Tokyo-based Shapefarm today announced Orbitals, a new cooperative game slated to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. The title arrives as the cooperative gaming genre continues to gain momentum, bolstered by successes like It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Orbitals aims to capitalize on this trend with a uniquely designed two-player experience featuring an asymmetrical split-screen format and a distinctive visual style inspired by 1990s Japanese anime.
Tokyo-based Shapefarm has unveiled Orbitals, a new cooperative game designed exclusively for two players. The title is slated for release in 2026 and will be a launch exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The growing popularity of cooperative titles like Split Fiction and It Takes Two has demonstrated a strong appetite for shared gaming experiences. Shapefarm appears to be capitalizing on this trend with Orbitals, aiming to deliver a uniquely collaborative adventure. The success of these titles underscores a broader shift in gaming towards social and connected play.
Orbitals casts players as Maki and Omura, two space explorers caught in a mysterious cosmic storm. They must work together to repair their damaged space station, utilizing each character’s distinct equipment and tools. Successful progression hinges on understanding and leveraging the complementary skills of both protagonists.
Designed from the ground up for two-player cooperation, Orbitals primarily features an asymmetrical split-screen gameplay experience. Players will need to constantly monitor their partner’s actions to effectively collaborate, mirroring the dynamic found in titles like It Takes Two and Split Fiction.
The gameplay showcased in the initial trailer appears diverse, encompassing platforming challenges, action sequences, and environmental puzzles. Players will need to utilize a variety of skills to overcome obstacles and advance through the game.
The game’s distinctive visual style, inspired by 1990s Japanese anime, has also drawn attention. Orbitals was created using Unreal Engine 5, and Shapefarm collaborated with Studio Massket, which is currently working on the third season of the animated series Fumetsu no Anata e (To Your Eternity). This partnership suggests a commitment to high-quality animation and storytelling.
At launch, Orbitals will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s new GameShare feature will allow players to share the game locally with another player on either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, or online with another Nintendo Switch 2 user, even with only one copy of the game. Traditional local co-op on a single console will also be supported.
Orbitals is scheduled for release in 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
