Hitman Switch 2 Upgrade: What We Know

If you are asking whether your current Hitman games and progress will carry over to the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, the short answer is: no official upgrade program has been announced, and the existing Switch versions of Hitman 3 and World of Assassination are cloud-only, which complicates any direct transfer. However, IO Interactive has a history of offering free next-gen upgrades on other platforms, and the Switch 2’s backward compatibility could change how the game runs. Here is a detailed look at what we know, what is likely, and what you should consider before buying anything.

Current State of Hitman on Switch

As of 2024, the only way to play the World of Assassination trilogy on the original Nintendo Switch is through the cloud-streaming versions of Hitman 3 and the later World of Assassination bundle. These are not native ports—the game is rendered on remote servers and streamed to your console. This means the Switch version requires a stable, fast internet connection, and it does not use the console’s internal hardware for graphics or processing. If you already own the cloud version, your progress is tied to your IOI account, not to the Switch itself.

When the Switch 2 launches (expected in 2025 or later), Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility for physical and digital Switch games, but that does not automatically mean cloud-streamed games will work. Cloud versions depend on the publisher’s servers and the console’s ability to run the streaming app. Nintendo’s backward compatibility statement covers native software, so the existing Hitman cloud app may or may not be updated for the new hardware.

What an “Upgrade” Would Mean

In the context of video games, an upgrade typically means one of three things:

• Free next-gen patch: You get a better version of the same game (higher resolution, faster load times) at no extra cost.
• Smart Delivery-style cross-buy: You buy once and own the game on both old and new consoles.
• Paid remaster or remastered collection: You pay a reduced price to get a new edition with enhanced graphics or all DLC included.

IO Interactive did exactly this with Hitman 3 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S: if you bought the PS4 or Xbox One version, you got the PS5 or Series X|S version for free, with your progress carrying over. That was a native game, though. On Switch, the situation is different because the game is not native, and the Switch 2 is a different architecture.

Likely Scenarios for Switch 2

Given IOI’s past behavior and Nintendo’s hardware plans, here are the most plausible outcomes, ranked from most to least likely:

1. No upgrade, but the cloud version still works: The Switch 2 may run the existing cloud app, giving you the same experience as on the original Switch. No visual improvement, no new features.
2. A native port of World of Assassination for Switch 2: This would be a separate purchase, but IOI could offer a discount to existing cloud owners. Progress would likely transfer via your IOI account.
3. A free upgrade for cloud owners to a native version: This is the least likely because it would require IOI to give away a new port for free, which is not standard practice for cloud-only games.

There has been no official announcement from IO Interactive or Nintendo regarding Hitman on Switch 2. Any claim of a confirmed upgrade is speculation.

How Progress and Purchases Carry Over

If you have played Hitman on Switch, your progress (unlocks, challenges, location mastery) is saved on IOI’s servers. This means that if you later play World of Assassination on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you can log into the same IOI account and your progress will be there. This is true regardless of whether you switch to a native Switch 2 version.

However, your purchases (the game license itself) are tied to the platform you bought them on. If you bought the game on the Nintendo eShop, that license is for Nintendo platforms only. If you buy a hypothetical Switch 2 native version, you would need to purchase it again unless IOI offers a cross-buy deal, which they have not done for Switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a free upgrade to Hitman on Switch 2?

No free upgrade has been announced. IO Interactive offered free next-gen upgrades on PlayStation and Xbox, but that was for native games. The Switch version is cloud-based, and no such offer has been made for the Switch 2.

Can I play my current Hitman cloud version on Switch 2?

Possibly, but not guaranteed. Nintendo has said the Switch 2 will play most Switch games, but cloud-streaming apps may require updates from the publisher. IOI has not confirmed whether the existing app will be compatible.

If I buy Hitman on Switch 2, will my progress from Switch carry over?

Yes, if you use the same IOI account. Your progress is stored on IOI’s servers, not on your console. This works across all platforms.

Is there a native Hitman game coming to Switch 2?

There is no official announcement. It is possible, given the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware, but IOI has not confirmed any such project.

Should I buy Hitman on Switch now or wait for Switch 2?

If you already have a Switch and want to play immediately, the cloud version works, but it requires good internet. If you plan to buy a Switch 2, it may be worth waiting to see if a native version is announced, as the cloud version may not be the best experience on the new hardware.

Comparing Switch 2 to Other Platforms

The Switch 2 is expected to be more powerful than the original Switch, possibly comparable to a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One in raw performance. That would be enough to run a native version of World of Assassination at 1080p/60fps, which is a significant improvement over the cloud version’s variable quality. However, even the PS4 version of Hitman 3 runs at 1080p/60fps, so a Switch 2 port would likely match that. If you care about the best graphics and performance, the PC or current-gen consoles are still superior.

Practical Advice for Current Owners

If you already own the cloud version on Switch, do not delete it. Even if the Switch 2 does not support it immediately, there is a chance IOI will update the app. Keep your IOI account credentials accessible, as that is the key to your progress. If you are considering buying the game now, be aware that the cloud version is not the definitive way to play, and you may end up buying a native version later if one is released.

One common misconception is that cloud versions are “temporary” or “lesser.” In reality, the game itself is identical, but the streaming quality depends on your internet speed. On a fast connection, it can look and play almost as well as a native version. The main downside is that you cannot play offline, and there may be input lag.

Bottom Line

At this moment, there is no confirmed Hitman Switch 2 upgrade path. The safest bet is to hold off on buying the Switch cloud version if you are planning to get a Switch 2, and to keep an eye on IO Interactive’s official channels for any announcements. If you already own it, your progress is safe, and you may or may not get a free or discounted native version later. Until IOI says otherwise, treat any upgrade as unconfirmed.

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