Kepler Interactive and Shapefarm used the June 9 Nintendo Direct to announce that Orbitals will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in September 2026.
Set in a retro‑inspired sci‑fi universe, the game blends asymmetrical gameplay with cooperative problem‑solving as two explorers fight to save their station from a cosmic disaster.
A Duo Fighting Through a Cosmic Storm
In Orbitals, players follow Maki and Omura, two inexperienced adventurers forced to rely on each other as a massive cosmic storm threatens their space station.
Every step of progression depends on cooperation. Players must combine tools, synchronize abilities and communicate constantly to solve puzzles, navigate hazards and pilot their ship through dangerous sectors.
Built for Co‑Op on Every Level
Orbitals is designed from the ground up for shared play, offering multiple ways to team up:
- Local split‑screen co‑op using two pairs of Joy‑Con 2 controllers
- Local GameShare multiplayer across compatible Switch and Switch 2 systems
- Online co‑op with voice chat through Switch 2’s built‑in microphone and GameChat
The asymmetrical design ensures each player has a unique role, making teamwork essential rather than optional.
Unreal Engine 5 Meets 90s Anime Aesthetics
Developed in Unreal Engine 5, Orbitals pairs modern tech with a nostalgic visual identity.
Shapefarm partnered with Studio Massket, known for its work on Japanese anime productions, to create hand‑animated cutscenes that channel the look and feel of early 90s sci‑fi anime.
The result is a world that feels both fresh and familiar, blending crisp 3D environments with expressive, retro‑styled animation.
A Stylish Co‑Op Journey Awaits
With its focus on teamwork, its striking anime‑inspired presentation and its Switch 2 exclusivity, Orbitals is shaping up to be one of the standout co‑op titles of the year.
Players looking for a blend of puzzle‑solving, exploration and stylish sci‑fi storytelling will want to keep this one on their radar.