Hello Games has officially lifted the curtain on No Man’s Sky: Beacon, a major update launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. This new expansion marks a significant milestone for the title on Nintendo’s hardware, finally bringing the beloved space exploration game closer in line with its PC and console versions. With enhanced visuals, higher frame rates, and full multiplayer functionality, the Switch 2 version represents a true leap forward from the original Switch port.
Previously, No Man’s Sky on the first-gen Switch delivered an admirable but scaled-down experience, suffering from performance issues and stripped-back features. With the more powerful Switch 2 hardware, the game now runs at higher resolutions, offers smoother gameplay, and includes expanded mechanics. Among the most exciting additions in the Beacon update are customizable settlements, new building types like jukebox bars and merchant hubs, and the ability to recruit wingmen to fend off space pirates. Robotic Autophage factions also debut, adding new layers to the game’s evolving lore.
Players who already own No Man’s Sky on Switch can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for free, making Hello Games one of the few developers offering no-cost next-gen upgrades—something fans are already praising, especially in contrast to paid upgrade models seen with other Nintendo franchises.
Beyond visual upgrades, Beacon reaffirms Hello Games’ long-standing commitment to growing No Man’s Sky as a living universe. With deeper mechanics and a more expansive sandbox than ever before, the update not only enhances the player experience but positions the title as a premier showcase of what Switch 2 can achieve. If this trajectory continues, No Man’s Sky could cement itself as the definitive open-universe title on Nintendo’s next-gen platform.
