Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition is one of the strongest third party releases on Nintendo Switch 2 so far, offering smooth action, solid image quality, and a feature set close to newer console and PC versions. However, the port also makes one Switch 2 limitation much easier to notice: the lack of Variable Refresh Rate support while playing in docked mode.
The game performs especially well in handheld mode. When the console is set to 120Hz output, Devil May Cry 5 can reportedly run between 90 and 120 frames per second. That higher performance works well with the Switch 2 display because the handheld mode supports Variable Refresh Rate, helping gameplay remain smooth even when the frame rate changes.
For a fast action game such as Devil May Cry 5, that extra fluidity matters. Combat depends on quick reactions, precise dodges, weapon switching, and fast movement. Higher frame rates can make the action feel more responsive, especially during busy encounters with multiple enemies and visual effects on screen.
Handheld Mode Offers the Smoothest Devil May Cry 5 Experience
The Switch 2 version compares well with the original PlayStation 4 release in visual quality while offering a much smoother gameplay experience. The game’s RE Engine technology has already proven adaptable across different hardware, and this version shows how much performance can be achieved on Nintendo’s newer system.
The port includes the main game and its launch DLC, including Vergil as a playable character. That gives Switch 2 players access to the same core campaign and character content available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles.
| Feature | Nintendo Switch 2 Version |
|---|---|
| Handheld performance | Around 90 to 120 FPS in supported conditions |
| Handheld VRR | Supported |
| Docked VRR | Not supported |
| Docked performance | Stable 60 FPS when using standard output |
| Playable Vergil | Included |
| Base game DLC | Included |
| Legendary Dark Knight mode | Not included |
Docked Mode Is Limited to a More Traditional 60FPS Experience
The biggest issue is that the Switch 2 does not currently support Variable Refresh Rate when connected to a TV. That means players cannot get the same smooth 90 to 120 FPS experience they can enjoy in handheld mode.
Instead, docked players can use a steadier 60FPS mode by disabling 120Hz output. A stable 60 frames per second is still good for an action game, but it does not fully show what the Switch 2 version can achieve.
Variable Refresh Rate is useful because it matches the display refresh rate to the game’s frame rate. Without it, games that do not stay locked to a specific frame rate can show uneven motion or screen tearing. This is less visible in slower games, but it can stand out in fast action titles such as Devil May Cry 5.
Legendary Dark Knight Mode Remains Missing
The Switch 2 release does not include Legendary Dark Knight mode, which increases the number of enemies on screen at once. That mode remains limited to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions.
The decision makes sense because handling huge enemy groups would place more pressure on the system’s processor. Still, the rest of the package remains impressive, and the game offers one of the best ways to experience Devil May Cry 5 on a portable device.
Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition proves that Switch 2 can handle demanding modern action games when developers optimize them carefully. The performance in handheld mode is particularly impressive, but it also shows why docked Variable Refresh Rate support should be a priority for Nintendo in the future.
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