Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 – A Surprisingly Solid Port That Actually Works

Cyberpunk 2077 might not be the first game you’d think of for a handheld console. The original release was heavy on hardware, struggled even on last-gen systems, and only really found its full potential on strong PCs and current-gen consoles. But somehow, CD Projekt Red pulled off a working version for Nintendo’s new Switch 2. And while it isn’t flawless, it’s one of the more impressive handheld ports in years.

The Switch 2 port of Cyberpunk 2077 includes both performance and quality modes. These are available whether you're playing docked or handheld, and the main difference comes down to resolution. When docked, you get a range from 540p up to 1080p. Quality mode tries to keep it at a minimum of 720p. In handheld mode, resolution drops lower—between 360p and 810p—depending on which mode you're using. That might sound harsh on paper, but DLSS and some post-processing effects help a lot. The visuals remain clear on the smaller screen and rarely look muddy or blurry unless the action ramps up too fast. Fast driving or chaotic fights can make things dip, but it’s still playable.

Before I continue, let me remind you that a sequel to the game is in development. And there will be a second city, let’s continue now. Frame rate targets are 30 FPS for quality mode and 40 FPS for performance. However, that 40 FPS while docked only works on TVs or monitors that support 120Hz, so it’s not for everyone. Even with the right setup, there’s not a huge difference unless you're sensitive to frame pacing. That’s because the Switch 2 doesn’t support variable refresh rate (VRR) when docked. The handheld mode has better results here, thanks to its built-in VRR screen; things run smoother, and dips feel less noticeable. The one area where the game struggles most is Dog Town, the new Phantom Liberty zone. It’s still playable, but it pushes the system harder than the rest of Night City.

To get Cyberpunk 2077 running smoothly on Switch 2, some visual sacrifices were expected. The overall downgrade isn’t as dramatic as The Witcher 3’s Switch port, but it’s clear this isn’t a high-end PC experience. Draw distances are shorter, textures are more basic, and the lighting takes a hit. But the port still beats last-gen systems in a few areas. The biggest compromise is in city life—crowds are thinner, and traffic is sparse. That gives parts of Night City an emptier vibe, especially downtown. These cutbacks make sense, but they can pull you out of the world a bit.

Cyberpunk 2077 also takes advantage of the Switch 2’s features. The biggest new option is mouse-style aiming using a Joy-Con. It’s not a joke—it works. After adjusting the sensitivity, you can aim with solid precision, and it feels responsive. It's not perfect outside of combat since movement can feel awkward, but the feature is more than just a gimmick. It’s a legit control option for long sessions. There’s also motion aiming using the gyro, but that feels more like an optional tool than a full control method. It’s good for fine-tuning aim, but not the best for general use.

Touchscreen controls were added too, though they’re mostly used for navigating menus. If you’re new to Cyberpunk and don’t have muscle memory from console play, it can make gear management a bit easier. But if you're like the reviewer, you’ll probably skip this to avoid smudging the screen.

One of the best features is cross-progression. You can move your save between PC and Switch 2. That means you can start a game on your desktop and pick it up later on the go. This feature already existed for The Witcher 3, but with Cyberpunk 2077 it works right away. It makes the port useful even for returning players who want to finish a second or third run without being tied to one device.

“Quite possibly the coolest feature in the Switch 2 version is cross-progression, letting you transfer your saves between PC and console.”

The complete version of the game is included. You get the base game and the Phantom Liberty DLC. That expansion didn’t even release on PS4 or Xbox One due to technical issues, so having it fully playable on a handheld is worth pointing out. It runs a little heavier than the base game, but it’s stable enough to enjoy.

If you haven’t played Cyberpunk 2077 before and only own a Switch 2, this is an easy recommendation. The story, gameplay, and world are still impressive, even scaled back. The controls have been adapted well, and the game doesn’t crash or stutter in a way that ruins the experience. But if you’ve already played Cyberpunk on a powerful system and don’t feel like going back, the Switch 2 version doesn’t offer enough new content to justify a replay. It’s a strong port, but not a different experience.

Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 is more about bringing the game to a new group of players than reinventing anything. It’s stable, flexible, and surprisingly complete. It cuts corners where it has to, but it doesn’t break what matters. If all you’ve got is a Switch 2, this is one of the best ways to play a full-scale RPG on the go right now.