With the arrival of Hitman: Absolution on Nintendo Switch in 2025, both loyal fans and newcomers get a fresh chance to experience Agent 47’s shadowy world—now with innovative features tailored for Nintendo’s hybrid platform.
Originally released in 2012 by IO Interactive, Hitman: Absolution sparked considerable debate among fans due to its cinematic approach and more linear mission design.
Now, over a decade later, this divisive entry lands on the Switch, offering unique improvements and renewed appeal for stealth-action enthusiasts. Hitman: Absolution puts players in control of the legendary Agent 47, focusing on stealth, disguise, and creative choices across 20 story-driven missions.
Compared to previous entries, the narrative takes a darker and more personal turn, exposing aspects of Agent 47’s vulnerability beneath his steely professionalism.
Players can choose to covertly ghost past obstacles or create chaos, embracing the flexibility that defines the franchise—even within a more guided structure. IO Interactive has ensured that the Switch version stands out by optimizing controls for Nintendo's platform.
Most notably, this new edition includes optional motion controls for aiming.
This addition enables smoother scoped shots and more precise takedowns, particularly advantageous in handheld mode—a testament to the developer’s attention to platform strengths.
The game is priced at $29.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop, which feels fair considering not just the core campaign but also thoughtful quality-of-life updates. Visually, Hitman: Absolution on the Switch retains much of its original 2012 look.
While players will notice slight enhancements to character models and lighting, the overall graphical fidelity reflects the hardware’s limits: occasional blurring and lower detail are noticeable, especially in docked mode.
Performance in handheld mode remains stable, but when the Switch is docked, some noticeable frame rate drops may occur.
During testing, there was a rare instance of the game crashing mid-mission—a known issue that may be addressed in future patches, ensuring stability for all players. Certain legacy issues persist, including the checkpoint system that can require replaying large sections after mistakes, and unreliable AI that sometimes disrupts immersion.
The gameplay, compared to other Hitman entries, remains more linear and action-oriented, which may not satisfy those craving the full freedom of a sandbox environment.
Nevertheless, the Switch port captures what made Absolution distinct, while smoothing out rough edges and respecting its atmospheric tone. An exciting feature for series veterans is the upcoming return of Contracts Mode—a free update expected in early 2026.
This creative mode allows players to design and share custom assassination challenges, extending replay value and underscoring IO Interactive’s commitment to supporting the Switch version beyond launch.
The studio has indicated that further updates may target technical performance, like frame rate improvement and crash mitigation. In summary, Hitman: Absolution on Nintendo Switch is a solid way to revisit or discover this controversial yet stylish chapter in Agent 47’s story.
The portable form factor, new motion controls, and promise of enhanced content like Contracts Mode make it a compelling buy for fans of stealth action—despite lingering flaws: **Score: 8/10 – A portable, well-priced take on Hitman: Absolution, offering motion controls and future updates that justify the Switch port for both veterans and newcomers.**
Originally released in 2012 by IO Interactive, Hitman: Absolution sparked considerable debate among fans due to its cinematic approach and more linear mission design.
Now, over a decade later, this divisive entry lands on the Switch, offering unique improvements and renewed appeal for stealth-action enthusiasts. Hitman: Absolution puts players in control of the legendary Agent 47, focusing on stealth, disguise, and creative choices across 20 story-driven missions.
Compared to previous entries, the narrative takes a darker and more personal turn, exposing aspects of Agent 47’s vulnerability beneath his steely professionalism.
Players can choose to covertly ghost past obstacles or create chaos, embracing the flexibility that defines the franchise—even within a more guided structure. IO Interactive has ensured that the Switch version stands out by optimizing controls for Nintendo's platform.
Most notably, this new edition includes optional motion controls for aiming.
This addition enables smoother scoped shots and more precise takedowns, particularly advantageous in handheld mode—a testament to the developer’s attention to platform strengths.
The game is priced at $29.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop, which feels fair considering not just the core campaign but also thoughtful quality-of-life updates. Visually, Hitman: Absolution on the Switch retains much of its original 2012 look.
While players will notice slight enhancements to character models and lighting, the overall graphical fidelity reflects the hardware’s limits: occasional blurring and lower detail are noticeable, especially in docked mode.
Performance in handheld mode remains stable, but when the Switch is docked, some noticeable frame rate drops may occur.
During testing, there was a rare instance of the game crashing mid-mission—a known issue that may be addressed in future patches, ensuring stability for all players. Certain legacy issues persist, including the checkpoint system that can require replaying large sections after mistakes, and unreliable AI that sometimes disrupts immersion.
The gameplay, compared to other Hitman entries, remains more linear and action-oriented, which may not satisfy those craving the full freedom of a sandbox environment.
Nevertheless, the Switch port captures what made Absolution distinct, while smoothing out rough edges and respecting its atmospheric tone. An exciting feature for series veterans is the upcoming return of Contracts Mode—a free update expected in early 2026.
This creative mode allows players to design and share custom assassination challenges, extending replay value and underscoring IO Interactive’s commitment to supporting the Switch version beyond launch.
The studio has indicated that further updates may target technical performance, like frame rate improvement and crash mitigation. In summary, Hitman: Absolution on Nintendo Switch is a solid way to revisit or discover this controversial yet stylish chapter in Agent 47’s story.
The portable form factor, new motion controls, and promise of enhanced content like Contracts Mode make it a compelling buy for fans of stealth action—despite lingering flaws: **Score: 8/10 – A portable, well-priced take on Hitman: Absolution, offering motion controls and future updates that justify the Switch port for both veterans and newcomers.**
