Shapefarm's debut title, Orbitals, was unveiled as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive at The Game Awards 2025, marking a significant addition to the hybrid console's launch library.
The intergalactic cooperative adventure will arrive sometime in 2026, bringing a unique blend of retro anime aesthetics and modern gameplay mechanics to Nintendo's upcoming hardware.
Published by Kepler Interactive, Orbitals is a two-player cooperative space adventure developed using Unreal Engine 5 by the Tokyo-based independent studio Shapefarm.
The game tasks players with assuming the roles of Maki and Omura, two explorers determined to save their crumbling space station from the catastrophic forces of a supernatural cosmic storm. The duo must traverse perilous cosmic environments, utilizing specialized tools and piloting spacecraft through dangerous asteroid fields to complete their mission.
The visual direction of Orbitals draws inspiration from classical Japanese anime of the early 1990s, channeling an aesthetic reminiscent of artist Akira Toriyama's iconic style. Rather than relying on generic contemporary design choices, the developers crafted an original retro anime universe that captures the warmth and character of classic animation traditions.
Hand-crafted cinematics were created in partnership with Studio Massket, the acclaimed animation studio behind numerous beloved Japanese anime titles, lending authentic production value to the project. The combination of this artistic vision with full voice acting in both Japanese and English ensures the game resonates with anime enthusiasts globally.
Gameplay centers on asymmetrical multiplayer cooperation, designed from the ground up to emphasize teamwork and communication between players. The title supports multiple connectivity options tailored to Switch 2's capabilities.
Players can engage in local split-screen cooperative sessions using two Joy-Con 2 controllers on a single console, or utilize the system's GameShare feature to connect with another player on a separate Switch 2 or compatible Nintendo Switch device. For those preferring online collaboration, the game supports internet-based matchmaking alongside the Switch 2's integrated microphone and GameChat system, enabling clear voice communication between distant players.
The exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 release represents a strategic choice by Kepler Interactive and Shapefarm, demonstrating confidence in the hybrid console's hardware capabilities and userbase.
By leveraging the Switch 2's processing power through Unreal Engine 5, Orbitals promises to deliver a cooperative experience that maximizes the system's technical potential while maintaining the portability that defines Nintendo's platform philosophy. The game's design philosophy emphasizes creating lasting friendships and bonds through shared gameplay moments rather than competitive mechanics.
The timing of Orbitals' announcement during The Game Awards underscores its significance as a notable launch title for Switch 2, following closely on other high-profile reveals at the event.
As the console prepares for its market entry, exclusive cooperative titles represent a distinct category of software that can drive hardware adoption among players seeking experiences unavailable on competing platforms. The year 2026 awaits the arrival of this ambitious space adventure, offering Switch 2 early adopters a distinctive entry point into the console's growing software ecosystem.
