Orbitals Friend Pass GameShare Second Player Free
Orbitals is 2-player co-op only. The second player can join the entire adventure for free using Global Friend Pass or GameShare. Here is which option to use, what consoles work, and whether Nintendo Switch Online is required.
Orbitals
Friend Pass
GameShare
2-Player Co-Op
Switch 2
Play the full Orbitals campaign with a friend when only one of you owns the game. Players keep asking which option to use, what consoles work, and whether Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is required.
1Choose the Right Method First
| Situation | Use this | Second player buys? | NSO needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same room, one Switch 2 | Local co-op | No | No |
| Same room, second person has Switch 1, Lite, or OLED | Local GameShare | No | No |
| Different places, both have Switch 2 | Online GameShare or Global Friend Pass | No | Yes, both players |
| Different places, want a dedicated free app for the guest | Global Friend Pass | No | Yes, both players |
Pick GameShare if you already use GameChat and both of you have Switch 2. Pick Friend Pass if the guest wants a standalone eShop app they can keep installed and join from later. Both give the full campaign. Friend Pass play is split-screen on the guest's side.
2Global Friend Pass (online, second player free)
-
1
Owner buys Orbitals (physical cart or digital) on Switch 2
-
2
Guest opens the Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 on launch day and downloads Orbitals: Global Friend Pass. It is free
The same app includes a local co-op demo of the opening chapter.
-
3
Both players need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership
-
4
Owner starts the full game, then sends an invite to the friend who has the Friend Pass app installed
-
5
Guest accepts the invite inside the Friend Pass app
They can now play the whole campaign. The guest cannot play solo or host. They only join the owner.
3Online GameShare (also second player free)
-
1
Owner has Orbitals on Switch 2
-
2
Both players are on Switch 2 and have NSO
-
3
Owner starts GameShare through GameChat and invites the friend
-
4
Guest joins. Only one copy is required. Same full campaign as Friend Pass
4Local Play (no NSO)
-
1
One Switch 2, two controllers: Start the full game. Second player sits on the same system. No extra download
-
2
Two consoles in the same room: Owner starts Local GameShare
Guest can use original Switch, Switch Lite, or OLED. Owner's console must be the Switch 2 that holds the game.
5Key Decisions
Try before you buy
Download Friend Pass first
Play the included local co-op demo on one Switch 2 with two controllers. Demo is local-only. It will not work online.
Physical vs digital for the owner
Either works
Friend Pass and GameShare do not care how the owner bought the game.
Who hosts
Always the person who owns the full game
The Friend Pass user never hosts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking Friend Pass works without NSO online. It does not. Both players need NSO for online play.
- Expecting the demo to work online or as a solo trial. It is local co-op only.
- Trying to use Friend Pass on original Switch. The app is Switch 2 only. Use Local GameShare instead if the second console is Switch 1.
- Assuming the guest can keep playing after the owner logs off. They cannot. Session ends when the owner leaves.
- Buying a second copy because you thought GameShare was local-only. Online GameShare and Friend Pass both cover the full game at a distance.