No Man’s Sky Launches Massive Switch 2 Upgrade and Lets You Become a Town’s Mayor

Hello Games has quietly been preparing a surprise for No Man’s Sky fans: a massively upgraded version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch alongside the console. This updated release marks a huge leap forward from the original Switch port and includes a wide range of improvements—not just in performance, but in gameplay depth.

A Huge Leap for Nintendo Players

According to the UK-based indie studio, the original No Man’s Sky Switch version was already pushing the hardware to its limits, even being one of the very few games on the system to support AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2. But with the upgraded hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2, Hello Games is finally delivering the full experience to handheld players.

Key improvements in the Switch 2 version include:

• Full multiplayer support, including cross-save and cross-play.

• Significantly improved resolution, frame rate, and texture quality.

• Higher pixel density and UI resolution in both handheld and TV modes.

• Support for touchscreen and gyro controls.

The Switch 2 version truly brings the experience on par with other platforms, delivering the seamless and expansive sci-fi journey No Man’s Sky has become known for.

Update 38: BEACON Adds Settlements, Mayors, and More

In parallel with the Switch 2 upgrade, Hello Games has released a major new update for No Man’s Sky on all platforms. Titled BEACON, this is the game’s 38th named update, and it delivers a substantial overhaul to the settlement system.

Become a Mayor

Players can now take full ownership of multiple settlements, assuming the role of mayor. This includes:

• Constructing and upgrading buildings, including brand-new types like:

  • Jukebox bars where you can choose your own music

  • Custom starship merchants

  • Peaceful ponds for relaxation and fishing

• Managing citizens, each with their own skills and attributes

• Welcoming settlers, resolving disputes, and making decisions to shape your town’s prosperity

Well-managed towns generate valuable resources, but they’re not without threats. Travellers can now recruit squadrons of wingmen to defend their settlements from pirate attacks, adding a new layer of responsibility and action to the peaceful life of a planetary mayor.

A Redemption Story That Keeps Delivering

Since its rocky 2016 launch, No Man’s Sky has seen a staggering turnaround. With a steady flow of free updates, Hello Games has not only restored community trust but also grown its reputation into one of the best ongoing support stories in the industry. The game now boasts very positive user reviews and continues to expand its scope with every release.

From planetary exploration to multiplayer missions—and now mayoral duties and town defense—No Man’s Sky continues to evolve in ways few could have imagined nearly a decade ago.

Have you tried the BEACON update yet? Or are you holding out for the Switch 2 version? Let us know in the comments below!