The retro anime aesthetic of this Switch 2 exclusive highlights the importance of art direction over sheer graphical power.

Thursday’s Nintendo Switch 2 Partner Showcase kicked off with a thrilling reveal: Orbitals, an exclusive two-player co-op puzzle adventure that feels like stepping into a long-lost anime episode. This game boasts visuals that could impress anyone, regardless of the platform, proving that sometimes, it’s not all about raw power.

While the Switch 2 is undoubtedly a more powerful machine than its predecessor, it still doesn’t quite match the graphical capabilities of its competitors. Most gamers have accepted that playing on a Nintendo console means sacrificing ultra settings. However, every now and then, Nintendo fans are treated to a title that exceeds visual expectations, often thanks to exceptional art direction, reminiscent of classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

Orbitals comes from Tokyo-based studio Shapefarm, which announced the game earlier in 2026. Details are still sparse, but it’s set to launch in the summer of 2026. From the footage available, Orbitals plays similarly to It Takes Two, the acclaimed co-op action game from Hazelight Studios, but with a distinct aesthetic that channels the vibe of Cowboy Bebop. Players control a young woman and a blue alien as they navigate space, explore futuristic environments, and take down enemy ships, all in a split-screen format where each player manages one character side-by-side.

The cel-shading in Orbitals has left many in awe. The first time I saw it, I almost didn’t realize I was looking at a game. Its striking style made it the standout feature of Nintendo’s entire 30-minute showcase.

“I love the thought of being in control of [an] anime cartoon,” one viewer commented on the newly released trailer.

“The fact they perfectly recreated the old-school anime style with 3D models is phenomenal eye candy,” noted the top comment on the initial YouTube reveal last month.

“Literally buying this to support the art style more than anything,” added another reply.

Orbitals offers a refreshing change from the sea of similar Unreal Engine 5 titles on other platforms, or modern games that equate visual appeal with sheer particle counts. Here’s hoping that Orbitals is just as enjoyable to play as it is to behold.