Orbitals developers have discussed the game’s Nintendo Switch 2 exclusivity, two-player design and expected length in a new interview shared by the MinnMax YouTube channel. The upcoming co-op adventure is currently scheduled to launch exclusively on Switch 2 on September 3, 2026.
Creative Director Marcos Ramos and Game Director Jakob Lundgren of Tokyo-based studio Shapefarm explained that Orbitals was designed specifically around two-player cooperation. Lundgren said the team wanted to avoid the compromises that can come from supporting both single-player and multiplayer, explaining, “if we’re making it either single player or you can play it with two player, we’re doing both bits but not doing it fully.”
The developers also discussed their approach to development, with Lundgren describing a process that puts the game itself at the centre rather than relying heavily on traditional documentation. As he put it, “the game is the documentation. Just boot up the game, play the game.” The team aims to test ideas quickly with a controller in hand and iterate based on how they work in practice.
Orbitals Is Designed For A Shorter Experience
Orbitals is also being designed as a relatively focused experience rather than a lengthy adventure. Lundgren said the team is targeting “two long sessions or two to three… sessions” for the game.
The title follows two explorers, Maki and Omura, as they travel through space while attempting to save their home station from a mysterious cosmic storm. Its third-person puzzle-adventure gameplay is built entirely around cooperation between the two players.
80s Anime Influences
The visual direction of Orbitals is heavily influenced by 1980s anime. Ramos explained that the team uses a simple question when deciding how much detail should be included in the game’s artwork: “would a tired Japanese animator in the 80s draw that much detail?”
The goal is to maintain a “bubbly” and “simple” visual style. Ramos also cited Akira Toriyama as an important creative influence, particularly his ability to combine serious situations with humour. He said, “he was following his fun… and that freedom… it was and it still is like super inspirational to us.”
Orbitals Currently Has No Other Platforms Planned
Orbitals is currently a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, and the developers do not have plans to support additional platforms at this time. Discussing the game’s future, Lundgren said, “we’re just focused on the Switch 2 version where we have no plans for anything else at the moment.”
The game is being developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive. Orbitals is scheduled to release on September 3, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
