Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a really fun anime fighting game that released in the lead-up and hype for the first Infinity Castle film, and like the film, the game delivered in most areas. If there was one thing that needed to be improved, it’s the Nintendo Switch version’s performance, as the game was not up to par on the platform compared to its other console counterparts. Thankfully, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is now available, and it’s the version I’ve been waiting for in earnest.
I won’t be retreading old waters too much from my original review of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 for Switch, so I highly recommend reading that first if you haven’t already played that version. To recap, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 covers the events of the anime series from the Entertainment District Arc all the way to the Hashira Training Arc in its story mode, right before the Infinity Castle Arc begins. There’s a “Path of the Demon Slayer” mode that lets you play through the pivotal moments of the earlier arcs, a “Training Paths” mode that functions similarly to a roguelike, and the standard VS and online VS modes. All of this content, along with dozens of playable characters from the series, are available in the Nintendo Switch 2 version alongside all previously released updates. DLC is still sold separately or included the Infinity Castle Character Pass.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is at its Best on Nintendo Switch 2
Out of the gate, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a straightforward free upgrade for owners of the original Switch version, which I love to see. You simply need to install the Upgrade Pack for free from the Nintendo eShop, allowing you to download the Switch 2 version. If you already own the Infinity Castle Character Pass on Switch, you’ll also have access to those contents in the Switch 2 version, so it’s all easy to understand and access for both physical and digital owners. Your save data will also carry over, allowing you to continue from where you last left off.
That being said, this game gets a notable upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2. The game is running at a locked 60 FPS in nearly all instances, with the only exceptions being 30 FPS cutscenes and cinematic visuals that play when performing character arts. In comparison, the original Switch version would hover around the 20 to 30 FPS range, making it choppy and inconsistent compared to the other console versions. Now, the game is able to run at its intended frame rate with much cleaner image quality and higher-quality visuals, and gameplay is just much more responsive in general. This applies to both handheld and docked modes, with handheld mode running at 1080p with no compromises.
While I did enjoy Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 on the original Switch, the Switch 2 version really makes the experience much better with that smooth consistent frame rate. Those stylish and cinematic moves craft by CyberConnect2 are now output in its vibrant and true form with textures and graphical effects also being up to par. It also helps that loading times are better on Switch 2, so there’s less downtime in loading screens.
Rounding out the list of improvements and changes is cross-gen support between the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions of the game. Players on both systems can match up and play together, and there’s also a option in the game settings menu that lets you limit matchmaking to those who only have the Switch 2 version. While it’s not the ideal cross-play solution that I would have wanted, it’s still a good feature to have nonetheless.
Still a Really Great Anime Fighting Game
My original sentiment on Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 still stands—it’s a really great anime fighting game that gets players caught up to speed on the series. At the moment, it’s the definitive Demon Slayer game, and it’s a good refresher on the series for those who already watched the anime or read the manga. This is also another example of how well CyberConnect2 can take the worlds of anime and manga and translate them into fun, replayable games that retain the essence of the source material.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition corrects the key performance issues that the Nintendo Switch version had and holds a very steady 60 FPS with high-quality visuals. Personally, this was all I was really asking for in a Nintendo Switch 2 version, but the free upgrade really does go a long way. This should be the standard for many Switch games making the jump to Nintendo Switch 2, and in this regard, the Switch 2 version is absolutely worth recommending, especially if you can get the Switch copy on sale.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is available worldwide for $39.99 in the Nintendo eShop alongside the free Upgrade Pack. An Ultimate Edition is also available for $64.99 digitally and physically.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 first launched on August 5, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Disclaimer: SEGA didn’t provide a review copy of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The reviewer redeemed a free upgrade for the Nintendo Switch version, which was provided by SEGA ahead of the game’s initial release date on the platform.
