Few genres are as difficult to master as the character action game. Many developers have tried to replicate the magic that made classics such as Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden and Bayonetta so beloved, yet only a handful have truly understood what makes those games special. Precision, expression, mechanical depth and spectacle must all be in perfect harmony. Get one element wrong and the entire experience falls apart.
When Devil May Cry 5 launched in 2019, it felt like Capcom had finally perfected a formula it had spent decades refining. It was bigger, faster and more confident than any previous entry, while still retaining the stylish insanity that made the series famous. Now, seven years later, Nintendo players finally receive the definitive portable version with Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition.
The result is nothing short of remarkable. While a handful of features from other enhanced editions are absent, the heart of the experience remains intact. More importantly, it runs beautifully on the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering one of the finest action games ever created in a format that feels tailor-made for both long sessions on the television and quick demon-slaying bursts on the move.
Demons, Family Drama and Pizza
The Devil May Cry series has always balanced absurdity with sincerity, and Devil May Cry 5 may represent the franchise at its very best in that regard. The story begins when the monstrous Qliphoth tree erupts from beneath Red Grave City, feeding on human blood and rapidly transforming the metropolis into a demonic nightmare. Standing against the invasion are three very different protagonists, each carrying their own personal baggage and motivations.
Nero continues his journey as the hot-headed young hunter struggling to define himself beyond the legacy of those around him. Dante remains the effortlessly cool veteran fans know and love, delivering wisecracks and impossible feats with complete confidence. Then there is V, the mysterious newcomer whose cryptic personality and poetic tendencies immediately make him stand out from the rest of the cast.
What follows is an action-packed adventure filled with spectacular set pieces, emotional revelations and some genuinely hilarious moments. One minute the game is exploring themes of family, identity and legacy. The next, Dante is dancing like a rock star after acquiring a bizarre new weapon. Somehow, it all works. The script embraces its own ridiculousness while never losing sight of the emotional core that drives the story forward.
Three Heroes, Three Completely Different Games
One of Devil May Cry 5’s greatest achievements is how effectively it juggles three distinct combat styles. Rather than simply giving players different weapons, Capcom designed each protagonist around unique gameplay philosophies that fundamentally alter how encounters unfold.
Nero remains the most approachable of the trio, while still offering enormous mechanical depth. His signature Exceed system lets players rev his sword like a motorcycle engine to enhance attacks, creating a rhythm that feels incredibly satisfying once mastered. The addition of interchangeable Devil Breaker arms further expands his toolkit, offering everything from devastating offensive abilities to tactical crowd-control options.
Dante remains the ultimate playground for advanced players. His ability to switch between combat styles on the fly, combined with an absurd arsenal of weapons, creates near-limitless possibilities for experimentation. Whether juggling enemies with pistols, countering attacks with Royalguard, or carving through demons with a motorcycle split into twin chainsaw blades, Dante constantly rewards creativity and skill.
V, meanwhile, offers something completely different. Rather than engaging enemies directly, he commands a collection of supernatural familiars that attack on his behalf. It is a more methodical, strategic style that requires careful positioning and timing. While some players may still prefer the aggressive momentum of Nero and Dante, V’s sections provide valuable variety and help keep the campaign feeling fresh throughout its runtime.
Style Above Everything
Unlike many action games where survival is the primary objective, Devil May Cry 5 wants players to look good while winning. Defeating enemies efficiently is only part of the equation. True mastery comes from maintaining momentum, varying attacks and constantly pushing your style ranking higher.
This philosophy turns every encounter into a performance. Repeating the same attack quickly becomes ineffective, encouraging players to experiment with different weapons and abilities. The result is a combat system that remains engaging long after the credits roll, as there is always another technique to learn or another combo to perfect.
Few games create such a strong sense of player expression. Two people can tackle the same battle in completely different ways and both emerge looking spectacular. That freedom remains one of Devil May Cry 5’s greatest strengths and a major reason the game continues to enjoy a passionate community years after its original release.
A Stunning Switch 2 Showcase
Bringing a game this fast and technically demanding to a hybrid platform could easily have resulted in compromise. Thankfully, Capcom has performed what feels like a small miracle. Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition maintains an impressively stable 60 frames per second across both docked and handheld modes, ensuring the precision combat remains fully responsive.
The visual presentation is equally impressive. Character models remain richly detailed, environmental effects fill the screen during large-scale encounters, and the grotesque organic architecture of the Qliphoth looks fantastic on the smaller display. Handheld mode is particularly striking, delivering a level of visual fidelity that would have seemed impossible on Nintendo hardware only a few years ago.
What stands out most is how little is sacrificed during the transition. The game retains the spectacle, speed and intensity that made the original release such a landmark achievement. Whether played on a television or during a commute, the experience remains consistently excellent.
A Package Loaded with Extras
Devil Hunter Edition does more than simply bring the base game to Nintendo’s latest hardware. It arrives packed with a substantial collection of previously released content, making it one of the most complete versions available.
From the outset, it includes additional costumes, bonus weapons and various cosmetic extras. Nero’s beloved Mega Buster Devil Breaker makes a welcome appearance, while a variety of alternative looks offer further customisation options for returning players. These additions may not dramatically alter the experience, but they add welcome value to an already substantial package.
The inclusion of Vergil as a fully playable character is arguably the biggest bonus of all. For many fans, Vergil represents the pinnacle of Devil May Cry combat design. His devastating speed, elegant precision and unique concentration system make every battle exhilarating. Playing through the campaign with Vergil offers a completely different perspective and adds significant replay value to an already content-rich game.
Small Sacrifices for Portable Greatness
The Devil Hunter Edition is not identical to versions available elsewhere. Turbo Mode and Legendary Dark Knight Mode are absent, so players miss out on increased game speed and the massive enemy hordes featured in some previous releases.
For newcomers, these omissions will barely register. The core campaign remains fully intact and offers more than enough challenge and variety on its own. Long-time veterans may miss these extras, but they form only a small part of the overall package.
Likewise, V’s combat style remains somewhat divisive. While his mechanics are clever and distinctive, some players may still prefer the direct aggression of Nero and Dante. Fortunately, his sections are well paced and never overstay their welcome.
Final Verdict
Devil May Cry 5 was already one of the greatest character action games ever made. Devil Hunter Edition does not reinvent that masterpiece, nor does it need to. Instead, it offers an outstanding version of an already exceptional game, carefully optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 without compromising the speed, style or mechanical brilliance that made it legendary.
The combat remains among the finest the genre has produced. The story strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt drama and glorious absurdity. The presentation continues to impress years after release, and the sheer volume of included content ensures players will have plenty of reasons to keep returning long after the campaign ends.
For action fans, this is an easy recommendation. For Nintendo players who have spent years waiting to experience Devil May Cry 5 in its full glory, the wait has been worth it. Stylish, spectacular and endlessly satisfying, Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition stands as both a brilliant port and a reminder of why Capcom remains one of the industry’s masters of action design.
