Published on: August 01, 2025
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Launches on Nintendo Switch: Expanded Story, New Features, and Strong Performance
The Demon Slayer franchise has firmly cemented its legacy in both anime and gaming, with each new adaptation capturing the intense emotion and spectacle that made the series a cultural phenomenon.
Now, CyberConnect2 and Nintendo have brought Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 to the Nintendo Switch, extending the saga for fans who want to experience Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in handheld and hybrid modes.
Released on August 5, 2025, this sequel builds on the impressive foundation of its predecessor by adding fresh story content, a more extensive roster, and upgraded gameplay systems—delivering one of the most robust action anime titles available on the eShop.
A Seamless Anime Experience on Switch
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 elevates its single-player campaign by faithfully adapting the Entertainment District Arc, Swordsmith Village Arc, and the much-anticipated Hashira Training Arc.
CyberConnect2’s development team focused on capturing the emotional storytelling, character arcs, and dynamic battles that define the Demon Slayer series.
Players take control of Tanjiro and other beloved characters across key moments recreated with high-quality cutscenes and interactive quick-time events (QTEs), ensuring immersion in every dramatic showdown.
While the game does include occasional translation quirks and a modest reduction in visual fidelity due to hardware constraints, the Nintendo Switch port delivers stable performance—especially in Story Mode.
Load times remain brief, cutscenes appear clear, and both docked and handheld play maintain a consistent, enjoyable experience.
This polished adaptation is a testament to CyberConnect2’s expertise in delivering cinematic action on Nintendo’s portable hybrid console.
Expanded Mechanics and Characters
Combat in Hinokami Chronicles 2 stays true to the series’ arena-fighter roots, but introduces fresh mechanics, such as Dual Ultimate attacks and customizable Gear loadouts.
Players can team up two fighters, unleashing new co-op finishers that enhance strategy and add visual flair, particularly in Versus Mode battles.
The control scheme is simple and accessible, balancing light and heavy attacks with a responsive parry/block system that allows skilled play without overwhelming new players.
Versus Mode sees a significant boost, now featuring over 40 playable characters, including all nine Hashira, several demons, and alternate forms of fan favorites.
New additions like Mitsuri Kanroji, Muichiro Tokito, and Genya Shinazugawa bring unique movesets and playstyles.
Offline and online multiplayer options add replay value, though online play does not utilize rollback netcode, which can occasionally lead to input delays.
Nevertheless, the local and CPU Versus modes provide a stable space to experiment and master the expanded lineup.
Visuals, Performance, and Replay Value on Nintendo Switch
Given the Switch’s hardware, Hinokami Chronicles 2 understandably makes some compromises in texture quality and effects, but it retains fluidity in story and combat sequences.
The visual storytelling remains strong, with powerful moments—such as Nezuko’s transformations or Gyokko’s evolving threat—highlighting the game’s commitment to accurately portraying emotional climaxes from the anime.
Players are rewarded for exploration and dedication with a wealth of collectibles, including animation cels and unlockable characters, ensuring substantial replayability for completionists.
Despite minor dips in performance during large, effects-heavy attacks in Versus Mode, overall gameplay remains smooth and accessible both docked and on the go.
Final Thoughts
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 successfully builds upon the original formula by introducing new narrative arcs, improved mechanics, and a much larger selection of fighters.
While the definitive experience in terms of visuals and network play may still reside on other platforms, the Nintendo Switch version delivers an impressive and faithful adaptation of the anime.
For fans eager to follow Tanjiro’s journey wherever they go—or for those looking to challenge friends in local battles—this release stands out as a must-play addition to the Switch fighting game library, confirming CyberConnect2’s reputation for quality anime adaptations.
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Kimetsu no Yaiba Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 CyberConnect2 Entertainment District Arc Swordsmith Village Arc Hashira Training Arc Mitsuri Kanroji Muichiro Tokito Genya Shinazugawa Tanjiro Kamado