Hitman: World of Assassination bundles together the complete trilogy of the modern Hitman reboot, Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021) into one package. Known for its open-ended missions, creative assassination methods, and immersive sandbox levels, the series has earned a reputation as one of the best in stealth gaming.
Now, the Nintendo Switch 2 version promises the full experience on a portable platform. Unlike the cloud-streamed version that launched for the original Switch, this edition runs natively on the new hardware.
Gameplay: The Core Stealth Experience Shines In Hitman: World of Assassination
The core of Hitman: World of Assassination remains unchanged, and that’s a good thing. Players step into the well-polished shoes of Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin sent across the globe to eliminate high-profile targets. Each mission is a playground for stealth experimentation. You can poison a drink, cause an “accidental” fall, or even don a flamingo mascot outfit to get close to your target.
Each level offers dozens of ways to complete objectives. The game actively encourages replaying missions to uncover new methods and storylines. Whether you’re a silent assassin or a chaotic wildcard, the game adapts to your style.
The trilogy’s structure has been smartly unified. All maps and missions are accessible from a single menu, and progression carries across the games. The addition of the Freelancer Mode (a roguelike-style assassination campaign with permadeath elements) adds serious longevity for hardcore players. This is alongside the special elusive targets, the single-play limited time events. It most recently featured a James Bond tie-in starring Mads Mikkelsen reprising his role from Casino Royale.
Performance: Switch 2 Handles It Surprisingly Well
The game runs natively, not via cloud streaming, and that makes a massive difference. Thanks to the improved specs of the Switch 2, you can expect:
- 1080p resolution in docked mode and 720p in handheld mode
- A stable 30 FPS across most missions
- Minimal loading times, especially compared to the original Switch or older consoles
While it doesn’t hit the 60 FPS target seen on PS5 or Xbox Series X, the Switch 2’s performance is stable and consistent enough to make the game fully enjoyable. Occasional dips do occur in larger environments, such as Mumbai or Santa Fortuna, but they’re not deal-breakers, even though it isn’t hitting the 4k we hoped for.
Visuals: A Compromise, But Still Impressive
Hitman has always been a visually detailed series, with levels brimming with life and atmosphere. Naturally, compromises had to be made for the Switch 2 version, but IO Interactive has done an admirable job optimising the visuals.
The character models and lighting are noticeably scaled back from next-gen standards, but they still maintain a clean and realistic appearance. Environmental design remains impressively intact, with each location feeling unique, ranging from the neon-lit streets of Chongqing to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza. While texture pop-in is minimal, some surfaces and crowd animations lack the finesse typically seen on more powerful consoles.
In handheld mode, the visual compromises are more noticeable, but they’re balanced by the sheer novelty of playing a full-blown Hitman game on the go. For many, that trade-off will be worth it.
Controls and UI: Smooth and Intuitive
The Switch 2’s upgraded Joy-Cons and haptic feedback enhance the stealth gameplay experience. Aiming and movement feel more responsive than on the original Switch, and the game supports full Pro Controller compatibility for docked play.
The UI has been scaled nicely for the smaller screen, with clear objectives, maps, and inventory menus. While the lack of touchscreen support might disappoint some handheld users, the control layout is well-designed and rarely feels clunky.
Audio and Atmosphere: A Big Win for Hitman: World of Assassination
Sound design has always been a strong suit in the Hitman series, and that holds true here. The ambient audio, ranging from bustling crowds to distant echoes, adds depth and immersion to every environment. Agent 47’s stoic voice work is as menacing as ever, and the orchestral soundtrack ramps up tension without overwhelming the scene.
On the Switch 2, audio fidelity is crisp in both handheld and docked modes, and the improved internal speakers make a noticeable difference during portable play.
Final Verdict: A Stealth Hit for Switch 2 Fans
Hitman: World of Assassination on Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most ambitious ports on the platform. For the most part, it succeeds. IO Interactive has delivered a faithful version of the acclaimed trilogy, optimised impressively for both handheld and docked play.
If you’re a fan of stealth games or want to experience Agent 47’s globe-trotting saga in a portable format, this is an easy recommendation. While not without compromises, the experience is rich, replayable, and surprisingly robust on Nintendo’s hybrid console.
