Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of Capcom’s most impressive handheld ports yet. Released for Nintendo’s new system on June 23, 2026, this version includes the bonus content from Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition, including Vergil, while delivering performance that appears to surpass the PlayStation 4 version in several key areas.
What makes this port especially interesting is not just that Devil May Cry 5 runs well on Nintendo Switch 2, but that it can perform far better than Capcom officially advertised. In handheld mode, the game reportedly reaches frame rates well above 60 FPS when 120 Hz output is enabled, with gameplay often sitting around 85 to 90 FPS and sometimes climbing past 100 FPS in less demanding scenes.
A hands-on comparison by YouTuber Derek, known as GVG, placed the Nintendo Switch 2 version side by side with the PS4 release. According to his analysis, Devil May Cry 5 feels noticeably smoother on Switch 2, largely thanks to stronger frame pacing and more consistent frame times.
The PS4 version still holds up reasonably well, but it does not maintain a locked 60 FPS throughout gameplay. During regular combat, it can fluctuate between 50 and 60 FPS, while heavier boss fights may cause further dips. Cutscenes can fall even lower, sometimes landing in the mid-30s to low-40s FPS range.
By comparison, the Nintendo Switch 2 version maintains a much steadier 60 FPS by default, with only rare minor dips. However, the real surprise appears when players enable 120 Hz output through the display settings. Once activated, Devil May Cry 5 can run with an unlocked frame rate up to 120 FPS.
Derek noted that Capcom did not promote this feature ahead of release, despite the game frequently running around 90 FPS and occasionally exceeding 100 FPS. For a fast-paced action game like Devil May Cry 5, that extra smoothness can make a big difference, especially during intense combat encounters where quick reactions and fluid animation are essential.
The results are particularly impressive in handheld mode with VRR enabled. Across much of the game, the Switch 2 version reportedly stays within the 90 to 120 FPS range, while combat generally remains around 85 to 90 FPS. Cutscenes are the main exception, where performance can drop into the mid-70s, though that is still higher than the dips seen in the PS4 version.
Visual quality also appears to be strong. The Nintendo Switch 2 port looks very close to the PS4 version, with some textures and finer details even appearing sharper in certain areas. That makes the high frame-rate performance even more surprising, since the port does not seem to rely on major visual cutbacks to achieve smoother gameplay.
There is one limitation worth noting. In docked mode, Devil May Cry 5 on Nintendo Switch 2 is reportedly locked to 60 FPS, and VRR is not available. That means the standout high-frame-rate experience is mainly tied to handheld play. This may explain why Capcom did not heavily advertise the unlocked frame-rate option, especially with cutscene dips and docked mode restrictions in mind.
Even so, Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition is looking like a major technical win for Capcom on Nintendo Switch 2. Delivering native 1080p visuals, strong image quality, and performance that can outpace the PS4 version is no small achievement. For players who enjoy stylish action games, this could be one of the best early showcases of what the Nintendo Switch 2 can do in handheld mode.
Capcom may have stayed quiet about the game’s higher frame-rate potential, but the results speak for themselves. Devil May Cry 5 on Nintendo Switch 2 does not just bring Dante, Nero, and Vergil to a new platform. It delivers one of the smoothest versions of the game available on a portable system.
