Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (Nintendo Switch) Review: Slicing Demons and Frame Rates in Equal Measure
If there’s one thing anime fans love more than emotional trauma and screaming attack names, it’s a good arena brawler. Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 on Nintendo Switch delivers both in glorious, flashy chaos. Developed by CyberConnect2, the studio behind Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm, it slices back onto the scene with more characters, more polish, and enough dramatic shouting to wake the dead.
Story and Setting: The Emotional Rollercoaster Returns
Chronicles 2 continues Tanjiro’s journey through the Entertainment District and beyond, adapting new arcs from the hit anime. If you’ve followed the show, you’ll instantly recognise the heartfelt storytelling and impeccable pacing — if not, expect demons, sibling loyalty, and lots of people crying beautifully.
The Switch version captures the anime’s spirit surprisingly well. Each cut-scene looks like it’s been ripped straight from an episode — minus the ad break. You’ll feel everything: the loss, the courage, and the overwhelming desire to own a talking crow.
Gameplay: Button-Mashing Meets Blade Mastery
The gameplay is accessible yet deceptively deep. It’s an arena-style fighter that lets you relive the series’ most dramatic battles with cinematic flair.
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Intuitive combat: Easy to pick up, but with combo depth for seasoned players.
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Tag-team mechanics: Swap between characters mid-fight for stylish finishes.
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Ultimate Arts: Flashy, over-the-top super moves that turn battles into interactive anime openings.
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Adventure mode: Explore story chapters with dialogue, collectibles, and quick-time sequences.
This isn’t a hardcore competitive fighter like Tekken, but it nails what fans want: cinematic duels, smooth controls, and moments that make you feel like you’ve just levelled up in charisma.
Performance on Switch: A Portable Power Move
Let’s be honest — the Switch isn’t exactly built for anime spectacle at 60 fps, yet Hinokami Chronicles 2 performs admirably. In handheld mode, visuals are crisp enough to keep the style intact, and loading times are reasonable.
There’s an occasional dip during large effects or tag-team ultimates, but nothing that spoils the fun. If you’re planning demon hunting on the train, it’s the perfect portable fix.
Visuals and Sound: Anime Magic, Slightly Compressed
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Art style: Faithfully recreates the anime’s bold cel-shading and dramatic lighting.
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Soundtrack: Rousing orchestral themes that make even menu browsing feel heroic.
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Voice acting: Full Japanese and English audio options, both excellent — though screaming “Water Breathing Technique!” out loud in public may draw looks.
Even with a few graphical concessions on Switch, the overall presentation is strong enough to make you forget you’re not watching the show.
Pros
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Beautifully animated combat that captures the anime’s energy.
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Huge roster including new demons and favourites from recent arcs.
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Easy for beginners yet satisfying for experts.
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Emotional story mode that actually makes you care who wins.
Cons
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Occasional frame-rate dips in handheld mode.
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Story pacing can drag between major fights.
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Adventure mode exploration feels basic at times.
Verdict: 8.5 / 10 – “Slice, Dodge, Cry, Repeat”
Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is both a love letter to fans and a solid fighter in its own right. It’s flashy, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep for a game where half your strategy involves dramatic poses.
The Switch version proves that portable demon slaying can still look spectacular — just maybe don’t play it in the dark unless you enjoy jump scares every time Zenitsu screams.
Whether you’re in it for the intense combat, emotional storytelling, or pure anime spectacle, this is one adventure worth joining the Corps for.
Ready to Master Water Breathing?
Unleash your inner Hashira and battle demons on the go.
Grab your copy of Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (Nintendo Switch) — new, sealed, and ready for action at GameRaid UK.