Hitman: World of Assassination has been my favourite launch title on the Switch 2 by far. Despite a few minor technical hiccups, it pulled me in and refused to let me go, largely thanks to just how much content is packed into this package. My review schedule might drag me away, but you can bet I’ve been sneaking in a few more Sniper Challenges whenever I can. Fans have been waiting in the shadows for a performance update, and Patch 3.23 has finally arrived. With a new frame rate lock, lighting adjustments, and several visual fixes, this update aims to smooth out rough edges and make Agent 47’s missions feel sharper than ever on Switch 2. The question now is whether these changes will be enough to lure operatives back into the field for another round of stealth, strategy, and calculated chaos.
Patch 3.23 brings stability and polish to the Switch 2 version, improving both visuals and gameplay. The new Frame Rate option is enabled by default and keeps performance consistent, making movement, aiming, and stealth feel smoother. To test the impact of the new frame rate option, I captured side-by-side footage in several key locations. Miami’s crowded streets and bustling events stress the system, and the frame lock keeps motion smooth while maintaining consistent pacing.
The Paris mission already stood out at launch with its bustling fashion show and layered environments, but Patch 3.23 makes it feel more atmospheric. Lighting adjustments have darkened the cellars and side corridors, giving these spaces a heavier sense of shadow that suits the stealth tone. On locked frame rate, performance holds steady at 30fps throughout the mission, with no dips even during crowded sequences. Switching to unlocked mode averages closer to 40fps, although slight tearing appears when panning the camera quickly across the runway or over large groups of NPCs. The consistency of the locked option makes the experience feel smoother overall, while the new lighting tweaks enhance immersion without sacrificing clarity.
Miami has always been a showcase level, with its massive crowds, bright colours, and constant activity around the race. With the frame rate locked, the Switch 2 holds to a rock-solid 30fps, even in the opening plaza where the crowds are at their thickest. The result is smooth, reliable motion that keeps Agent 47 responsive when weaving through groups or lining up a clean shot. In unlocked mode, the game struggles to reach 40fps in that same opening area before gradually climbing and settling around a wavering 45 once you move away from the main crowd. While the higher number can look appealing on paper, the fluctuations and small hitches make the locked option feel more stable and immersive during extended play.
The China mission unfolds in the rainy, neon-lit streets of Chongqing, beautifully bathed in a haunting glow that brings its narrow alleys and overhead arcades to life. The lighting here now feels more atmospheric, with the backdrop of a living, breathing stage of shadows and vibrant signs. When the frame rate is locked, performance remains a consistent 30fps, even while navigating densest alleys and flashing billboards. In unlocked mode, the system struggles to stay above 40fps, typically hovering around 38fps during intense scenes. The result is a steadier experience when locked, allowing the player to focus on exploration and strategy, while the improvements in lighting now give a stronger sense of immersion throughout the mission.
Hawke’s Bay is a smaller, more intimate mission set against a quiet beachfront estate, but it is also the only level in testing where the locked mode showed noticeable drops. Frame rate generally holds steady, but there are rare moments where it dips as low as 27fps during infiltration. By contrast, the unlocked mode shines here, pushing closer to 60fps in the opening approach and averaging around 50fps across the mission. The extra fluidity gives the level a sharper feel and makes exploration of the house and its surroundings more responsive. Of all the missions tested, Hawke’s Bay stands out as the one where unlocked mode feels like the stronger option.
I initially thought the locked mode would not be the best way to play, but after testing, it is clear that it provides a more immersive experience overall. With the exception of Hawke’s Bay, the locked setting delivers consistently smooth gameplay and reduces the small tearing issues that appear in unlocked mode. The steadiness makes each mission feel more reliable, letting the atmosphere and design of the levels shine without distraction.
Beyond performance, Patch 3.23 makes several refinements that noticeably improve the look and feel of Hitman on Switch 2. Lighting in darker areas has been reworked, giving basements, side corridors, and night maps a heavier shadow that feels more in line with the tone of stealth. The streets of Chongqing benefit the most, with neon reflections standing out against deeper blacks to create a richer sense of atmosphere. Mirrors, once a source of stutter when Agent 47 moved in front of them, now perform smoothly and no longer interrupt the flow of play.
Smaller details also add up. Bright displays in Teller Hall and the Freelancer supplier shop no longer overwhelm scenes, allowing mission locations to feel more natural. Instinct mode is now reliable, consistently highlighting guards, weapons, and interactive objects, which makes planning and improvisation much more seamless. Even stability has improved, with crashes tied to auto-saves now resolved. These changes may sound minor on paper, but together they make missions look cleaner, play smoother, and feel more immersive than at launch.
Patch 3.23 elevates Hitman: World of Assassination on Switch 2 into a more complete and reliable experience. The new frame rate option proves its worth, with locked mode offering smoother, more consistent gameplay across nearly every mission. Hawke’s Bay may be the outlier where unlocked shines, but for the rest of the trilogy, the stability of the lock enhances immersion and reduces distractions. Combined with lighting tweaks, improved Instinct reliability, toned-down displays, and fixes for mirrors and crashes, this update makes the game feel sharper and more refined.
For newcomers, this remains the best entry point into the series on the go. For returning fans, the update is a strong reason to step back into Agent 47’s shoes and see how much better the Switch 2 version now feels. Hitman aimed high at launch, and with this patch, it lands even closer to perfection. For me, Hitman already had its sights lined up as one of the best Switch 2 experiences. This patch just brings that target into clearer focus.
