Embark on an intergalactic adventure with the flair of a Japanese anime, featuring Orbitals, an exclusive title for Nintendo Switch 2, unveiled during the Nintendo Direct on February 5, 2026. The game is slated for release on September 3, 2026 on the next-generation console. Here's a trailer to dive into this colorful universe, before playing it on the console.
«Gather a friend and dive into Orbitals, a cooperative intergalactic adventure set in a unique universe inspired by retro anime. Play as Maki and Omura, two inseparable explorers whose unwavering determination makes up for their lack of experience. Together, you'll face space's dangers in a quest for parts to save your home — an old station trapped in a supernatural cosmic storm. The duo will have to venture beyond the storm into uncharted territories in a desperate effort to rescue the station. Strategy, bravery, and teamwork are essential for success!»
Orbitals is a co-op game where two players take on the roles of Maki and Omura, space explorers willing to do whatever it takes to save their endangered home planet. Staying true to the genre, it challenges players to figure out the right path to progress, working together to activate platforms or unlock doors... Each character has their own unique tools and abilities that complement each other, allowing players to move forward side by side.
This brand-new title invites us into a retro, vibrant universe that's fun and suitable for players of all ages. You’ll explore a space station, float through the air, encounter adorable aliens, and jam to catchy tunes... This adventure game thrives on its playful, childlike charm and highly engaging gameplay, making it a hit with both seasoned gamers and teens alike.
Orbitals can be played in local multiplayer on the same screen or online through the Gameshare feature: there's no need for both players to own a copy of the game, as it can be shared between them.
Our Orbitals Early Impressions
An hour-long session on Nintendo Switch 2
Retro aesthetics, a soundtrack and voice acting worthy of the best 80s anime, and solid gameplay: this Orbitals preview quickly won us over. For an hour, playing in two, we got a first look at the co-op adventure in its infancy.
Let’s be clear: Orbitals will hit a nostalgic nerve with anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, with Sailor Moon, Akira, Ulysse 31, Astro, the little robot... In short, a genuine nostalgia trip that drops us back into that Japanese audiovisual world that shaped French screens at the end of the 20th century—only modernized!
Yes, Orbitals leans into its retro look, and it suits it. But the game also makes the most of contemporary video-game tech. Co-op design isn’t always easy to pull off: shared screen, player and character synergy, linked objectives—all of that has to be balanced. Orbitals nails the challenge with a well-structured gameplay flow.
We play as two childhood friends who learned to survive in space. Together, we tackle missions to repair a ship, explore, and engage in intergalactic combat. Roles aren’t locked in: you and your partner can swap weapons and tools on the fly. One moment you’ll be piloting, the next you’ll be manning the laser cannon. A smart setup that helps keep the cooperation from turning into frustration and lets you experience the full range of gameplay.
Like any co-op title, it hinges on good communication with your partner, especially on routes that require waiting for the other to unlock a door or a switch. The difficulty is well tuned, and we didn’t suffer too badly from any skill gap between players.
Graphically striking, with approachable mechanics and enjoyable play, Orbitals looks promising. Now we’re eager to see how it holds up over time and what narrative arc—if any—unfolds. In short, we want more!
Ready for this two-player adventure on Nintendo Switch 2?
Dates and Opening Time
Starts September 3, 2026
Prices
€39.99
Recommended age
From 12 years old
Official website
www.orbitalsgame.com
