MIO: Memories in Orbit officially launches today, and it is already shaping up to be the first true blockbuster of 2026. As the debut standout title on the newly released Nintendo Switch 2, this sci-fi masterpiece from Douze Dixièmes delivers an experience that is as punishing as it is beautiful. If you have been waiting for a game that blends the fluid traversal of Ori with the brutal precision of Hollow Knight, your wait is over. Our MIO Memories in Orbit review explores why this atmospheric adventure is a must-play title for fans of the genre.
A World in Decay: Exploring The Vessel
The game drops you into the metal shell of MIO, a nimble android awakened aboard the Vessel—a colossal, derelict spaceship drifting through the cosmos. The narrative is told through "poetry over exposition," requiring you to piece together the history of this technological ark by reviving its dormant AI caretakers, known as Pearls. Unlike many sci-fi action games in 2026 that rely on heavy dialogue, MIO lets the environment speak for itself.
The Vessel is a character in its own right. Overgrown with lush, alien vegetation and teeming with rogue machines, the world design is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. Every corridor tells a story of abandonment, and the watercolor-inspired art style looks absolutely breathtaking. On the Nintendo Switch 2, the game runs at a blistering frame rate, making the hand-drawn visuals pop with a clarity that the previous generation hardware simply couldn't achieve.
Gameplay: The Art of the Powerless Fantasy
What sets MIO apart from other entries in the best Metroidvania 2026 conversation is its refusal to make you a god. The developers describe the combat as a "powerless fantasy." MIO remains fragile throughout the journey. You won't be tanking hits; you will be dodging them. The gameplay focuses heavily on movement mastery—utilizing a grappling hook, air gliding, and spider-like wall clinging to navigate complex hazards.
Punishing Difficulty and Accessibility
Make no mistake: this game is hard. Bosses like the menacing Scarecrow or the relentless Mosquito will test your reflexes to their limit. However, Douze Dixièmes has introduced a brilliant risk-reward mechanic called "Erosion." If a boss defeats you repeatedly, its health bar can permanently degrade, giving struggling players a fighting chance without compromising the mechanical depth. For those currently stuck on these encounters, a MIO gameplay walkthrough might soon become essential reading.
Switch 2 Performance and Visuals
We played the game primarily on the Nintendo Switch 2, and the results are stunning. The new hardware allows for zero load times between the Vessel's massive interconnected zones. The high-fidelity 4K output (docked) showcases the intricate "sketchy" art style, where every frame looks like a moving comic book panel. It is rare to see a multi-platform indie title feel so perfectly at home on a Nintendo console on day one.
Verdict: An Early GOTY Contender
With its Jan 20, 2026 release date now here, MIO has set a high bar for the rest of the year. It demands patience, precision, and curiosity, rewarding players with one of the most cohesive worlds we have ever explored. While the difficulty spikes might alienate casual players, veterans of the genre will find a deep, rewarding challenge that lingers long after the credits roll.
If you check the MIO Memories in Orbit Metacritic scores later this week, expect to see high praise. This isn't just a good game; it is the first essential purchase of 2026.
