Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition Switch 2 Review – Still Great, But Could’ve Been Better

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IO Interactive participates in the launch celebration of Switch 2 with the “Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition,” but does it make use of the unique features of the new console or is it simply a direct transfer? Let’s delve into the pros and cons of Agent 47’s adventure on Nintendo’s latest platform.

One aspect that displeases numerous fans about the Nintendo-exclusive adaptation of Hitman is its reliance on game key cards. To clarify, the Hitman Signature Edition comes in a physical form as a game key card instead of having all data stored directly on the cartridge. This means players need to download the necessary data online. This addition to the growing list of Switch 2 games that are technically physical but only by name and require game key cards, might disappoint collectors. However, it’s particularly frustrating considering the game’s large install size of 61 GB, currently the second largest on Switch 2 after Split Fiction.

Although the Hitman Signature Edition is a popular key card game, it fails to leverage many of Switch 2’s advantageous features effectively. For instance, employing a mouse control in a third-person assassination game seems counterproductive. Unfortunately, this appears to be the case with the Switch 2 version of Hitman World of Assassination, as there is no compatibility with the new Joy-Con 2’s mouse control mode in the Signature Edition. Instead, you must rely on the traditional analog stick for all your stealthy takedowns and sniper rifle shots.

“There’s no functionality with the Joy-Con 2’s mouse control mode in Signature Edition.”

Apart from the mouse-aiming feature, the Hitman Signature Edition also neglects gyro aiming and touchscreen control – aspects that were initially part of the Switch 2’s unique quirks. While I personally feel uneasy about using a stylus or my fingers on the Switch 2 screen due to hygiene concerns, these controls could have provided a sleek, convenient way to navigate menus and equipment with a simple wrist swipe. However, the control options that are available within the game function satisfactorily.

Using the separate Joy-Cons offers a more ergonomic experience than the original Switch Joy-Cons because they have a larger surface area and more responsive left/right triggers. Attaching the second pair of Joy-Cons to the Grip is ideal for intense gaming sessions like those in Hitman, as the magnets securely lock onto the Grip. Handheld mode provides a similar experience. While I missed the precision of mouse controls for aiming, the improved thumbsticks on the updated Joy-Cons offer sufficient sensitivity that adapts to each player’s unique style and comfort. Fortunately, the game offers adjustable aiming sensitivity and control rebind options in its settings menu.

In case the mouse controls aren’t sufficient, you can find options to adjust the aiming sensitivity and rebind controls within the game’s settings.

In a stealth game like Hitman, it’s not just about accurate aiming; it also relies heavily on your ability to listen carefully. The Switch 2 has significantly enhanced the subtle directional audio necessary for such games, with its 3D audio being particularly bold and distinct, even compared to the PS5’s 3D audio. This allows you to hear sounds coming from all directions, creating an optimal auditory environment for Agent 47 to strategize his moves and execute stealthily. The Switch 2’s improved 3D audio is noticeable whether you’re playing in docked or handheld mode.

The handheld mode of this game consistently impresses me, and let me tell you why. Although the resolution drops from 1080 in docked mode to 720 when playing handheld, the textures, colors, and overall detail are still stunning. This is due to the larger HDR screen on the handheld device, which offers high-quality reflections and shadows similar to those found on a PS4 Pro console. The docked mode remains visually appealing with its 4K capability, but it lacks ray tracing compared to other versions of Hitman World of Assassination.

“The much larger HDR handheld screen allows for PS4-Pro-tier reflections and shadows”

Despite the frame rate limitations being similar or even greater in handheld mode compared to docked mode, I find myself preferring handheld mode due to its variable refresh rate on the Switch 2’s HDR screen. Nintendo has stated that they don’t support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) when docked to a TV, which makes frame stutter more noticeable and inconsistent on external displays. I can tolerate the fact that Hitman doesn’t maintain a steady 60 fps on Switch 2, but the continuous micro-stutter on my TV makes me opt for exclusive handheld mode play as this problem seems to be resolved in that setting.

To put it in my own words as an enthusiastic player, I’ve encountered a couple of instances where the game unexpectedly halted during my extended playthroughs – once within the ICA tutorial for Hitman 1 and another time in the initial mission of Hitman 3. Granted, two crashes aren’t catastrophic, but it’s worth acknowledging the occurrence.

In terms of content, this edition offers a comprehensive experience. The year 2016 saw a refreshing take on the Hitman gameplay with the outstanding title, Hitman 1. This game was the beginning of a series that would eventually be known as the ‘World of Assassination’. As its name suggests, the Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition encompasses the entire reboot trilogy.

Unfortunately, cross-progression is not available yet, even if your IOI account is connected, which means you can’t transfer your save data from other platforms to the Switch 2. Given how deeply this game relies on player progression, having to start from scratch on a new platform might be difficult for those who are already invested in the game elsewhere. Additionally, some players have reported trouble accessing their previously saved online files offline. However, as of today, I’ve been able to load and continue playing an offline save file that was originally saved online. It’s unclear if a day one patch resolved this inconsistency, but I’m not entirely certain.

If you’re only playing it offline, you won’t get access to much additional content. However, you can still finish the entire campaign for the trilogy.

In simple terms, all primary missions from the trilogy can be played without an internet connection. However, it’s important to note that “World of Assassination” incorporates aspects of a live service model. This means that if you only play offline, you’ll miss out on numerous mission challenges and side activities linked to online features. There was some speculation that the game’s portability and Nintendo’s strong brand might persuade developers to provide offline access for these modes, but unfortunately, this didn’t happen. This can be disappointing, particularly when playing in areas with unreliable internet connections on a handheld device.

Players are urged to test out different disguises, listen in on valuable information, and discover multiple strategies for carrying out an assassination.

With our discussion on Switch-related matters and the online aspect complete, let’s delve into the core of Hitman World of Assassination – those meticulously designed sandbox missions. The gameplay formula immerses you in the role of Agent 47, who is given tasks to eliminate targets using stealth, deception, and an array of inventive craziness. These missions transpire in exquisite, intricate settings that I find captivating. Players are invited to test out disguises, gather essential information by eavesdropping, and discover multiple methods for executing assassinations.

The game Hitman isn’t about non-stop shooting action; instead, it relies on sharp observation skills and a knack for stealth. Whether you’re setting up a malfunctioning robot security system to disrupt a tech CEO’s demonstration or orchestrating a stylish ‘accident’ with a hanging chandelier, the excitement comes from carrying out assassinations in a sophisticated and understated manner.

Absolutely, the game Hitman is recognized for its exceptional replay value, making it ideal for portable play during brief, intermittent gaming sessions. As players progress and master a location, they gain access to additional tools, outfits, starting points, and narrative paths. Mission Stories, an integral part of each level, offer flexible narratives with multiple outcomes. Each map presents numerous possibilities, allowing you to tailor events to your preferences, while the main storyline generally follows a linear path.

On the Nintendo Switch 2, the “Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition” offers an extensive and satisfying stealth-sandbox adventure that can be played in both handheld and docked modes. The game runs decently and provides substantial content for its price. However, I wish Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) functioned while docked because the occasional stutter is quite noticeable, even to an untrained eye. Unfortunately, Nintendo-lovers may be disappointed by the absence of Switch-exclusive features like mouse controls and gyro, but overall, it’s a well-executed port of a fantastic game that offers great value for money given its high price on other platforms and its smooth portability on Switch 2.

This game was reviewed on the Switch 2.

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2025-06-17 17:12