When CD Projekt Red announced that Cyberpunk 2077 would launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 — complete with the Phantom Liberty expansion — it raised eyebrows. After all, this is one of the most technically demanding games of the last decade, and the original Switch struggled with far less. But as it turns out, the Switch 2 isn’t just a modest upgrade. Thanks to cutting-edge features like DLSS, faster storage, and a custom-tailored porting effort, CDPR has delivered a handheld version of Cyberpunk 2077 that’s shockingly impressive.
Built from the Ground Up
Unlike the Witcher 3’s Switch port — outsourced to Saber Interactive — CDPR handled this one in-house. The Switch 2’s architecture diverged significantly from the x86 systems Cyberpunk was designed for, requiring major engine-level rewrites and shader conversions from HLSL to GLSL. Despite these hurdles, the studio was “surprised” at how quickly they got the game running.
“We really thought it was going to be more of a challenge,” said Charles Tremblay, CDPR’s VP of Technology. “But in the end, [it was] not that much.”
Modern Hardware Makes It Possible
Although performance comparisons to the PS4 might suggest trouble, the Switch 2 avoids many of last-gen’s pitfalls. It uses high-speed microSD Express storage and has more RAM, removing the bottlenecks that plagued the original console versions. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) plays a key role, allowing the game to upscale lower resolutions to sharper visuals, boosting both image quality and frame rates.
Graphics Modes & Frame Rates
Cyberpunk 2077 offers two modes on Switch 2:
Docked:
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Performance Mode: 1080p @ up to 40fps (on 120Hz TVs)
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Quality Mode: 1080p @ 30fps
Handheld:
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Performance Mode: 720p @ up to 40fps
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Quality Mode: 1080p @ 30fps (thanks to VRR support)
CDPR targets a minimum of 30fps throughout, with 40fps as the sweet spot for smoother gameplay.
Smart Scaling and Customization
Performance isn’t achieved through brute force alone. CDPR uses dynamic systems to adjust crowd density, NPC detail, and level of detail settings in real time. The result? An experience that feels remarkably close to the full console or PC version — but optimized for mobile play.
Joy-Con Motion, Mouse Aiming & Portability
The Switch 2 version adds Nintendo-specific features like gyro-assisted shooting and even mouse-style aiming via the Joy-Con. This makes Cyberpunk 2077 feel uniquely immersive on handheld — whether you’re playing on a plane, at home, or in your backyard.
Cross-Save Support
PC and console players can sync progress via cloud saves, allowing them to pick up their game on the go. As Tremblay notes:
“You play on PC, and if you want to continue your game [on Switch 2], it’s no big deal. You just take your save.”
Final Thoughts
This isn’t the “best” version of Cyberpunk 2077 if you’re chasing 4K visuals or ray tracing — but it is arguably the most accessible. For many, it might even be the best version, simply because it makes the game playable anywhere. CDPR has succeeded not by compromising the core game, but by adapting it smartly and embracing what makes the Switch 2 unique.
