I Played Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and It Might Be Capcom's Best Switch 2 Game

August 6, 2026 - 18:45

The demon-slaying samurai series is making a comeback, and this time it is heading straight to Nintendo's newest hardware. I got some hands-on time with the Switch 2 version of Onimusha: Way of the Sword ahead of its September 4 release, and I walked away impressed. The game does not feel like a watered-down port. It feels like a proper action title built for the platform.

The demo dropped me into a familiar setup. A lone swordsman, a village overrun by demons, and a lot of pressure to stay alive. The combat is deliberate. You are not mashing buttons. Every swing of the blade has weight, and blocking and parrying are just as important as attacking. The new Absorb system is back too. You still pull souls from fallen enemies to power up your weapon, and it feels just as satisfying as it did in the old days.

What surprised me most was how smooth it ran. The Switch 2 version holds a steady frame rate even when the screen fills with enemies and particle effects. The visuals are not quite as sharp as the PlayStation 5 version, but they are close enough that you will not notice unless you are looking for differences. The dark, moody lighting comes through well on the handheld screen, and the audio mix holds up even with headphones plugged in.

The demo only gave me a small slice of the game, but it was enough to sell me on the idea. If the full game keeps this level of polish, Onimusha: Way of the Sword could end up being one of the best action games on the Switch 2. It is a smart fit for the console, and it feels like Capcom put real effort into making sure the experience holds up. If you are a fan of the series or just looking for a solid samurai game, this one is worth keeping an eye on.