Orbitals: Everything We Know About the Nintendo Switch 2 Co-Op Exclusive

What is Orbitals?

Orbitals is a two-player co-op platforming puzzle-adventure game developed by Tokyo-based indie studio Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive . It is a Nintendo Switch 2 console exclusive . The game is heavily inspired by retro 80s/90s space anime, such as Dragon Ball and Star Blazers, and features a hand-drawn, cel-shaded visual style built in Unreal Engine 5 . Players take on the roles of two protagonists, Maki and Omura, two young explorers on an intergalactic mission to save their crumbling home from a supernatural space storm . The studio is staffed by Hazelight alumni, including Game Director Jakob Lundgren and Creative Director Marcos Ramos, who previously worked on A Way Out, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction .

Key Features of Orbitals

• Co-op only: The game is designed exclusively for two players, either locally or online via Nintendo's GameShare feature . A persistent split-screen is maintained even during remote play .
• Asymmetrical co-op puzzles: Each character (Maki and Omura) has unique abilities and tools—such as the Scraphook, Liquid Launcher, and Beam Cannon—that require constant teamwork to solve puzzles, similar to It Takes Two .
• Retro anime aesthetic: The game features an authentic 90s-inspired art style, cutscenes, character designs, and an original soundtrack, described by previewers as having a "theme song that slaps" .
• Minigames: Beyond the main adventure, players can enjoy side activities like playing drums and piano together, as well as arcade cabinet minigames .
• Physical & Deluxe Edition: A standard physical release is planned for the Switch 2. A digital Deluxe Edition is also available for pre-order, including in-game skins, a digital artbook, and the soundtrack .
• Built in Unreal Engine 5 .

Release Date for Nintendo Switch 2

Orbitals will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3, 2026. This date is confirmed by the developer's official website, Nintendo's official store page, and multiple major outlets . Pre-orders are live now on the Nintendo eShop .

Early Previews & Summer Game Fest 2026 Reactions

Summer Game Fest 2026 took place from June 5 to 8 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles . Orbitals was featured in a Nintendo Switch 2 sizzle reel and was available for hands-on previews immediately following the event . The early consensus from critics is overwhelmingly positive. Here's a summary of what they're saying:

• "Incredibly promising" — The Mirror called it a "retro anime co-op adventure poised to challenge Hazelight for the split-screen crown," praising its opening hour and comparing it favorably to It Takes Two .
• "It Takes Two but different" — Brazilian outlet Omelete described it as both similar to and distinct from It Takes Two, noting the constant split-screen is a clever design choice that maintains tension and connection even in remote play. Their early impressions were "very positive" .
• "Dragon Ball meets It Takes Two" — WhatCulture's preview highlighted the fully authentic 90s anime visual style and soundtrack, and said the co-op gameplay feels fresh despite the obvious Hazelight influence .
• "A fair amount of It Takes Two-style teamwork" — Nintendo Life noted that each character brings distinct tools to the table, and the game was shown off by the directors themselves co-op'ing through challenges .
• General consensus: Early hands-on coverage from Summer Game Fest was uniformly positive, with critics praising the art direction, the faithful retro anime aesthetic, and the tight asymmetrical co-op design. Several noted it has strong potential to become a standout Switch 2 exclusive .