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| Cover art for Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 |
Capcom's flagship action title runs at an unexpected 90 FPS on Nintendo's new handheld, leaving the PS4 version in the dust
When Capcom first announced Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, fans were cautiously optimistic. After all, the stylish action game pushed the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to their limits back in 2019, with the base PS4 version struggling to maintain a consistent 60 frames per second. Nobody expected the Switch 2 port to not only match but exceed the performance of Sony's eighth-generation console.
Yet here we are. The June 23, 2026 release of Devil May Cry 5 on Nintendo's new hybrid console has completely redefined what we thought possible from handheld gaming, delivering buttery-smooth performance that puts the original PS4 version to shame.
The Numbers Don't Lie: Switch 2 Dominates PS4 in Head-to-Head Comparison
In a detailed hands-on analysis, prominent YouTuber GVG (known to fans as Derek) conducted a side-by-side comparison of the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS4 versions of Devil May Cry 5. His findings have sent shockwaves through the gaming community.
"The PS4 version generally runs well, but it doesn't maintain a locked 60 FPS," Derek explained during his analysis. "Gameplay often fluctuates between 50 and 60 FPS, especially during boss fights." He also noted that the PS4 version experiences dramatic frame rate drops during cutscenes, plummeting to the mid-30s and low 40s in several instances.
The Nintendo Switch 2, however, tells an entirely different story. In handheld mode, the console maintained a rock-solid 60 FPS throughout standard gameplay, with only rare, almost imperceptible dips of a few frames during the most chaotic combat encounters.
But the real revelation came when Derek ventured into the system settings.
Watch the full performance comparison here
Capcom's Secret Weapon: Unlocked Frame Rates Nobody Knew About
After enabling 120 Hz output from the display settings, Derek discovered something that Capcom never officially advertised: Devil May Cry 5 on Nintendo Switch 2 supports unlocked frame rates reaching up to 120 FPS.
"The game actually supports unlocked frame rates of up to 120 FPS, which Capcom never advertised," Derek stated. "In many scenes, it runs around 90 FPS, and in less demanding areas, it can exceed 100 FPS."
The handheld hardware handles this increased performance with surprising grace. With Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) enabled, the Switch 2 maintains a consistent 85–90 FPS during combat scenarios, pushing into the 90–120 FPS range throughout most of the game's playthrough. Even during cutscenes, where the PS4 version chugs along at 30 FPS, the Switch 2 manages frame rates in the mid-70s.
Capcom Underpromised and Overdelivered
It's a classic case of underpromising and overdelivering. While Capcom remained silent about the high-frame-rate capabilities of the Switch 2 port, the hardware speaks for itself. Many industry observers believe the developer chose not to advertise the feature due to two factors: the occasional cutscene frame drops and the lack of VRR support in docked mode.
Yes, there is a catch: the game is locked to 60 FPS when the Switch 2 is docked, with no VRR support available. This suggests that while the handheld mode benefits from variable refresh rate technology built into the Switch 2's display, external monitors and TVs in docked mode cannot take advantage of this feature.
Visual Fidelity That Rivals – And Sometimes Surpasses – PS4
Performance isn't the only area where the Switch 2 port shines. According to Derek's analysis, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Devil May Cry 5 looks virtually identical to the PS4 version, with some textures and environmental details appearing even sharper and higher-resolution than the original release.
This visual parity is a testament to both Capcom's optimization prowess and the power of Nintendo's new hardware. In many ways, the Switch 2 version represents the definitive portable experience of one of the best action games ever made.
What This Means for the Future of Nintendo Switch 2 Gaming
Devil May Cry 5's performance on Switch 2 sets a remarkable precedent for third-party ports on Nintendo's new platform. If Capcom can deliver this level of performance with one of the most demanding games of the previous console generation, the possibilities for future releases are staggering.
The success of this port suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 is more than capable of handling ports from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generation – and in some cases, exceeding their performance. For gamers who have longed for a portable device that can deliver console-quality experiences without compromise, the Switch 2 appears to be the answer.
The Devil Hunter Edition: Everything Included
Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 includes all bonus content from the Special Edition release, including the fan-favorite playable character Vergil. This complete package makes the Switch 2 port the definitive version for newcomers and returning players alike.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Switch 2 Owners
Capcom has delivered something remarkable with Devil May Cry 5 on Nintendo Switch 2. The game runs better than it did on PS4, looks just as good (if not better in some areas), and offers performance modes that were never advertised. While the docked mode limitation is disappointing, the handheld experience more than makes up for it.
Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition is available now for Nintendo Switch 2.
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What do you think about Devil May Cry 5's performance on Nintendo Switch 2? Are you impressed by Capcom's optimization, or disappointed by the docked mode limitations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source : Devil May Cry 5 on Switch 2 can hit 120FPS – YouTuber GVG