As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, CD Projekt Red has unveiled exciting details about the upcoming port of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, leveraging Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology to deliver a seamless experience across both Handheld and Docked modes. This innovative approach marks a significant leap forward for the console, promising enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay that adapts to players' preferences. With the game set to release on June 5, fans are buzzing with curiosity about how Night City will translate to Nintendo's new hardware, especially given the console's upgraded Nvidia processor that enables such advanced image enhancement techniques. 
CD Projekt Red's confirmation came during a bustling period for Nintendo, as the company navigates global challenges like the Trump administration's tariffs, which have slightly increased prices for accessories such as the Switch 2 Pro Controller and USB-C Camera. Despite these hurdles, pre-orders for the Switch 2 console and its games are scheduled to kick off on April 24 at retailers like Best Buy and GameStop, with no price hikes for the core hardware. This strategic move ensures that gamers can dive into Cyberpunk 2077 without financial strain, while the developers focus on optimizing the title for the Switch 2's custom Tegra processor. The integration of DLSS, an older version tailored for the system, allows for dynamic upscaling that boosts frame rates and resolution, though it excludes newer features like multi-frame generation from DLSS 4. As Richard Leadbetter of Digital Foundry highlighted in DF Direct Weekly episode 210, this setup provides a versatile gaming experience that caters to diverse playstyles.
Players will have the flexibility to choose from multiple performance modes, each designed to maximize the Switch 2's capabilities. Here's a breakdown of the options available:
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Quality Mode: Targets a steady 30 frames per second (FPS) with a resolution of 1080p in both Docked and Handheld modes, ensuring crisp visuals for immersive exploration of Night City. 🎮
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Performance Mode: Aims for 40 FPS, with the Docked version maintaining 1080p resolution on compatible 120 Hz displays, while the Handheld version uses dynamic scaling to hit 720p, offering smoother action sequences. 🔧
These choices reflect CD Projekt Red's commitment to adapting the demanding open-world environment of Cyberpunk 2077 for a portable system. By utilizing DLSS upscaling, the game intelligently enhances lower-resolution images to near-native quality, reducing strain on the hardware without sacrificing detail. This technology is particularly crucial for the Switch 2, as it harnesses the more potent Nvidia chip compared to its predecessor, enabling features that were previously unattainable on Nintendo devices. For instance, in Docked Performance Mode, the combination of 40 FPS and 1080p creates a fluid experience ideal for high-octane combat, whereas Handheld Performance Mode's 720p upscaling ensures battery efficiency during on-the-go sessions. Digital Foundry's analysis underscores that this approach balances performance and fidelity, making Cyberpunk 2077 a standout title in the Switch 2's launch lineup.
To illustrate the differences between modes, here's a comparison table summarizing key aspects:
| Mode Type | Resolution Target | Frame Rate | Display Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality (Docked) | 1080p | 30 FPS | Standard displays |
| Quality (Handheld) | 1080p | 30 FPS | Handheld screens |
| Performance (Docked) | 1080p | 40 FPS | 120 Hz VRR displays |
| Performance (Handheld) | 720p (dynamic) | 40 FPS | Handheld screens |
This versatility means that gamers can tailor their experience based on whether they're playing at home or on the move, with up to four distinct configurations overall. The decision to use an older DLSS iteration stems from the Switch 2's hardware constraints, but it still delivers substantial improvements, such as reduced input lag and sharper textures. As part of a growing roster of third-party games for the Switch 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition represents a bold step in bridging AAA titles to portable gaming. Fans are already speculating about how elements like the game's neon-drenched cityscapes and intricate character models will render on the console, with many expressing excitement on social media. Pre-order preparations are in full swing, and CD Projekt Red assures that the June 5 release will showcase Night City in all its glory, proving that the Switch 2 can handle even the most graphically intensive adventures. 📈 Ultimately, this port not only highlights Nintendo's hardware advancements but also sets a new standard for future cross-platform releases, blending cutting-edge tech with player-centric design.
The following analysis references Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and critical reviews. Eurogamer's recent features on next-gen console advancements emphasize how technologies like Nvidia's DLSS are reshaping the expectations for portable hardware, with the Nintendo Switch 2's implementation of dynamic upscaling standing out as a pivotal moment for AAA game ports such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.