Uncovering a Hidden Performance Boost for Hitman: World of Assassination on Switch 2

\"Hitman: World of Assassination\" on Switch 2 has faced performance criticisms since its debut. While IO Interactive’s immersive world-building and engaging gameplay have been commendable, the game’s initial choppy performance in both docked and handheld modes led to a less-than-ideal user experience. However, a recent revelation from Digital Foundry suggests a hidden method to significantly enhance the game's frame rate, potentially transforming the player's interaction with the title. This unexpected discovery could prove vital for enthusiasts seeking a smoother, more fluid gameplay session, even as the developers continue to work on official patches.

Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter disclosed a fascinating workaround, brought to his attention by a player. This player noticed a substantial improvement in game performance after manually altering the console’s system output resolution. Specifically, changing the TV output resolution from 4K to 720p resulted in a markedly more stable frame rate, making missions like 'Hawkes Bay' run with impressive fluidity.

Leadbetter conducted comprehensive tests across various resolutions—4K, 1080p, and 720p—focusing on graphically demanding scenarios with high crowd density. The findings were compelling. In 'Whittleton Creek,' for instance, dropping the resolution from 4K (averaging 46.88fps) to 720p boosted the frame rate to an impressive 59.95fps—a 62.5% enhancement. Even at 1080p, the game exhibited improved rendering, with pixel counts indicating resolutions between 1152p and 1188p. The performance dip observed at 4K, despite similar pixel counts, suggests a computational cost associated with upscaling.

The team also examined the 'Berlin' level, noting a 61% frame rate increase when scaled down to 720p, and a 9% improvement at 1080p. While these gains are less pronounced in CPU-intensive, crowded areas—like the 'Paris fashion show,' which saw a jump from roughly 35fps to 45fps—the improvements remain significant. Digital Foundry speculates on the role of DLSS in upscaling, observing smooth edges where aliasing might be expected, and has reached out to IO Interactive for clarification.

Although this isn't an officially sanctioned 'performance mode,' it provides players with an immediate option to mitigate current performance issues by trading resolution for frames. This insight also offers Digital Foundry a valuable opportunity to better understand the computational demands of Nintendo’s DLSS implementation on the new console. With IO Interactive actively addressing performance concerns, players can anticipate further optimizations, eventually allowing for both crisp visuals and high frame rates.