The highly anticipated sequel to *Cyberpunk 2077*, currently known as Project Orion, is set to deliver a bold new vision for the franchise. One of the most exciting revelations so far is the introduction of a brand-new city, described by Mike Pondsmith as “Chicago gone wrong.” This fresh setting will exist alongside the iconic Night City, offering players an expanded world filled with new stories, characters, and cybernetic adventures.
In other developments, CD Projekt Red continues to push forward with the *Cyberpunk 2077* Switch 2 port, giving fans a glimpse into how the game performs on Nintendo’s next-generation handheld. Read on for the latest updates from Pondsmith, CDPR job listings, and performance insights about the Switch 2 version.
Project Orion: A Sequel With Expansive World-Building
During Digital Dragons 2025 on May 20, Mike Pondsmith offered a rare inside look at the development of *Cyberpunk 2077*'s sequel, codenamed Project Orion. While he isn't as deeply involved as before, Pondsmith confirmed that he remains engaged with the project—reviewing scripts and consulting with teams working on new cyberware, environments, and gameplay features.
One of the most intriguing details revealed was the inclusion of a second city, distinct from Night City. When describing its atmosphere, Pondsmith remarked that it felt less like *Blade Runner* and more like a dystopian Chicago—an urban sprawl marked by decay, ambition, and high-tech chaos. He praised the design direction, stating that the concept resonated well with the Cyberpunk universe.
Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red has been actively recruiting talent for the sequel. Among the recent job postings is a Lead Encounter Designer role, aimed at crafting immersive and memorable gameplay experiences. The position emphasizes innovation, including collaboration with systems designers to develop what could be “the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date.”
Though details remain scarce, these updates suggest that Project Orion is shaping up to be a groundbreaking entry in the series—one that builds upon the foundation laid by *Cyberpunk 2077* while introducing ambitious new mechanics and expansive storytelling.
Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 Port: New Footage Released
On the subject of ports, CD Projekt Red recently released new footage showcasing *Cyberpunk 2077* running on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The B-roll videos, totaling around 37 minutes, were published on CDPR’s official website and provide a closer look at how the game has been optimized for the hybrid console.
Initial reactions during the Switch 2 showcase events in New York and Paris earlier this year noted some performance concerns, particularly frame drops during intensive scenes. According to reports, such as one from Business Insider, playing *Cyberpunk 2077* on Switch 2 can feel more like a novelty than a premium experience due to technical limitations.
However, CDPR Engineer Tim Green expressed optimism about the current state of the port during an interview with Game File on April 25. He explained that memory constraints haven’t posed major issues, and the improved storage speed of the Switch 2 has helped resolve early streaming problems. This allowed the team to focus on enhancing overall performance and polish.
The *Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition* is scheduled to launch on Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. It will include the full base game, all post-launch updates, and the acclaimed *Phantom Liberty* expansion. For fans eager to take Night City on the go, this release represents a major milestone in accessibility and platform reach.
