Orbitals developers reveal retro anime style for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive

Shapefarm, a Tokyo-based studio, has released new details regarding Orbitals, a cooperative adventure game exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Scheduled for release on September 3, 2026, the title is published by Kepler Interactive.

The game features a distinct visual style heavily inspired by 1980s and 1990s Japanese anime. To achieve this aesthetic, Shapeform is collaborating with Studio Massket, utilizing hand-drawn cinematics and focusing on character acting, facial expressions, and traditional animation rhythms. Key creative personnel involved include Creative Director Marcos Ramos, Game Director Jakob Lundgren—formerly of Hazelight Studios—and veteran animator Hidetoshi Yoshida.

Orbitals is designed strictly for two-player cooperation, where players control characters Maki and Omura. The gameplay involves navigating space environments and using specialized tools like the scrap hook and beam cannon to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. The game will support both local and online play via Nintendo's connectivity features.