Orbitals finally gets a release date, and we couldn't be happier

3 days ago 4

Published Jun 9, 2026, 10:18 AM EDT

'Anime Split Fiction' will be released in just a few short months

Flying a spaceship on a track in space in a screenshot from Nintendo Switch 2 game Orbitals

Fans of Hazelight's chaotic co-op games looking for a new adventure won't have to wait long. Indie developer Shapefarm's Orbitals will be released on Sept. 3 as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, as revealed during Tuesday's Nintendo Direct presentation.

The new trailer showcases more of its co-op gameplay. Players will work in tandem to progress levels and beat rhythm minigames. You can play Orbitals locally on two different Nintendo Switch 2s via GameShare, and the new trailer even shows it being played on an original Nintendo Switch through GameShare.

In Orbitals, you and your gaming partner play as space explorers who must venture through a cosmic storm to save their space station home. The co-op gameplay immediately calls to mind Hazelight's games It Takes Two and Split Fiction, and that's not without intention. "I'm trying to bring a lot of the same design and co-op philosophies, while ensuring it has its own identity and feels like a fresh experience," director Jakob Lundgren told Polygon about how his prior work at Hazelight influenced the development of Orbitals.

Orbitals was first revealed at The Game Awards last year and immediately caught our attention as a game to look out for in 2026. It made a striking appearance at February's Nintendo Switch 2 Partner Showcase, but was without a release date until now.

Players can pick up their Joy-Cons to start playing Orbitals on Sept. 3.