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Orbitals Shows Off Its First Proper Gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2
With 2026 already stacked with heavy hitters like Resident Evil and Grand Theft Auto, some of the year’s most intriguing projects are coming from entirely new IPs. One of the latest to step into the spotlight is Orbitals, a sci-fi co-operative adventure from Tokyo-based developer Shapefarm, which openly embraces international talent.
Previously teased with a short but visually arresting trailer inspired by 1980s anime aesthetics, Orbitals has now returned with its first extended look at gameplay. The footage confirms that the game is not relying solely on style, but is positioning itself as a thoughtful, mechanics-driven co-op experience built specifically for Nintendo Switch 2.
A Two-Player Co-Op Experience Built Around Teamwork
The game was officially showcased during Nintendo’s latest Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, where Shapefarm outlined its core structure as a two-player co-operative game. Much like Hazelight Studios’ It Takes Two or Split Fiction, Orbitals is designed around constant collaboration, with puzzles and traversal challenges that require two players to actively communicate and coordinate.
Players take control of two protagonists, Maki and Omura, who must work together to navigate a series of sci-fi environments. Progression is less about individual skill and more about understanding how each character’s tools interact with the world and with each other.
Gadgets Drive Both Puzzles and Progression
Central to the gameplay are character-specific gadgets that form the backbone of its puzzle design. Both Maki and Omura are equipped with a core set of tools, including a Scraphook grappling device for pulling objects, a Liquid Launcher that fires high-pressure water jets, and a Beam Canon that emits a superheated laser for melting or cutting through obstacles.
What stands out is how frequently these tools are meant to be combined. Rather than solving challenges in isolation, many puzzles require players to chain gadget effects together, encouraging experimentation and reinforcing the idea that Orbitals is built around shared problem-solving rather than solo progression.
Side Activities and Game Share Support
Shapefarm has also made it clear that Orbitals is not solely focused on story progression. Between main missions, players will encounter optional side activities designed to break up the pacing. These include both cooperative challenges and light competitive diversions, offering moments of levity without pulling focus away from the core adventure.
Notably, the title will support Nintendo’s Game Share functionality. This means only one player needs to own the game for two people to play together, lowering the barrier to entry and reinforcing its position as a couch-friendly co-op title.
While an exact release date has not been confirmed, Orbitals is currently scheduled to launch in summer 2026. At present, the game is confirmed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
