Ah, the dawn of a new console generation… or in this case, perhaps a console `evolution.` The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, bringing with it the promise of more power and the ability to run graphically demanding titles natively. Among the early hopefuls is Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition, a comprehensive package of Agent 47`s recent globe-trotting adventures. However, as players got their hands on it, one common issue emerged: performance isn`t quite as smooth as a poisoned martini.
Reports quickly surfaced detailing noticeable performance hiccups, primarily manifesting as an uncapped frame rate that results in `wildly fluctuating` and `uneven` gameplay. While the console`s Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in handheld mode can offer a small band-aid, it doesn`t fully resolve the core instability – a rather conspicuous issue for a title intended to showcase the new hardware`s capabilities.
Fortunately, developers IO Interactive haven`t been silent on the matter. In a recent interview with VGC, Franchise Director Jonathan Lacaille directly addressed the performance concerns. The good news? They know about it. The better news? They`re actively working on solutions.
Lacaille confirmed that “The team is working on some of those performance issues right now, and they are addressing it over the summer.” While a specific date for these crucial performance patches remains as elusive as Agent 47 in a crowd preparing to switch disguises, the commitment to fixing the issues “over the summer” provides a general timeframe for players hoping for a smoother experience.
This experience isn`t just about fixing current problems; it`s also a learning opportunity. IO Interactive is also developing `007 First Light` for the Switch 2 alongside other platforms, and Lacaille noted that the lessons learned from the Hitman port will directly benefit the development of the upcoming James Bond title. It seems Agent 47 is inadvertently providing valuable intel for Agent 007, ensuring his license to kill isn`t hampered by frame rate drops.
Despite the current performance woes, Lacaille remains confident in the Switch 2`s capabilities, stating it is “a powerful device–powerful enough for us to bring First Light to it natively.” This stands in contrast to their previous Hitman 3 release on the original Switch, which was a cloud-only version, underscoring the perceived leap in hardware power.
Adding a layer of context, this isn`t the only recent title associated with IO Interactive that has faced technical scrutiny at launch. While not developed by IO themselves, the publishing of `MindsEye` (from Build A Rocket Boy) recently saw significant criticism and even refunds on other platforms due to its own performance troubles. It appears tackling new hardware or complex engine implementations presents a few hurdles, regardless of the specific title being served up.
For now, Switch 2 owners with Hitman: World of Assassination will need to wait a bit longer for those promised performance improvements. But the acknowledgment and commitment from IO Interactive offer hope that Agent 47`s missions on Nintendo`s latest console will eventually run as smoothly as his silent, deadly movements, ideally sometime before the leaves start falling.
Callum Darby