Orbitals: Switch 2 Exclusive
Orbitals Brings Stylish Retro Anime Co-op Exclusively to Switch 2 on September 3rd
Key Points
Orbitals features seamless tool swapping between players mid-puzzle, allowing one player to perform a task using the other's tool without switching controllers or characters.
The animation style includes frames rendered at 24 or 12 FPS to evoke late-80s/early-90s anime production techniques.
Orbitals’ directors, Marcos Ramos and Jakob Lundgren, previously worked at Hazelight Studios on It Takes Two and Split Fiction, influencing its cooperative design.
Previewers have highlighted Orbitals' strong visual identity by noting it 'oozes style' beyond its cutscenes, helping it stand out in a crowded market.
Orbitals, a co-op exclusive for Nintendo Switch 2, is shaping up as one of the most talked-about games of Summer Game Fest 2026. Developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive, the game launches on September 3rd — and early previews are calling it a frontrunner for co-op game of the year. PC Magazine went so far as to name it their top pick after going hands-on at the show.
The game follows two characters — Maki and Omura — working together to protect a space station from cosmic danger. Its hand-drawn anime visuals and inventive cooperative mechanics have made it stand out in a crowded gaming market. The Gamer called it 'the perfect blend of stunning 80s anime and top-tier co-op.'
Directors Brought Lessons From Hazelight to Shapefarm
Orbitals' creative director Marcos Ramos and game director Jakob Lundgren both previously worked at Hazelight Studios. That's the team behind It Takes Two and Split Fiction — two of the best-reviewed co-op games ever made. MonsterVine reported that the duo drew directly on that experience when designing Orbitals' cooperative systems.
The influence shows in the game's core mechanic: seamless tool swapping. One player can use the other's tool mid-puzzle without switching controllers or characters. It sounds simple, but Mirror noted it creates a flow that feels natural and deeply satisfying in practice — exactly the kind of design Hazelight games are known for.
Anime Visuals Rendered at 12 FPS to Feel Retro
Orbitals doesn't just look like an old anime — it's built to feel like one. The game renders animation frames at 24 or 12 FPS on purpose. That technique mimics the limited-frame-rate style of late-80s and early-90s anime productions. The Gamer praised the approach, saying it gives the game a 'stunning' visual identity.
Cutscenes are handcrafted by Studio Massket, adding another layer of polish. PC Magazine said the game 'oozes style' well beyond just its cutscenes. That consistency across gameplay and story moments is rare — and reviewers say it helps Orbitals stand apart from the sea of similar-looking indie titles at the show.
Switch 2 Controller Adds Tactile Feel to Every Puzzle
Orbitals is a Switch 2 exclusive — and the developers built the game around that hardware. MonsterVine reported that the game uses the Switch 2 controller's tactile feedback features to make puzzle-solving feel physical. Pulling a lever or swapping a tool doesn't just look good — players can feel it in their hands.
That exclusivity has also driven hype. Cinelinx called it a 'mind-boggling, beautiful hand-crafted experience' after seeing it at Summer Game Fest. With no PC or other console version planned, Switch 2 owners have a clear reason to mark September 3rd on their calendars.
Orbitals Eyes the Co-Op Crown on September 3rd
The game arrives on September 3rd. That puts it in direct competition with Hazelight's own titles for the co-op crown. Mirror framed it exactly that way — calling Orbitals 'an anime adventure set to challenge Hazelight.' That's a bold comparison, but early previews suggest Shapefarm has the goods to back it up.
Hands-on coverage from Summer Game Fest covered the game's first chapters, cooperative puzzle design, and narrative setup. The consistent verdict: Orbitals is polished, original, and built for players who want more than just a flashy aesthetic. It has a September launch window and serious momentum heading into the summer.
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