Reviews are out for the brand-new co-op Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive Orbitals, and critics have largely enjoyed the platformer from Shapefarm and Kepler Interactive. Orbitals looks to expand upon the co-op platforming formula popularized by games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction, but adds a distinct 90s anime flair to its visuals. It seems like the combination of these elements works well for the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, earning it high praise from reviewers.
Orbitals was first revealed at The Game Awards 2025 as a brand-new title from former Hazelight Studio developer Jakob Lundgren, who previously worked on A Way Out, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction. In Orbitals, players take control of Maki and Omura in a third-person asymmetrical puzzle-platformer where effectively working together to solve environmental puzzles is the key to progression. Although Orbitals is a Switch 2 exclusive, it does support both local and online co-op as well as GameShare, so only one player needs a copy of the game to enjoy it with a friend.
What Reviewers Are Saying About Orbitals
The positive reviews for Orbitals have it currently sitting at an 84 on OpenCritic and an 81 on Metacritic, with 95% of critics recommending the game. An obvious comparison for Orbitals is its spiritual predecessors in It Takes Two and Split Fiction, the former having won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021. Luckily, Orbital seems to live up to this high standard even if it doesn’t exceed its inspirations, with reviews praising the game for going beyond its gorgeous visual style to deliver unique puzzles and lovable characters.
Orbitals Review Roundup
-
Image via Shapeform -
Image via Shapefarm -
The highlight of Orbitals, according to reviews tracked by aggregate sites like OpenCritic and Metacritic, is the retro anime visuals that are front and center in the game. Several reviews likened playing through Orbitals to playing through a Saturday morning anime adventure, bringing a nostalgic 90s feel to the game. While the anime art style in video games is nothing new, Orbitals makes this aesthetic a core part of its identity, and most reviewers feel it does this very successfully.
Orbitals releases on September 3, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Although Orbitals does attempt to recapture the unique, creative puzzle design of games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction, many reviews are more critical of these aspects of the game and don’t think it quite lives up to its inspirations. Other reviews note that the relatively short runtime of Orbitals leaves players wanting more, but that’s not necessarily a bad issue to have since it means the game is enjoyable enough to want its playtime extended.
Overall, it sounds like Orbitals is a solid entry in the co-op puzzle-platformer genre, and another great addition to the Switch 2’s library of exclusives. Even if it has a hard time exceeding the heights of a GOTY winner like It Takes Two, fans of its 90s anime art style will likely be pleasantly surprised by the great selection of puzzles and platforming segments that they can share with a friend. Orbitals will set players back $39.99 for a digital copy, and $49.99 for a physical Switch 2 copy as well as the digital deluxe edition.
- Released
-
September 3, 2026
- ESRB
-
Everyone 10+ / Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
-
Shapefarm KK
- Publisher(s)
-
Kepler Interactive
