With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, No Man’s Sky has finally arrived in a form that feels truly at home on a handheld-console hybrid. This isn’t just a port—it’s a full-fledged upgrade that takes advantage of everything the new hardware has to offer. While the original Switch version felt compromised and scaled back, this edition opens up the galaxy in ways that feel fresh, powerful, and genuinely impressive for a portable experience.

The most immediately noticeable improvement is the performance. Gone are the blurry textures and choppy frame rates of the original Switch version. On Switch 2, No Man’s Sky runs at 1080p in handheld mode and up to 1440p when docked, with smooth frame pacing and enhanced visual fidelity. Features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Dynamic Resolution Scaling (DRS) ensure that gameplay remains fluid, even in the most intense planetary environments. Textures are sharper, lighting is more dynamic, and draw distances are vastly improved. Planets feel more alive, with richer terrain detail and less pop-in, creating a more immersive atmosphere whether you’re skimming over alien landscapes in your starship or walking through vibrant biomes.

One of the Switch 2 edition’s biggest wins is its inclusion of full multiplayer support. Previously absent from the original Switch port, players can now seamlessly jump into online sessions, explore the galaxy with friends, and participate in community missions. Cross-platform play is also supported, meaning you’re not restricted to other Switch 2 users—you can connect with players across consoles and PC. Better yet, cross-save support means you can pick up your adventure where you left off, regardless of the device. This is a game-changer for those who like to alternate between platforms without losing progress.

Image credit: IGN

The Switch 2 release is timed alongside the major Beacon update, which adds another layer of depth to the game. Players can now manage multiple settlements, each with its own citizens, infrastructure, and economic needs. You act as a governor—defending your town from attacks, making policy decisions, and managing resources. The arrival of the Autophagy—mysterious robotic factions—adds new gameplay twists and rewards, giving long-time players fresh content to explore. With settlement management, you’re not just a wanderer anymore—you’re a leader shaping the fate of entire communities.

Switch 2’s improved ergonomics and added features are put to good use here. The game now supports touchscreen input for easier inventory management and navigation, as well as gyro controls for aiming and flying. These additions make gameplay feel smoother and more intuitive, especially during fast-paced combat or complex building sessions. The UI has been refined for smaller screens, making it easier to read and interact with menus without feeling cramped. Everything about the experience feels more deliberate and user-friendly compared to the original Switch version.

Conclusion

No Man’s Sky: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a massive improvement in almost every way. It feels like the version Switch players always deserved—fully featured, visually stunning, and smooth in both solo and multiplayer modes. Whether you’re diving into the game for the first time or returning to continue your interstellar journey, this edition proves that a galaxy-spanning epic can, at last, fit in the palm of your hands without compromise.