Since its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has received immense support from third-party studios, but few compare to Capcom’s output. This year alone, Capcom has released Monster Hunter Stories 3, Pragmata, and Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, day-and-date with other platforms. The Switch 2 versions are not without their compromises, but they are among the most visually impressive games on the system. But ever since I demoed the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword, I’ve been thinking that it may prove to be Capcom’s most impressive Switch 2 release yet. Here’s why.
Demon Slaying Power in the Palm of Your Hand
It’s no secret that Onimusha: Way of the Sword is one of my most anticipated releases. This new entry in Capcom’s long-dormant, demon-slaying, samurai action series sees you play as Miyamoto Musashi. This time, he’s portrayed by the late actor Toshiro Minafune, who’s best known to Western audiences for his roles in director Akira Kurosawa’s classic samurai films, such as Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Yojimbo.
Like every Capcom title released since 2017’s Resident Evil 7, Onimusha: Way of the Sword runs on the company’s proprietary RE Engine. I won’t mince words: The engine is the source of Capcom’s power, especially when it comes to bringing games to Switch 2. Capcom has confirmed that Onimusha: Way of the Sword will target 1080p resolution in docked mode and roughly 900p in handheld mode, thanks to upscaling. Although the studio hasn’t confirmed which upscaling solution it uses, I’m willing to bet that they’re using the Switch 2’s custom version of Nvidia’s DLSS.
However, the most interesting aspect is that the Switch 2 version will offer a 30-frame-per-second (fps) mode and a variable graphics setting that targets up to 40fps. Paired with the Switch 2’s VRR tech, the game can target higher frame rates while eliminating the screen tearing that comes with fluctuating frame rates (at least in handheld mode, since VRR support is absent in docked play). Cyberpunk 2077 also leveraged this 40fps option, but the difference here is that Onimusha: Way of the Sword relies on fast-paced, reflex-based combat, where higher, steady frames are more important.
Switch 2 Version vs. PlayStation 5 Version
Let me preface this by saying that just before I played the Switch 2 version, I spent a little more than two hours playing the latest Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo on the PlayStation 5 Pro. During that time, I acclimated to the game’s parry timing (more on that in a bit), so my first concern was that the Switch 2’s lower frame rate would affect my performance. For reference, the PlayStation 5 offers a 60fps Performance mode and a Quality mode that targets 30-40fps.
New to the Switch 2 demo is Gauntlet Challenges, a mode that lets you take on training drills and replay boss matches for rewards (if you played Pragmata, think of this as Onimusha’s version of the Training Simulator). It’s there that I warmed up to Onimusha: Way of the Sword while playing in handheld mode.
First, I was shocked by how good it looked. Yes, there are differences in the lighting, and some textures are softer, but the smaller screen hides any visual blemishes. In other Capcom releases on the Switch 2, the characters’ hair usually takes a beating, thanks to the DLSS upscaling. Still, I’m curious how the docked mode will look on, say, my 32-inch OLED monitor.
I appreciated that the variable refresh mode made the action feel incredibly smooth. Practicing my parries on weaker enemies quickly became second nature, and I eagerly raced to put it to the test in Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s brutal boss fights.
One of the new enemies I faced in this demo was the hulking Daidara, a “belly with legs,” as Musashi put it. The surprising agile beast dashed across the screen, destroying the environment as I parried its moves. In that area, I occasionally felt a frame rate judder, especially when Daidara grabbed and tossed me across the room. But when it came down to the beat-by-beat gameplay, I was stunned by how well Onimusha: Way of the Sword looked and performed.
Just to be sure, though, I fought Sasaki Ganryu, which you may have faced if you tried the Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo on other platforms. That fight was far more grounded than the Daidara brawl, with a greater focus on one-on-one swordplay. The Switch 2 version impressed again. The 40fps ceiling bridges the performance gap between the Switch 2 and the other platforms.
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(Credit: Capcom)
I also sampled the game’s motion controls, which are a stark reminder that the Nintendo Wii remains one of the most influential consoles ever released. Waggling the controller for light and heavy attacks while pressing the buttons to parry, blow, and dodge reminded me of the motion-control scheme Capcom implemented for Street Fighter 6’s Switch 2 port. It’s a fun diversion, but I don’t see myself playing the game like this. I am, however, interested in watching someone master the game with this control scheme, which I’m almost certain will happen.
Although the big action scenes hold up well on the Switch 2, the jury is still out on the rest of the game. Onimusha: Way of the Sword appears far more open than previous series entries, so it remains to be seen if the performance will hold in those larger areas.
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Final Thoughts and Release Date
I’m excited to play Onimusha: Way of the Sword on my Switch 2, despite Capcom’s past titles offering hit-or-miss performance on Nintendo’s newest console. That’s why the 40fps mode is so intriguing; it’s a more realistic performance target that won’t result in the jarring stutters that occur when frame rates fluctuate between 30fps and 60fps. Although I wish that a VRR mode could be backported into Pragmata and Resident Evil Requiem, Onimusha’s impressive optimization bodes well for upcoming Capcom Switch 2 releases, including Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds.
Until then, I’ll be sharpening my blade, waiting for Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s release for Switch 2, as well as PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on Sept 4, 2026.
About Our Expert
Zackery Cuevas
Writer, Hardware
Experience
I’m a PCMag reviewer and ISF-certified TV calibrator focused on computer accessories, laptops, gaming monitors, and video games. I’ve been writing, playing, and complaining about games for as long as I remember, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve been able to shout my opinions directly at a larger audience. My work has appeared on iMore, Windows Central, Android Central, and TWICE, and I have a diverse portfolio of editing work under my belt from my time spent at Scholastic and Oxford University Press. I also have a few book-author credits under my belt—I’ve contributed to the sci-fi anthology Under New Suns, and I’ve even written a Peppa Pig book.
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