Kepler Interactive and developer Shapefarm have confirmed that Orbitals will feature a "Global Friend's Pass" at launch, designed to lower the barrier for co-op play on Nintendo Switch 2. The app is scheduled to arrive alongside the game on September 3, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Availability: The Friend's Pass and demo launch on September 3, 2026.
- Online Co-op: Owners can invite a friend to play for free via the Friend's Pass, provided the guest downloads the app.
- Local Demo: A free demo, included within the app, allows players to experience the opening chapter in local co-op.
- Cross-Generation: Local co-op via GameShare is supported even if the second player is using a standard Nintendo Switch.
How Co-op Access Works
The Friend's Pass functions similarly to systems seen in titles like It Takes Two. Once the game launches, a player who owns the full version can invite a friend to join an online session; that friend only needs to have the free Friend's Pass app installed to participate. Note that an active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online play.
For those interested in local play, the included demo provides access to the opening chapter. While the demo is restricted to local co-op, it serves as a way to test the game's mechanics without a purchase. The developers have also clarified that local GameShare allows for co-op sessions between a Switch 2 and a standard Nintendo Switch console.