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 hands-on with Orbitals
An hour-long session on Nintendo Switch 2
Retro designs, a soundtrack and French voice work worthy of the best 80s animated series, and solid gameplay: this Orbitals preview hooked us from the start. For an hour, in co-op, we got to dip into the early stretch of this new, cooperative title.
Let’s be clear: Orbitals should strike a chord with anyone who grew up in the 80s–90s, those who spent their youth with Sailor Moon, Akira, Ulysses 31, Astro, the little robot… In short, a true nostalgia rush that plunges us back into that Japanese universe that shaped French audiovisual culture at the tail end of the 20th century. But refreshed for modern times!
Yes, Orbitals leans into a very retro look, and it suits it perfectly. Yet the game also leverages all the advances and techniques of 21st-century gaming. Co-op isn’t always easy to pull off. Shared screen, player and character synergy, linked progression—these elements are tricky to balance. Orbitals pulls it off with a well-constructed gameplay loop.
We control two characters, two childhood friends who learned to survive in space. Together you complete various missions: ship repairs, exploration, and intergalactic combat. Roles aren’t fixed: at any moment you and your partner can swap weapons and tools. One turn you can be piloting, the next manning the laser cannon. A smart way to keep frustration down and to let you explore the full breadth of the gameplay.
Like any ko-op title, this game demands good communication with your partner, especially on routes where you must wait for the other to unlock a door or switch to advance. The difficulty is well managed, and we don’t suffer too much from the level gaps between players.
The visuals are striking, the core gameplay is easy to grasp, and fun to play. Now we just want to see how Orbitals holds up over time, what story we’ll get… In short, we want to see 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
