With a retro anime art style and a space setting, Orbitals, the next exciting co-op adventure, is upon us. Shapefarm might have the next big family game under its sleeve, so be sure to continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Orbitals.
What is the release date for Orbitals?
Orbitals will release in Summer 2026. An exact release date has yet to be revealed.
What platforms will Orbitals release on?
Orbitals will release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.
What price is Orbitals launching at?
No official announcement regarding Orbitals’ price has been made. Similar games, such as Split Fiction, cost $49.99, which could potentially shed some light on what players can expect to spend.
How does Orbitals’ gameplay work?
Similar to It Takes Two and the aforementioned Split Fiction, Orbitals is an asymmetrical two-player co-op adventure game. Each player will get to play as Maki or Omura, each of them with unique skills that are meant to complement each other to tackle challenges and solve puzzles.
For example, in a gameplay reveal trailer, Maki uses a scrap hook while Omura fancies a beam cannon. The cannon is used to power a drone, which would otherwise explode, all while it floats right next to Maki, who uses the hook to clear out the way.
Orbitals can be played with two pairs of Joy-Con controllers on a single Nintendo Switch 2 via split-screen local co-op. Alternatively, players can use GameShare to share Orbitals with a friend with a Nintendo Switch 2 or even a Nintendo Switch.
What is the plot and setting of Orbitals?
Orbitals features Maki and Omura as the protagonists. A bit inexperienced, they are trapped within a supernatural cosmic storm, and are forced to search for hell for their station home, which has suffered substantial damage as a result. To do so, the duo will have to venture beyond the storm.
What’s the inspiration behind Orbitals?
In an interview with Meristation, Game Director Jakob Lundgren and Creative Director Marcos Ramos talked in-depth about the game. Similarities with It Takes Two and Split Fiction were pointed out, but they didn’t come out of nowhere. After all, Lundgren worked on both games back when he was at Hazelight.
What separates Orbitals from those games, however, is the art style. Based on anime from the 80s and 90s, the developers cite Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, Venus Wars, and Dragon Ball as references.
Be sure to check out our 2026 video game and tech calendar for more upcoming releases.
