Cyberpunk 2077 Nintendo Switch 2 performance review

Daily Mirror

17 hours ago

After spending a considerable amount of time testing Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2, and comparing it to the experience on Steam Deck, the results will probably surprise you.
Cyberpunk 2077 is out now on Nintendo Switch 2. So, how does it run, and how does it compare with other devices like the Steam Deck? Let's dive in.
First, let's get technical. How you experience Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2 depends on which mode you're playing it in, and also, how you're playing it. When the Switch 2 is docked, there are two different graphical modes available in CD Projekt Red' s title: Performance mode and Quality mode. Performance prioritises frame rate over resolution, while quality mode prioritises visuals over frame rate.
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In Performance mode when docked, Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 1080p and targets 40fps with the frame rate being uncapped. In Quality mode, when docked, it again runs at 1080p, but the frame is capped at 30fps, with the game targeting 30fps. I was super impressed by the console's performance generally in my Nintendo Switch 2 review, but what about Cyberpunk 2077 specifically?
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Docked performance test
When looking at footage of both modes side by side, there's a negligible difference, so I prefer performance mode for that reason, as you get the smoother experience and slightly higher framerate. You really do have to start pixel peeping to the max in order to spot any real differences when you're actively playing the game. There's maybe a small difference in sharpness, shadows, and lighting here and there, but unless you're really, really looking, it's going to be pretty hard to spot.
Where you can see a difference is when V looks in the mirror right at the start of a new game, if you've chosen the Nomad starting option. There's slightly more fuzziness in the performance mode, maybe due to the different type of DLSS being used, and you can see the added sharpness in quality mode. But that's about it; they're very, very similar.
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Docked performance test –
Now let's compare the Switch 2 in performance mode against the Steam Deck, running at 1080p resolution when docked. We set the Steam Deck to the Steam Deck graphics preset and FSR 3 in Balanced mode. And personally, although they are pretty close, I prefer the Switch 2. I think the image looks less grainy, slightly sharper and probably slightly smoother too in terms of average frames, although it's hard to say definitively without an fps counter on Switch 2.
Handheld performance test
Let's talk about the handheld experience now. On Switch 2 in Quality mode, Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 1080p resolution, targeting 30fps, and it's also locked to 30fps. When in Performance mode during handheld sessions, the game runs at 720p resolution but with the frame rate limit unlocked, aiming for 40 frames per second. And it's here you can see a clear difference in image quality, which you would expect considering the resolution differences.
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The DLSS AI upscaling utilised is far more noticeable in Performance mode, in my opinion, with more artifacting and just generally a fuzzier image. But in terms of frame rate, both modes felt pretty consistent and smooth. So I'd say the 40 and 30 fps claims are about right in these modes. And personally, I prefer playing Quality mode when on handheld, just for the added sharpness. But Performance mode is also a good option for players who want smoother gameplay.
I will also say that when travelling at super high speeds, I did get the game to chug and stutter a little bit, even when docked, so that's something to be wary of, as it's loading a lot of textures at once. I would also mention that the crowd density is low – about the same as the Steam Deck preset – and it's a lot, lot lower than you would get on Xbox Series X, PS5 or PC. Compared to those platforms, the game does feel significantly emptier.
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Handheld performance test
Now let's compare how the handheld experience with the Switch 2 compares to the Steam Deck, with Valve 's device running at 1280 x 800, which is the screen's native resolution. And when looking at the side by sides, even with the Switch 2 running in performance mode at 720p, in my opinion, the game looks much better on Nintendo 's console and also has the frame rates to match too; maybe not in the highs, but definitely more consistent frame rates with the Switch 2. For me, there's just no comparison about which is a better experience: Nintendo's console looks and feels better.
Overall, I think CD Projekt Red have done a great job optimising this AAA title to run on Nintendo's latest console. The idea that Cyberpunk 2077 could run on a Nintendo console at all, even just a few years ago, would have been ridiculous, so the fact that it's running at this level of performance is a superb achievement.
Obviously, if you're running this game on a current-gen console or a more expensive gaming handheld, or even a PC, you're clearly going to get much, much better performance. But for those who want to experience third-party games on Switch 2 for the first time, you can now play games like Cyberpunk 2077 on this platform, and have a good experience, which is awesome!.
And if this game can run on this console, the world really is Nintendo's oyster, as well as all of the major game developers out there. I mean, where's Call of Duty, Microsoft? We're waiting!