Cyberpunk 2077 Shines on Nintendo Switch 2, Surpassing Steam Deck Performance

Recent footage and early impressions reveal that Cyberpunk 2077 runs and looks significantly better on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 compared to Valve’s Steam Deck. This development marks a notable achievement for Nintendo’s new hardware, showcasing its capability to handle demanding high end games effectively.​

Visual and Performance Enhancements

The Switch 2 delivers Cyberpunk 2077 at a stable 1080p resolution when docked and 720p in handheld mode, both maintaining a consistent 30 frames per second. This performance is bolstered by the console’s 7.9-inch HDR LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother visuals and improved clarity. In contrast, the Steam Deck runs the game at 800p with variable frame rates ranging between 24 to 40 fps, depending on the settings used.

The Switch 2’s support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology further enhances gameplay by reducing screen tearing and ensuring smoother frame pacing, even when the frame rate dips below 60 fps.​

Hardware Advancements

Under the hood, the Switch 2 is powered by a custom NVIDIA chipset, enabling features like DLSS upscaling and ray tracing. These technologies contribute to sharper visuals and more realistic lighting effects in Cyberpunk 2077. The console also boasts 256GB of internal UFS storage, expandable via microSD Express cards, and a 4K-capable dock for enhanced TV output.

While the Steam Deck offers a more open PC-like experience, its hardware limitations become apparent with graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077. Despite community-driven optimization tools and settings adjustments, the Deck struggles to maintain consistent performance levels for such demanding titles.​

Community Reception

The gaming community has expressed surprise at the Switch 2’s performance capabilities. One user noted, “The Switch 2 footage showed it running 1080p 30fps… it actually manages to look smooth even in sub-60fps gameplay” . Another commented on the game’s appearance, stating that the Switch 2 version “looks way better than what I’ve seen of people playing it on the Steam Deck”.​

Market Implications

Priced at $449, the Switch 2 offers a competitive alternative to the Steam Deck, which ranges from $399 to $649 depending on the model. With its enhanced performance, portability, and exclusive features, the Switch 2 positions itself as a formidable player in the handheld gaming market.​

The successful optimization of Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 not only highlights Nintendo’s advancements in hardware design but also sets a new standard for portable gaming experiences. As the console’s release approaches, it will be interesting to see how it continues to challenge existing handheld devices in terms of performance and game library.