By Jon Scarr
Kepler Interactive and indie developer Shapefarm have announced Orbitals, a brand new sci fi co op puzzle adventure coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. The reveal took place during The Game Awards 2025 with a trailer that showed off its retro anime style and warm, colourful atmosphere. As someone who loves creative co op games, it was easy to feel curious about this one right away. Orbitals is being built specifically around asymmetrical teamwork, which makes it stand out from the usual puzzle platformer approach.
Shapefarm, a Tokyo studio making its original game debut, frames the story as an intergalactic rescue mission. You follow Maki and Omura, two explorers who may not have all the experience in the galaxy but make up for it with determination. Side by side, you work together to protect their space station home from a supernatural cosmic storm. The setup already feels like the kind of adventure that focuses on communication, timing and shared problem solving.
Built for Two Players With Multiple Ways to Team Up
Orbitals is developed in Unreal Engine 5 and takes full advantage of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Kepler explains that you can play together in several ways. That includes split screen local co op using two pairs of Joy Con 2 controllers on a single device or through the Switch 2 GameShare feature, which lets you share the game with another local player on a compatible system.
You can also team up online with friends. The game includes tasks like piloting a ship through asteroid fields, using tools to open new paths and relaxing to enjoy the anime inspired locations. It sounds like Shapefarm wants every step of the adventure to feel shared.
A Love Letter to Classic Anime With Help From Veteran Creators
Orbitals leans heavily into its anime influences, and Shapefarm has built the game with clear respect for that style. The world takes inspiration from early 1990s Japanese animation, recreated with modern Unreal Engine 5 lighting and detail. To push the anime feel even further, the team partnered with Studio Massket, an animation house known for contributing to many well known Japanese anime. They are creating hand crafted cutscenes to bring key moments to life.
The game will also feature full Japanese and English voice acting. Between the art direction, cutscene work and co op focus, Orbitals feels like a heartfelt attempt to blend anime storytelling with puzzle driven gameplay.
Orbitals Launches Exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026
Orbitals is set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 next year. With its retro anime look, co op focus and multiple ways to connect with a friend, it feels like one of the more unique reveals from this year’s show. We will cover every update as Kepler Interactive and Shapefarm share more details.