Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2: Ultimate Edition Buying Guide

The idea of a behemoth like Cyberpunk 2077 running on a handheld console, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, is the stuff of dreams. But it also raises plenty of questions. Before diving headfirst into the streets of Night City, it's best to know the common pitfalls that can ruin the experience. Between "complete" editions that hide mandatory downloads and ports with disappointing performance, disappointment is never far behind.

This guide is here to arm you: we're breaking down the essential points to ensure your gaming experience lives up to the hype.

Our Checklist Before Buying a AAA Game on Switch 2

When faced with a game of Cyberpunk 2077's scale, marketing promises often mask the technical reality. Here are three key points to scrutinise to make the right choice.

1. The Cartridge, the Whole Cartridge: Are the Game and Its Expansions Actually on It?

The most common trap with "Ultimate" or "Complete" editions is a simple download code for additional content, like the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Switch 2 expansion. For collectors, players with limited storage, or those with a spotty internet connection, this is a real problem. A true complete physical edition, worthy of the name, must include the entire game and its major expansions directly on the cartridge, allowing you to play anywhere without a mandatory download.

2. Switch 2 Optimisation: Beyond the Marketing Spiel

A visually dense Switch 2 RPG like Cyberpunk 2077 demands flawless optimisation. Don't just settle for the "Optimised for Switch 2" label. Look for concrete technical details. Here are the points to watch closely:

• Hardware ray tracing: Does the game truly leverage the new graphics chips to enhance reflections and lighting?
• Resolution and framerate: Does the game remain smooth and sharp, even when the action heats up?
• Loading times: Is the Switch 2's SSD being used to drastically reduce loading times compared to older consoles?

3. The Importance of Full Localisation for Immersion

For total immersion, the quality of the English localisation is a non-negotiable criterion. The Cyberpunk 2077 English Version label can be misleading. You must distinguish between a version with simple subtitles and one that offers a full English voice-over. Complete localisation (voice and text) is the only guarantee of an uncompromised narrative experience, faithful to the spirit of the original work.

Our Game Selection for Different Player Profiles on Switch 2

To illustrate our point, here are a few concrete examples tailored to different types of players.

FOR THE HARDCORE CYBERPUNK FAN

Cyberpunk 2077 - Ultimate Edition - Switch 2 - English Version

The ideal player: The gamer who wants the ultimate portable Night City experience, with zero compromise on content or performance.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls

This edition guarantees that the base game and its Phantom Liberty expansion are on the cartridge, avoiding any massive downloads. It's also specifically optimised for the Switch 2, with hardware ray tracing on offer.

Key Strengths

Fully playable offline from day one. Full English localisation (voice and text) for total immersion.

FOR THE OPEN-WORLD EXPLORER

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition - Switch English Version

The ideal player: The fan of gigantic open-world RPGs who would gladly trade the cyberpunk vibe for exploring unknown planets at the controls of a mecha.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls

As its name suggests, this "Definitive" edition includes all previously released DLC on the cartridge. No additional purchases or lengthy downloads required.

Key Strengths

A colossal open world and exhilarating freedom of movement thanks to the mechs (Skells). A gargantuan playtime for born explorers.

FOR THE LONG-TERM STRATEGIST

Sid Meier's Civilization VII - Switch - English Version

The ideal player: The gamer who loves depth and infinite replayability, but prefers turn-based strategy over the frantic action of an RPG.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls

The physical edition ensures the complete base game is on the cartridge, playable without an internet connection. Full English localisation (voice and text) is confirmed.

Key Strengths

A legendary franchise, perfectly suited to the Switch with its touch controls. Strategic depth that promises hundreds of hours of gameplay.

Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2: Your Questions, Our Answers

Is the Phantom Liberty expansion included on the cartridge for the Switch 2 version?

Yes, the product page for the Ultimate Edition on Switch 2 confirms that the Phantom Liberty spy-thriller expansion is included on the cartridge. You won't need a download code to play it.

What graphical improvements can we expect on Switch 2?

This version is designed to leverage the power of the new console. We're promised advanced optimisation, including hardware ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections, a dynamic resolution to ensure fluidity, and reduced loading times. This should deliver an experience far superior to ports on less powerful machines.

Is an internet connection required to play the Ultimate Edition?

No, and that's one of the major advantages of this edition: the base game and its expansion are on the cartridge. You can play the entire single-player adventure without being connected. An internet connection will only be useful for downloading any performance patches or bug fixes that may be released later.