The most significant launch title for the Switch 2 isn't Mario Kart World.

      On June 5, the Nintendo Switch 2 will make its debut, accompanied by a strong launch title: Mario Kart World. This racing game is expected to become a hit, offering a shared experience reminiscent of Breath of the Wild, where players will engage with it simultaneously. The success of this game is crucial, as it serves as the Switch 2's key selling point. If it doesn't achieve significant sales in its first month, Nintendo may need to reconsider its strategy for this new generation. Nevertheless, expectations for Mario Kart World are high, and it's likely to meet them.

      In addition to Mario Kart World, there's another significant launch title on June 5: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. While its impact on Nintendo's finances may be less substantial, it represents the first real test of the console's capabilities in a more competitive portable gaming market than the original Switch faced.

      Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition acts as a “game of the year” version of the game released in 2020, which played a vital role in the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. This edition includes the base game and the highly praised Phantom Liberty DLC, along with added mouse and motion control support to utilize the newly redesigned Joy-cons. It serves as a significant benchmark for the Nintendo Switch 2.

      First, there are the new control features. Since the Wii era, Nintendo has struggled to encourage third-party developers to adopt its more unconventional ideas. During that time, titles like Red Steel attempted to use the Wiimote, but it ultimately fell to Nintendo to support motion controls. Similar issues arose with the Switch, as few third-party developers utilized the Joy-cons' IR sensors throughout the console’s eight-year span. CD Projekt Red is fully committed to Cyberpunk 2077, making it an ideal experimental title. The success of these features could determine whether other developers will be inspired to follow suit or if they’ll be seen as just another gimmick suited for Nintendo. Given that Mario Kart World has relatively simple controls, Cyberpunk 2077 will be the launch title that tests Nintendo’s sales message.

      This test pales in comparison to the larger challenge Nintendo faces. Cyberpunk 2077 is a demanding game technically. It notoriously launched in a problematic state on PS4 and Xbox One in 2020, damaging its reputation for years until CD Projekt Red managed to change the narrative. They’ve since stabilized the expansive RPG with regular updates, making it more enjoyable. It performs well on PC and current-gen consoles, but the Switch 2 presents a significant challenge. Its performance on this new hardware will be our first insight into its capabilities. CD Projekt Red is expected to make some adjustments; for instance, it may run at around 40 frames per second even in performance mode, yet it still has the potential to make a strong impression. This game is likely to showcase features such as the 4K dock and VRR-supporting display.

      This is vital for Nintendo, even though it’s not their own game. If the Switch 2 were the only handheld console of its kind, it would enjoy greater flexibility. Even getting Cyberpunk 2077 to run would be an achievement, even at 30fps. However, it’s important to remember that the launch day is overshadowed by the fact that there are other handheld consoles out there. Devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally can run high-end PC games. I’ve successfully played Cyberpunk 2077 on my Steam Deck several times; it struggled with consistent framerate, but I could adjust settings to make it playable.

      For Nintendo, it’s not just about proving that major games can run on its hardware; it must also demonstrate that those games perform better on Switch 2 compared to its rivals. The ability to output Cyberpunk 2077 to a TV in 4K without needing a third-party dock provides the console an advantage, as do its distinctive controls. However, it must meet some fundamental performance benchmarks to persuade gamers who are less invested in Nintendo's exclusives that the Switch 2 is a viable alternative to something like the Steam Deck. If it falls short, it will reinforce the perception that Nintendo's system is still not a welcoming environment for serious gamers.

      The promising news is that Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 seems unlikely to disappoint. In a demo I tried in April, I was impressed by how well it ran and maintained a high level of detail on the hardware. It performed significantly better than Split Fiction, which suffers from overly compressed visuals. I only experienced Cyberpunk on a large TV, so I imagine it will look even better on a smaller screen where imperfections would be less visible. If the final version delivers, Nintendo will have a launch title that generates impressive comparison videos on YouTube, convincing those on the fence about purchasing a Switch 2 instead of a portable PC. This is precisely the victory Nintendo needs on day one, and its future may largely hinge