CyberPunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – Night City Finally Fits in Your Hands

Let's not mince words: the fact that CyberPunk 2077: Ultimate Edition runs on the Nintendo Switch 2 is still somewhat miraculous. CD Projekt Red's sprawling open-world RPG, once infamous for its disastrous last-gen launch, has been rebuilt, redeemed, and now repackaged with the Phantom Liberty expansion into a portable powerhouse. For Switch 2 owners hungry for a mature, narrative-driven experience on their hybrid console, this is one of the most ambitious titles in the system's library. But does the Ultimate Edition deliver the definitive experience, or is it a compromised port riding on reputation?

Wokeness: 1.0

CyberPunk 2077 is set in a dystopian future where corporations exploit everyone, gangs rule the streets, and morality is a spectrum painted in neon. The game features a character creator with inclusive body options and some characters with non-traditional identities, but here's the thing: it all fits the world. Night City is a place where body modification is as casual as a haircut. Nothing feels shoehorned or preachy. The game isn't lecturing you; it's building a believable, grimy future. There's a slight nudge in certain side quests, but it never overtakes the storytelling or feels like an agenda disguised as entertainment. This is a game that wants you to have fun in its sandbox, not sit through a sermon.

Gameplay: 8.5

The gunplay, hacking, and melee combat all feel tight and responsive on the Switch 2's controls. The hybrid approach of stealth, netrunning, and all-out assault gives players genuine freedom in how they tackle missions. The RPG progression is deep without being overwhelming, and the Phantom Liberty expansion adds even more build variety. On Switch 2, load times are reasonable and the frame rate holds steady in most scenarios, though dense combat encounters in open-world areas can see minor dips. The gyro aiming option is a welcome addition for portable play. Compared to other open-world titles available on the system at launch, this is among the most mechanically satisfying.

Story: 9.0

V's journey through Night City, with Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand riding shotgun in your brain, remains one of gaming's most compelling narratives. The writing is sharp, the characters are layered, and the choices feel genuinely consequential. Phantom Liberty's espionage-thriller storyline with Idris Elba's Solomon Reed adds a whole new dimension. The emotional beats hit hard, and multiple endings ensure you'll be thinking about your decisions long after the credits roll. For a system that launched with mostly action-forward titles, having this caliber of storytelling available is a massive win for Switch 2 owners.

Graphics: 8.5

Let's be realistic: this isn't the ray-traced PC experience. But for the Switch 2 hardware, CD Projekt Red and the porting team have done impressive work. Night City's neon-drenched skyline still dazzles, character models are detailed enough to sell emotional scenes, and the art direction carries the visual weight where raw horsepower can't. There are compromises: reduced crowd density, simplified reflections, and some texture pop-in during high-speed driving. But stacked against other Switch 2 launch-window titles, this holds its own admirably. In handheld mode, the smaller screen masks most shortcomings beautifully.

Audio: 9.0

The soundtrack is an absolute banger, blending synthwave, industrial rock, and hip-hop into a soundscape that perfectly captures Night City's chaotic energy. Voice performances are universally excellent, with Reeves and Elba delivering standout work. The spatial audio design makes firefights feel visceral and exploration feel immersive, even through the Switch 2's built-in speakers. Plug in headphones and this game transforms into a portable audio showcase.

Replayability: 8.5

Between multiple life paths, branching quest outcomes, radically different build options, and the sheer volume of content between the base game and Phantom Liberty, you're looking at hundreds of hours of potential playtime. The portability factor of the Switch 2 actually enhances replayability; it's easy to jump in for a quick gig or side quest during a commute. New Game Plus and the variety of combat approaches ensure subsequent playthroughs feel fresh.

CyberPunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Switch 2 is a triumph of ambition meeting execution. It's not the prettiest version of the game, but it might be the most convenient and complete. With its gripping story, deep gameplay systems, and a staggering amount of content, this is an essential pickup for any Switch 2 owner craving a mature, open-world RPG. Night City has never been more accessible, and it's never been easier to lose yourself in its glow.