Feral Interactive, a leading authority in high-quality video game ports, has solidified its reputation on Nintendo Switch with acclaimed adaptations including Alien: Isolation and GRID Autosport.
The studio recently brought Hitman: Absolution to Nintendo Switch, following the title's debut on iOS and Android.
With plans now confirmed for a Switch 2 version—available as a free upgrade for existing owners—Feral Interactive continues to set benchmarks in multi-platform game development. Hitman: Absolution, originally developed by IO Interactive, first launched on mobile in 2023 before making its way to Nintendo Switch in 2024 via Feral Interactive.
With a legacy of nearly two decades in the industry, the company has become known for pushing hardware to its limits while delivering thoughtful platform-specific enhancements such as Gyro Aim and GameCube controller support, features that Nintendo Switch fans have come to appreciate. In a recent interview, Feral Interactive’s design lead, Val, explained, "We developed both the mobile and Switch versions of Hitman: Absolution in parallel, utilizing the same core team.
While each platform requires its own optimization and graphical adjustments, the overlap in development ensured that improvements, such as robust gamepad support, benefited both iterations." Reflecting on lessons learned from the mobile launch, Val added that player feedback on new, modern game settings confirmed many features would also benefit the Nintendo Switch edition.
These iterative upgrades help Feral provide enhanced gameplay tailored to the platform’s unique capabilities. Speaking on the timeline, Edwin, leader of Feral’s production and design departments, remarked, "Development for both iOS/Android and Switch versions of Hitman: Absolution took over a year." He emphasized that the focus shifted to Hitman: Absolution after the successful release of Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal, another title Feral brought to both mobile and Switch. The biggest technical challenge for the team was maintaining performance on Nintendo Switch hardware.
"Achieving strong visuals and a stable frame rate—especially in handheld mode—required significant testing and optimization," Val explained.
However, the upcoming Switch 2 release promises notable graphical improvements, higher frame rates, and full support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
Though Feral has yet to confirm specific resolution or frame rate targets for Switch 2, players can expect a demonstrable leap in quality. Addressing the future of their other franchises, Edwin acknowledged the community’s desire for Switch 2 upgrades for GRID Autosport, Alien: Isolation, and Blood Money, stating, "We have nothing new to announce, but we recognize the interest." Regarding simultaneous launches for current and next-gen hardware, Edwin noted that releasing on Switch first made sense due to its vast install base, but reassured players the Switch 2 upgrade for Hitman: Absolution would be free. Feral also highlighted their productive relationship with Nintendo.
"Nintendo has been very supportive, and their assistance in both promotion and technical development has made porting to Switch and Switch 2 a straightforward decision," Edwin said.
When considering the future, Feral evaluates each game’s unique requirements against the strengths and limitations of Nintendo platforms.
As Val observed, while not every mobile port will automatically migrate to Switch, "the capabilities of Switch 2 may change the equation for some entries." Feral Interactive remains committed to maximizing what each Nintendo Switch iteration can offer its players.
GRID Autosport and Alien: Isolation have performed especially well on Switch, thanks to the attention the team gives to console-specific features.
Edwin summarized the company’s philosophy: "It’s critical to harness the platform’s strengths, instead of merely conducting a direct port, so players receive the best possible experience." Fans eager for more can look forward to continued support for Switch and potential future updates as Feral Interactive further expands its flagship portfolio across Nintendo hardware.
The studio recently brought Hitman: Absolution to Nintendo Switch, following the title's debut on iOS and Android.
With plans now confirmed for a Switch 2 version—available as a free upgrade for existing owners—Feral Interactive continues to set benchmarks in multi-platform game development. Hitman: Absolution, originally developed by IO Interactive, first launched on mobile in 2023 before making its way to Nintendo Switch in 2024 via Feral Interactive.
With a legacy of nearly two decades in the industry, the company has become known for pushing hardware to its limits while delivering thoughtful platform-specific enhancements such as Gyro Aim and GameCube controller support, features that Nintendo Switch fans have come to appreciate. In a recent interview, Feral Interactive’s design lead, Val, explained, "We developed both the mobile and Switch versions of Hitman: Absolution in parallel, utilizing the same core team.
While each platform requires its own optimization and graphical adjustments, the overlap in development ensured that improvements, such as robust gamepad support, benefited both iterations." Reflecting on lessons learned from the mobile launch, Val added that player feedback on new, modern game settings confirmed many features would also benefit the Nintendo Switch edition.
These iterative upgrades help Feral provide enhanced gameplay tailored to the platform’s unique capabilities. Speaking on the timeline, Edwin, leader of Feral’s production and design departments, remarked, "Development for both iOS/Android and Switch versions of Hitman: Absolution took over a year." He emphasized that the focus shifted to Hitman: Absolution after the successful release of Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal, another title Feral brought to both mobile and Switch. The biggest technical challenge for the team was maintaining performance on Nintendo Switch hardware.
"Achieving strong visuals and a stable frame rate—especially in handheld mode—required significant testing and optimization," Val explained.
However, the upcoming Switch 2 release promises notable graphical improvements, higher frame rates, and full support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
Though Feral has yet to confirm specific resolution or frame rate targets for Switch 2, players can expect a demonstrable leap in quality. Addressing the future of their other franchises, Edwin acknowledged the community’s desire for Switch 2 upgrades for GRID Autosport, Alien: Isolation, and Blood Money, stating, "We have nothing new to announce, but we recognize the interest." Regarding simultaneous launches for current and next-gen hardware, Edwin noted that releasing on Switch first made sense due to its vast install base, but reassured players the Switch 2 upgrade for Hitman: Absolution would be free. Feral also highlighted their productive relationship with Nintendo.
"Nintendo has been very supportive, and their assistance in both promotion and technical development has made porting to Switch and Switch 2 a straightforward decision," Edwin said.
When considering the future, Feral evaluates each game’s unique requirements against the strengths and limitations of Nintendo platforms.
As Val observed, while not every mobile port will automatically migrate to Switch, "the capabilities of Switch 2 may change the equation for some entries." Feral Interactive remains committed to maximizing what each Nintendo Switch iteration can offer its players.
GRID Autosport and Alien: Isolation have performed especially well on Switch, thanks to the attention the team gives to console-specific features.
Edwin summarized the company’s philosophy: "It’s critical to harness the platform’s strengths, instead of merely conducting a direct port, so players receive the best possible experience." Fans eager for more can look forward to continued support for Switch and potential future updates as Feral Interactive further expands its flagship portfolio across Nintendo hardware.
