Time to (re)launch your space career, Nintendo fans.
No Man’s Sky—the space exploration game that went from meme-worthy flop to redemption arc legend—is leveling up once again. Hello Games just announced a huge upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2 and dropped the Beacon update like a meteor from the stars. TL;DR: this isn’t just another patch—it’s a game-changer.
A New Frontier for Switch Players
The Switch 2 version of No Man’s Sky, launching alongside the console itself, is a massive step up from the 2022 port. While the original Switch version was impressive just for running at all, let’s be honest—it was the gaming equivalent of squeezing a galaxy into a shoebox.
Now? We’re talking:
- High-res visuals that actually make planets look like planets, not pixel puddles.
- Better framerates, which means less slideshow, more stargazing.
- Improved rendering, so terrain doesn’t pop in like it’s trying to surprise you.
And yes, there’s full multiplayer support this time. You can finally squad up with your friends, build a base, and accidentally blow each other up in beautiful 60 FPS glory.
Switch 2-Only Perks
Alongside the graphical glow-up, Hello Games is tapping into the Switch 2’s hardware with:
- Touchscreen support – Inventory management without stick-drifting rage.
- Gyro controls – Perfect for motion-aiming your mining laser at just the right angle.
- Cross-save – Start your game on the original Switch, finish it on the new one without losing your 400-hour progress.
Best part? If you already own the game on Switch, you’re getting this upgrade for free. Nintendo gods, bless this generous dev team.
Enter the Beacon: The Real Star of the Show
Right on cue, Beacon—the latest in a long line of substantial No Man’s Sky updates—also lands today. And it’s basically SimCity meets Star Wars.
Here’s what’s packed in:
Robotic Settlements
- Discover brand-new mechanical towns across the galaxy.
- Become a galactic mayor: manage resources, settle disputes, name streets (okay, maybe not that last one).
- Buildings can be upgraded or demolished. Power-hungry? Build a drone factory. Pacifist? Go for a spa.
Settlement Defense & Combat Squadrons
- Pirates will attack your settlement. Don’t ask why. Probably taxes.
- You can now hire and manage combat squadrons—like your own mini Starfox team.
- Space combat has more depth, with new ships and squad AI tweaks.
Visual & UX Tweaks
- UI refresh for better navigation.
- Improved NPC interactions, with more personality and weird alien quirks.
It’s not just a content drop—it’s an infrastructure overhaul.
Nine Years, Still Flying
No Man’s Sky came out in 2016. That’s ancient by gaming standards. But instead of fading into obscurity or milking sequels, Hello Games has done the unthinkable: they kept making it better.
From Origins to Echoes, and now Beacon, this is a live-service success story written in stars and second chances. The Switch 2 upgrade proves they’re not slowing down.
Should You Jump In?
If you:
- Own a Switch 2 (or are planning to)
- Love exploration, base-building, or just vibing in space
- Want a game that respects your time AND your wallet
…then No Man’s Sky is absolutely worth another look. Or a first look.
And if you’ve been away for a while, Beacon is the perfect excuse to dust off your multitool and start bossing around some space robots.
Over to You
Have you played No Man’s Sky on Switch—or are you planning to dive in on Switch 2? Will Beacon pull you back into orbit? Or is it too little too late?
Drop your thoughts below. Or just send us screenshots of your weirdest alien settlements. Either way, let’s get weird in space.
