Nightdive Studios has released its award-winning System Shock remake on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, bringing the modern reworking of the 1994 sci-fi classic to Nintendo platforms for the first time.
Previously released on PC in 2023 and other consoles in 2024, the remake has been widely praised for staying faithful to the original while updating it for modern players. With this release, Nintendo owners can now play both System Shock and System Shock 2 on a single platform, completing the duology.
Two Switch versions, different technical targets
The Switch release includes several platform-specific features. On the original Nintendo Switch, players get gyro aiming and a range of refinements added in response to community feedback since the PC launch.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners get additional upgrades, including Joy-Con 2 mouse support and higher performance targets, with up to 1440p at 60fps when docked and 1080p at 60fps in handheld mode.
Nightdive has highlighted the technical challenge of bringing the remake to Nintendo hardware while retaining its visual identity.
“To achieve Nightdive’s performance and fidelity targets on Nintendo Switch, we retained deferred rendering to keep our dynamic lighting intact, which is a massive challenge on Nintendo Switch hardware,” said producer Justin Khan. He added that the team hopes the port earns a place alongside other so-called “impossible ports” on the system.
“We are incredibly proud of the results we’ve delivered and hope the fans feel we’ve earned a spot among other ‘Impossible Ports’ like DOOM 2016, Wolfenstein, and The Witcher 3 on the platform. Nintendo Switch 2 owners will also be very pleased and have an even better experience thanks to high resolution and FPS when docked and in handheld mode.”
A faithful remake of a genre-defining game
The System Shock remake blends the structure and gameplay of the original with HD visuals, revised controls, a redesigned interface, and new audio. Players explore Citadel Station while contending with traps, puzzles, and a variety of hostile enemies created and controlled by SHODAN, one of gaming’s most enduring antagonists.
Development involved collaboration with several original team members, including Terri Brosius, the original voice of SHODAN, helping preserve the game’s tone and identity.
Players can choose between a male or female-presenting Hacker protagonist, and survival still depends on a careful mix of combat, exploration, stealth, and problem-solving.
Pricing and availability
System Shock is available now on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 for $39.99, with cross-buy support across both platforms (with Southeast Asia support coming shortly). The game is also available on PC via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Humble Store, as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
For those looking to complete the experience, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is also available on Nintendo Switch for $29.99, and is compatible with Switch 2.
For a game that helped define immersive sims, seeing System Shock make the jump to Nintendo hardware feels like a significant moment — especially given the technical hurdles involved.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
