Orbitals Set for Summer Debut on Switch 2 with Co-op Gameplay and Retro Anime Visuals

ShapeFarm’s first game mixes teamwork, space drama, and a warm throwback vibe on Switch 2

There’s something oddly comforting about a game that doesn’t try to outdo everything else, but instead leans into its own personality. That’s exactly the feeling Orbitals gives off. The upcoming co-op adventure from indie studio ShapeFarm is starting to turn heads, not with sheer scale, but with charm, style, and a clear love for classic anime.

The game is targeting a summer release as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Orbitals is built around one simple idea: you’re not meant to go it alone. Players step into the shoes of Maki and Omura, two space explorers who are a little underprepared but determined enough to make it work. 

Their mission? Save a crumbling space station caught in the chaos of a supernatural cosmic storm. It’s the kind of setup that feels familiar, but the focus on cooperation gives it a different energy. Everything in the game pushes players to work together. 

One moment you’re dodging asteroids in a spaceship, the next you’re figuring out how to unlock a path using tools that only make sense when both players sync up. It’s less about being the best and more about figuring things out as a team. And honestly, that raises an interesting thought—are co-op games like this making a quiet comeback while everyone else is busy competing?

Visually, Orbitals wear its inspiration proudly.

The art style pulls straight from early 90s Japanese anime, but it’s not just imitation. There’s a softness and warmth to the world that makes it feel lived-in, not just styled. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game blends modern lighting and detail with that retro aesthetic in a way that feels surprisingly natural.

The developers didn’t stop at visuals. They’ve teamed up with an established animation studio known for its work in anime to create hand-crafted cutscenes. That effort shows a real commitment to authenticity, rather than just using anime as a surface-level theme.

The Switch 2 itself plays a big role. The game supports local split-screen, system sharing between devices, and online play with built-in voice chat. Whether sitting next to a friend or connecting from across the world, the goal stays the same—stick together and make it through.

Of course, the big question mark right now is timing.

The game is set for summer, but there’s still no exact release date. With several big titles expected around the same window, it feels like a careful decision. The team may be waiting for the right moment, choosing a launch spot where Orbitals won’t get lost in the noise. Even so, there’s a quiet confidence surrounding it.

Orbitals doesn’t feel like it’s trying to compete with the biggest games out there. Instead, it’s carving its own lane—something a bit more personal, a bit more heartfelt, and maybe a lot more memorable because of it. So here’s the real question: in a season packed with massive releases, could a small co-op adventure about friendship and space storms end up being the one players talk about the most?