Orbitals will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3 with several ways to play its two-player adventure, including a free Friend’s Pass that lets one person join a friend who owns the game. Shapefarm confirmed the co-op details on July 29.
The anime-inspired adventure is built specifically for two players. The simplest option is local couch co-op, with both players sharing one Nintendo Switch 2. The game will also support GameShare, letting another player join wirelessly either locally or through Nintendo Switch Online.
There is a useful bonus for owners of the original Switch. Local GameShare co-op will allow someone playing on the first Nintendo Switch, including the Switch Lite and Switch OLED models, to join a session hosted on Switch 2. The second player will not need to own Orbitals or upgrade to the newer console.
Orbitals’ Global Friend’s Pass explained
Players who would rather team up from separate consoles can use the Global Friend’s Pass. The free application will be available through the Nintendo eShop, allowing a second player to join the person who purchased Orbitals on Switch 2 from release day. The invited player will be able to experience the entire campaign with the host without purchasing another copy, following the approach used by several co-op games from Hazelight.
The pass will also include a free local co-op demo. Two players sharing one Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to play the opening chapter before committing to the full adventure. Orbitals co-director Jakob Lundgren previously worked on Hazelight’s co-op games, a connection that helps explain the game’s focus on making multiplayer access simple.
What each Switch version supports
Local GameShare is the option that connects Switch 2 with the original Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED. Full online play and native local co-op require Nintendo Switch 2. Players who both own the newer console will also be able to use Online GameShare and GameChat, provided both accounts have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Shapefarm shared the full breakdown of Orbitals’ multiplayer options in an announcement from the official Orbitals website.
We're super excited to confirm that Orbitals will have a Global Friend's Pass available on release, which includes a free local co-op demo!! 💖
Orbitals is built from the ground up for two players, so here are the different ways you and a friend can team up in Orbitals together!… pic.twitter.com/1suywGnz7H
— Orbitals (@OrbitalsGame) July 29, 2026
With couch co-op, GameShare, and the Friend’s Pass all available, Orbitals is shaping up as a game designed to keep the second player from needing their own full purchase. Tell us how you plan to play Orbitals in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
