Hitman: Absolution Switch 2 Edition Launches October 22 With Free Upgrade for Existing Owners
Absolution launches on Switch 2 on October 22, with improved performance and a free upgrade for existing Switch owners until November 4.
Feral Interactive has confirmed that Hitman: Absolution - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will launch on October 22, 2026, with improved performance, sharper visuals and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Players who already own the Nintendo Switch version can claim a free upgrade until November 4.
The announcement was made on October 15 alongside a new release date trailer. The enhanced edition builds on the original Switch release from November 2025, bringing technical improvements to IO Interactive's stealth-action game without changing its campaign.
Hitman: Absolution gets improved visuals and performance on Switch 2
The Switch 2 Edition increases the game's output resolution in both handheld and docked modes. Feral Interactive has also confirmed frame rate improvements, with handheld gameplay capable of reaching up to 60 FPS.
Visual upgrades include improved character animations and effects during demanding scenes. Shadow quality, texture filtering and level of detail have also been enhanced to take advantage of the newer hardware.
Another addition is Joy-Con 2 mouse control support, giving players an alternative to traditional controller inputs.
These improvements apply to the existing Hitman: Absolution experience. Players will once again control Agent 47 as he becomes a target of the International Contract Agency while attempting to protect a young girl named Victoria.
Switch owners can claim a free upgrade until November 4
Players who already own Hitman: Absolution on Nintendo Switch can download the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack for free through the Nintendo eShop from October 22 to November 4.
The upgrade must be claimed during that promotional window. Starting November 5, it will cost $9.99 in the US, £4.99 in the UK and €4.99 in Europe. New players can purchase the complete Switch 2 Edition separately at a discounted launch price. The promotional price is $29.99 in the US, £19.99 in the UK and €24.99 in Europe.
From November 5, the full edition will return to its regular price of $39.99, £24.99 and €29.99, respectively. The limited-time offer gives existing Switch owners an opportunity to access the enhanced version without paying again, while newcomers can purchase the complete game at a reduced price.
Contracts mode will support cross-platform challenges at launch
The Switch 2 Edition will include Contracts mode from launch, allowing players to create assassination challenges and share them online.
Players can select up to three targets from campaign locations and set conditions for eliminating them. Other players can then attempt those assignments and compete for higher scores on cross-platform leaderboards.
Contracts mode was previously added to the original Nintendo Switch version through a free update in June 2026. Its inclusion in the Switch 2 Edition means the feature will be available immediately rather than arriving in a later update.
Hitman: Absolution - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches digitally on October 22, with the free upgrade and discounted launch pricing available through November 4.
