What it is
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a 3D arena fighting game based on the Demon Slayer anime, developed by CyberConnect2. The original game launched in the UK on 5 August 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and Steam. The unreleased Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is currently announced for Japan on Thursday, 29 October 2026, but SEGA and Aniplex have not confirmed a UK release date, price or retailer listing as of 27 September 2026.
The Switch 2 version is more than a straight port. It is billed in Japan as a definitive package with higher resolution, 60fps performance and the full Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 Character Pass, bringing the total playable roster to 54 characters. It also supports online battles against players using the original Nintendo Switch version, although cross-generation matches run at 30fps.
- UK release
- Not confirmed; 29 October 2026 is the announced Japanese date
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch 2 for the new edition; the original game is already on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and Steam
- Developer
- CyberConnect2
- Publisher
- Aniplex for the Japanese Switch 2 edition; SEGA for the Western release of the original game
- UK price
- Not announced
- PEGI
- PEGI 16 on the original UK Nintendo Switch release; Switch 2 UK rating unconfirmed
- Genre
- Action, fighting
- Online mode
- Yes — online VS battles for up to 2; Nintendo Switch Online required
- Game Pass/PS Plus
- Not applicable to the Switch 2 edition
- Story content
- Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs
Story and setting
The main Story Mode continues Tanjiro Kamado’s journey after the events covered by the first game. It adapts three arcs from the television anime: the Entertainment District Arc, the Swordsmith Village Arc and the Hashira Training Arc. Tanjiro faces the Upper Rank demons alongside allies from the Demon Slayer Corps, with the campaign presented through exploration, battles and recreated anime set pieces.
The game also includes The Path of a Demon Slayer, which revisits important fights from the first game, covering the Unwavering Resolve Arc and the Mugen Train Arc. The Infinity Castle material is not a new story campaign in the confirmed Switch 2 package. It is supplied through a character pass for VS Mode.
How it plays
Combat takes place in compact 3D arenas, with characters using normal attacks, special techniques, supports, guards, evasive moves and Ultimate Arts. Story Mode is single-player, while VS Mode supports local and online battles for up to two players. The roster includes all nine Hashira, returning fighters from the first game, demons added after launch and new characters from the later anime arcs.
The sequel adds Dual Ultimates, powerful team attacks available to specific character pairings. Gear lets players equip up to three items in Story Mode or VS Mode, with effects such as poison resistance or gradual health recovery. Training Paths put players through tournament-style challenges against the Hashira, while character Mastery levels unlock cosmetic rewards for the online Slayer ID profile.
Trailers and showcases
The announcement trailer, released on 9 December 2024, confirmed the sequel and showed the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs. A Nintendo Switch announcement trailer followed on 1 March 2025, confirming the over-40-character roster and the three-arc Story Mode.
SEGA’s April 2025 character showcase introduced playable footage of Gyokko, Zohakuten and Genya Shinazugawa. The New Features Trailer on 7 June 2025 focused on Dual Ultimates, Gear, Training Paths, The Path of a Demon Slayer and Mastery. A Swordsmith Village showcase published in June showed that arc’s battles and introduced Yoriichi Type Zero with Kotetsu as a support partner. Game Trailer #3, released on 7 July 2025, brought together the three story arcs, all nine Hashira and the expanded VS Mode roster. The pre-launch trailer on 28 July 2025 confirmed the post-launch Infinity Castle Character Pass and the free addition of Muzan Kibutsuji to VS Mode.
Platforms, editions and UK price
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the only confirmed platform for the new 29 October 2026 release, and that date is currently a Japanese announcement rather than a confirmed UK launch. In Japan, the main package includes the game and the Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 Character Pass. The pass covers Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Infinity Castle Akaza, Doma and Kaigaku.
The Japanese release is also sold as a 550-yen upgrade path for owners of the original Nintendo Switch version, while the full package is priced at 7,810 yen. No UK RRP, UK pre-order, physical edition, digital edition or retailer has been confirmed for Switch 2. The original Nintendo Switch version is already available in the UK, and its UK Nintendo listing carries a PEGI 16 rating.
What we still do not know
SEGA and Aniplex have not announced whether the Switch 2 Edition will launch in Britain on 29 October 2026, whether it will be sold physically or digitally in the UK, or whether the Japanese package contents and upgrade pricing will carry over. There is no confirmed UK RRP to use as a buying guide, and no UK-specific pre-order bonus has been detailed.
The Switch 2 version is confirmed to support online VS battles, including matches against the original Switch version, and Nintendo Switch Online is required. There is no reason to expect PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass support for this Switch 2 release. Current official materials also do not identify the engine, so Unreal Engine 4 should be treated as unconfirmed rather than stated as fact.
Not yet confirmed
- A UK release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The confirmed 29 October 2026 date is for Japan.
- UK RRP, retailer pre-orders, physical availability and digital storefront details.
- Whether the UK edition will include the Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 Character Pass as standard.
- A separate UK PEGI rating for the Switch 2 Edition.
- The game engine. Unreal Engine 4 is not confirmed in the current official Switch 2 materials.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2: your questions
When is Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 coming out in the UK?
There is no confirmed UK release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Aniplex has announced Thursday, 29 October 2026 for Japan only.
Is Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has been announced, with higher resolution, 60fps support and the Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 Character Pass included in the Japanese package.
Does The Hinokami Chronicles 2 have online multiplayer?
Yes. VS Mode supports online battles for up to two players, and the Switch 2 Edition can play online against the original Nintendo Switch version. A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required.
Which Demon Slayer story arcs are in The Hinokami Chronicles 2?
Story Mode covers the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs. The Path of a Demon Slayer also revisits key battles from the first game, including the Unwavering Resolve and Mugen Train arcs.
How many characters are in the Switch 2 Edition?
The Japanese Switch 2 package is advertised with 54 playable characters, including the seven fighters from the Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 Character Pass. The equivalent UK package has not been confirmed.
