iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Hitman: Absolution – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on 22 October 2026. If you already own the Nintendo Switch version, you can claim the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack at no charge through 4 November 2026. New buyers receive the enhanced edition itself, including the 20-mission campaign and release-day Contracts mode. The product is presented as Nintendo Switch download software, so plan for an eShop purchase and sufficient console storage rather than assuming a cartridge release.
At a glance: which purchase fits you?
Your best option depends on whether you already own the original Switch release and when you buy. The table below separates the products instead of treating the enhanced edition as a completely separate game for every customer.
| Buyer situation | Product | Included content | Price and timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Already own the Nintendo Switch version | Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack | Switch 2 resolution, performance, visual improvements, and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls | Free through 4 November 2026; from 5 November, $9.99 / £4.99 / €4.99 |
| Do not own the game and use Switch 2 | Hitman: Absolution – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition from Nintendo eShop | Base 20-mission game, Switch 2 enhancements, and Contracts mode at launch | $29.99 / £19.99 / €24.99 through 4 November 2026; $39.99 / £24.99 / €29.99 from 5 November |
| Use an original Nintendo Switch and do not need Switch 2 features | Nintendo Switch download version | 20 missions, gyro aiming, Instinct Mode, Point Shooting, Challenges, and five difficulty settings | Original version released 13 November 2025; Nintendo lists a 15.6 GB download |
Prices are regional examples supplied by Feral Interactive. Nintendo says the country associated with your Nintendo Account determines the offer details and currency shown in your store.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRelease date and the introductory pricing window
Switch 2 launch date
Feral Interactive dates the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for 22 October 2026. Contracts mode is scheduled to be available on that release day, not added in a later update according to Feral’s 15 October 2026 announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why 4 November matters
The launch offer ends after 4 November 2026. Existing owners lose the free-claim period after that date and move to the paid Upgrade Pack price. New customers also move from the introductory Switch 2 Edition price to the regular price on 5 November. If you are eligible for the upgrade, claiming during the window avoids a charge; if you are buying for the first time, the same cutoff changes the cost of the complete edition.
Regional display and currency
The dollar, pound, and euro amounts are not a promise that every territory uses one of those currencies or identical local pricing. Set the Nintendo Account country you actually use, open the Nintendo eShop listing for your console, and confirm the final amount and eligibility before completing the transaction.
What the Switch 2 Edition adds
The enhanced edition is intended to improve image quality, motion, and control options rather than replace the underlying campaign. Feral lists the following changes:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Higher output resolution in both handheld and docked play.
- Handheld frame-rate improvements reaching a maximum of 60 frames per second; the stated maximum is not a guarantee that every scene runs at that rate.
- Joy-Con 2 mouse-control support, providing an alternate way to aim and interact when the controllers are configured for mouse input.
- Improved animations and visual effects in demanding scenes.
- Higher level of detail, improved shadow quality, and better texture filtering.
- Contracts mode at launch, described by Feral as a cross-platform, challenge-setting mode.
These changes matter most if you play handheld, where the frame-rate and resolution improvements are visible on the built-in display, or if you want mouse-style aiming from Joy-Con 2. Players satisfied with the original Switch presentation still receive the same campaign structure, so the value of upgrading is primarily technical and control-related.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How existing Switch owners claim the Upgrade Pack
The Upgrade Pack is for people who already own the Nintendo Switch version. It is not the full game by itself for someone without a qualifying ownership license. Nintendo’s account system and the eShop listing determine whether your account is recognized as eligible.
- Update the Switch 2 console and connect it to the internet before opening the store.
- Sign in with the Nintendo Account that owns the Nintendo Switch version of Hitman: Absolution.
- Open Nintendo eShop and search for the game’s Nintendo Switch 2 Edition listing. Look for the product identified as the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack; regional wording can differ.
- Review the displayed price and eligibility. During the free period it should show the launch offer for an account that owns the original version; after the cutoff, the store shows the regional paid price.
- Complete the claim or purchase, then download the Switch 2 Edition data and any required update shown by the console.
- Launch the Switch 2 Edition from the software icon. Keep the original-game license on the same Nintendo Account if the eShop asks you to verify ownership.
If the store does not recognize ownership, check that you are using the purchasing account rather than a different user profile, that the original version is installed or registered on that account, and that the console has an active internet connection. Do not buy the complete edition a second time until the eShop has displayed the account’s eligibility and final price.
What is in the underlying game?
Campaign and mission count
Nintendo of Europe’s listing describes a 20-mission single-player game. The Switch 2 Edition builds on that same mission set; the enhanced product is not advertised as a new campaign.
Core play systems
- Gyro aiming: motion-based aiming is supported on the Nintendo Switch release.
- Instinct Mode: a visibility and awareness aid that is part of the game’s intended stealth toolkit.
- Point Shooting: a targeted shooting mechanic for lining up multiple shots.
- Challenges: optional objectives that encourage alternate approaches to a mission.
Joy-Con 2 mouse controls are an additional Switch 2 feature; they do not remove the existing controller and gyro options.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Difficulty choices
Nintendo lists five difficulty settings, ranging from Easy to Purist. That range lets newcomers learn the systems without beginning at the strictest setting, while Purist is available for players who want fewer assists and a more demanding stealth experience.
Languages, rating, and local play
| Specification | Nintendo listing detail |
|---|---|
| Players | Single-system software |
| Age rating | PEGI 18 |
| Supported languages | Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Russian |
| Download size | 15.6 GB |
Language availability can be subject to the store region and console language settings. Confirm the local eShop page if you need a particular language for a child account, accessibility setup, or imported console.
Contracts mode and the DLC question
What is confirmed
Feral explicitly confirms that Contracts mode is available for Switch 2 players on release day. It is described as a cross-platform, challenge-setting mode, so it should be treated as part of the launch software experience rather than a separately timed bonus.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What is not confirmed
The announcement does not identify a separate paid DLC bundle included with the Switch 2 Edition, nor does it provide a list of additional campaigns, costumes, weapons, or expansions. Do not assume that an item from another platform’s edition is included unless the Nintendo eShop product page names it.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If a later regional eShop listing adds a separately sold DLC product, read its compatibility and ownership requirements before purchasing. A DLC listing may require the base game, may be region-specific, or may apply only to one edition. The confirmed Switch 2 purchase includes the 20-mission game and launch Contracts mode; unlisted add-ons should not be treated as part of the package.
Is there a physical cartridge?
Nintendo labels the product as Nintendo Switch download software and publishes a digital download-size requirement. The official information used for this guide does not identify a Switch 2 cartridge, boxed special edition, collectible package, or dedicated physical guide. For buying purposes, treat the Switch 2 release as an eShop download unless a specific regional Nintendo listing later proves otherwise.
This distinction affects storage and resale expectations. A digital license is attached to the purchasing Nintendo Account, and there is no confirmed cartridge to lend, trade, or use as an offline installation source.
Storage, updates, and connection requirements
Storage planning
The Nintendo listing gives a 15.6 GB download size for the original Switch software. The Switch 2 Edition may require additional free space for its own download or update data; the final eShop figure shown for your edition is the one to use when preparing the console. Keep more free space than the displayed minimum so the system can download, unpack, and install updates.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Internet and console software
- Update the console before attempting to claim the Upgrade Pack or download the enhanced edition.
- Use a reliable internet connection for the eShop transaction and software download.
- Check available internal storage before purchase; Nintendo notes that an additional storage device may be required depending on the hardware and how it is used.
- Leave the console connected until the download and installation finish, especially if the store begins a large first-party update.
If the download will not start
- Verify that the console is online and that Nintendo eShop can load other pages.
- Check the Nintendo Account country and user profile selected for the purchase.
- Confirm that enough storage is available for the displayed download and update.
- Restart the console and revisit the game’s eShop page.
- If ownership or upgrade eligibility is still missing, avoid buying again and contact Nintendo support with the transaction account details.
Which version should you buy?
You already own the Switch version
Claim the Upgrade Pack during the free period if you want the higher output resolution, improved handheld performance, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, and visual refinements. The upgrade is the economical choice because buying the complete Switch 2 Edition would duplicate the game license.
You are buying the game for the first time on Switch 2
Choose the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition rather than the original download. It supplies the 20-mission campaign, the Switch 2 enhancements, and Contracts mode at launch in one product. Check the eShop price before checkout because the introductory period ends after 4 November.
You have an original Switch and do not plan to move to Switch 2
The original Nintendo Switch download remains the relevant purchase. It includes the campaign and listed gameplay systems, including gyro aiming, Instinct Mode, Point Shooting, Challenges, and five difficulty levels. You will not receive the Switch 2-only resolution, frame-rate ceiling, or Joy-Con 2 mouse features on that hardware.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
You are deciding whether to wait
Waiting may make sense if you need a physical product, a confirmed DLC bundle, or a specific regional language listing that is not yet shown. The currently documented Switch 2 offer is digital, and the announced content does not promise an additional paid expansion pack.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Confirm whether your Nintendo Account already owns the original Switch version.
- Record the 22 October 2026 Switch 2 release date and the 4 November end of the introductory period.
- Check the eShop country setting and the currency displayed for your account.
- Decide whether Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and improved handheld performance justify the upgrade for your play style.
- Reserve at least the listed download space, plus room for installation and updates.
- Verify the product name: complete Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for new buyers, or Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack for existing owners.
- Treat Contracts mode as confirmed launch content, but do not assume unlisted DLC, a cartridge, or a boxed edition.
Sources and dated product facts
Feral Interactive’s 15 October 2026 announcement supplies the Switch 2 launch date, enhancement list, Contracts launch confirmation, and regional introductory and Upgrade Pack pricing. Nintendo of Europe’s 2025 product listing supplies the original version’s 20-mission count, five difficulties, supported features, languages, PEGI 18 rating, single-system designation, and 15.6 GB download information. Store pages can change by country, so the Nintendo eShop display for your account is the final authority on availability and checkout terms.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
