Cyberpunk 2077 Reportedly Smooth on Nintendo Switch 2, Enhanced Joy-Cons Detailed
Recent gameplay previews of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 have reportedly been very smooth. It seems the specs of the new console are more than a match for CD Projekt Red's huge RPG, but that's not all.
Redesigned Joy-Cons: A Whole New Level of Immersion?
CD Projekt Red themselves recently commented on how the enhanced Joy-Con motion controls on the Switch 2 would significantly enhance the gaming experience. Aside from the simple fact that they stick better with magnets now (a nice detail), these new controllers are designed for greater precision.
Most intriguing is the mention of a "mouse mode" for greater accuracy. Devs specifically highlighted how gamers might use motion controls for more fluid and accurate movement, like katana slashes. This kind of control could lend itself quite easily to aiming guns with accuracy that has been difficult to achieve with standard analog sticks.
From Six Axes to Nine: What It Will Mean for Gaming
Patents suggest the Switch 2's new Joy-Cons feature a nine-axis motion sensor, an upgrade from the six-axis tracking on the original controllers. What does that mean for gamers? The potential for more accurate and responsive motion-controlled games. While competitive players in some games like Splatoon 2 are already quite adept with the old technology, the motion controls in some games, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, have at times been a little clunky.
CD Projekt Red's appreciation for the Switch 2's motion capability is notable, especially considering motion control adoption on other platforms. Steam Deck does support motion controls, but it often requires more user setup. Even the PS5's DualSense gyroscope, while capable (and used to excellent effect in games like Gran Turismo 7), is frustratingly underused in most titles, including Cyberpunk 2077 on that platform.
Beyond Controls: The Rest of the Specs at a Glance
The discussion also touched upon some of the other Switch 2 technical specifications, such as that it will have Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. This matches the display's refresh rate to the game's frame rate, essentially reducing screen tearing and providing a smoother visual experience. There has been some controversy as to whether or not VRR will be functional in both docked and handheld modes, but CD Projekt Red was not able to confirm this specification during their presentation.
Finally, hearing that Cyberpunk 2077 can run smoothly and that there's a possibility of actually enhanced motion controls on the Switch 2 is thrilling. Even with some lingering questions regarding the presence of things like VRR modes, the idea of swinging a katana smoothly or accurately aiming in Night City with disconnected Joy-Cons is an intriguing one.
