit choppy at times, particularly when there’s a lot happening on-screen. But even when it’s at its worst, when you’re deep in Dog Town, it remains playable. And who knows, maybe CD Projeckt Red will be able to perform some magic and provide some further fine-tuning post-launch.

It boils down to this: if you’re a devout Switch gamer who hasn’t played Cyberpunk 2077 yet, this Switch 2 launch title will likely blow you away. It’s also undoubtedly the best way to experience Cyberpunk 2077 on the go, providing stunning visuals and commendable performance when played in handheld mode. It has some drawbacks compared to other versions on more powerful hardware, sure, but to have a game of this calibre available day one on Switch 2 is astounding. It also makes me excited about what might come to the format further down the line. Ultimately, consider this title essential on Switch 2 if you’re yet to play it. Especially so if you plan to play it in handheld mode.