Hitman: Absolution Switch 2 Physical Preorders: Oct. 30 Dates, Game Card & Free Upgrade

Updated October 23, 2026. Hitman: Absolution – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launched digitally on October 22. Physical game collectors now have another important date: October 30, 2026, when Limited Run Games opens preorders for its boxed release. The preorder window closes December 6.

The release also offers a time-limited free upgrade for owners of the original Nintendo Switch game. Here's how the physical edition, digital pricing and Switch 2 improvements compare.

Hitman: Absolution Switch 2 physical preorder dates

  • Preorders open: Friday, October 30, 2026, at noon Eastern (9 a.m. Pacific).
  • Preorders close: Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
  • Publisher/distributor: Limited Run Games; Switch 2 Limited Run #7.
  • Box contents: physical game card, case and eight-page booklet.
  • Production: the official listing is marked pre-production; a shipping date is not confirmed in the announcement.

Limited Run describes the product as an open preorder for a limited period. That doesn't guarantee a particular print quantity, delivery date or future resale value. See the official physical-edition listing for ordering details.

Official Limited Run Games Hitman Absolution Switch 2 physical standard edition box mockup
Official Limited Run Games standard-edition box mockup.

Is it a native Nintendo Switch 2 game card?

This is an important detail for collectors: the promotional package states that it includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack. Limited Run's press announcement also says the physical game card works on an original Switch, where it plays the original Switch version.

Do not assume the enhanced Switch 2 content is entirely stored on a Switch 2-only game card. Before ordering, review the final packaging and any eShop or download requirements, especially if you collect games for offline preservation.

Physical edition price: $49.99 or $39.99?

The official sources currently disagree. Limited Run's October 21 press release lists a US suggested retail price of $49.99. Its official product page, checked October 23, displays $39.99.

Because both figures come from official sources, treat the physical price as unresolved until checkout rather than assuming either amount is guaranteed. The announcement also lists €55.95, £45.00 and CAD $70.99. Shipping and taxes may be additional.

Feral Interactive official Hitman Absolution Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launch promotional artwork
Official launch promotional artwork: Feral Interactive / IO Interactive.

Digital Switch 2 prices and free-upgrade deadline

Feral Interactive confirmed the enhanced digital edition is available now. US eShop prices vary by whether you already own the Nintendo Switch version:

Buyer Through Nov. 4 From Nov. 5
Existing Switch owner: Upgrade Pack Free $9.99
New Switch 2 digital buyer $29.99 $39.99

Owners of the original Switch edition should claim the free Upgrade Pack by November 4 if they want to avoid the later charge. The physical Limited Run preorder is a separate offer.

What does Hitman: Absolution improve on Switch 2?

  • Higher output resolution in handheld and docked modes.
  • Improved handheld frame rate, reaching a maximum of 60 fps in some circumstances; not a guaranteed locked 60 fps.
  • Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
  • Improved animations, effects, level of detail, shadows and texture filtering.
  • Cross-platform Contracts mode, with player-created challenges and leaderboards, available at launch.

These features come from Feral Interactive's October 22 launch announcement.

Official Nintendo Hitman Absolution gameplay screenshot showing stealth action
Official Nintendo/Feral gameplay image from the original Switch edition; not a Switch 2 performance comparison.

Should collectors buy physical or digital?

  • Already own it on Switch? Claim the free digital upgrade while available.
  • Want to play immediately? The introductory $29.99 Switch 2 digital edition is available now.
  • Prefer physical media? The Limited Run release offers a boxed game card and booklet, but verify the final price, upgrade requirements and shipping estimate before ordering.

The most important distinction is that a physical game card and a fully self-contained Switch 2 version are not necessarily the same thing. Read the final product details carefully rather than purchasing solely for the collectible packaging.

Official sources

Image credits: Limited Run Games physical-edition promotional banner and box mockup; Feral Interactive / IO Interactive launch artwork; Nintendo / Feral Interactive gameplay screenshot. These are official publisher/distributor promotional materials used for independent editorial coverage. HITMAN and related marks belong to their respective owners. Hype Gamer Gear is not affiliated with the publishers.

Back to blog