Playing the Switch 2 version of “Diablo IV” was so chill I nearly dozed off! The appeal of lounging through hack-and-slash [Play Report]

Following its announcement at BlizzCon 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of *Diablo IV: The Age of Hatred Collection* finally went on sale on September 16, 2026. In this article, we’ll share our hands-on impressions of the Switch 2 version of *Diablo IV*.

“Diablo IV” is a flagship title in the so-called “hack-and-slash” genre, which is also popular in Japan.

You delve into dungeons, defeat countless enemies, carefully select gear from the items that drop in a flurry, and keep at it until you get the gear you want.Then, you perfect a build that suits your style and head back into the dungeons again… This highly addictive loop is the hallmark of the “hack-and-slash” genre. And this “hack-and-slash” genre actually pairs very well with handheld consoles like the Switch 2.I myself once played the Nintendo Switch version of *Diablo III: Eternal Collection* for hundreds of hours; it’s probably the game I played the longest on the original Switch. That’s precisely why the Switch 2 port of *Diablo IV* was so eagerly anticipated.

So, in this article, I’ll focus primarily on playing *Diablo IV* in “Table Mode” and “Handheld Mode.”Since this title supports cross-play and cross-progression, players who have already played *Diablo IV* on PC or other platforms can continue playing with the same save data (*Note: Purchase rights for the base game and expansion packs are not shared across platforms, so you’ll need to purchase the corresponding software when playing on a different system.The Switch 2 version includes the expansion pack from the start).

This means you can switch up your gameplay: use a PC or TV monitor when you want to “play seriously”—which requires a crisp display and precise controls—and use the Switch 2 when you want to relax.

Also, if you’re starting with the Switch 2 version for the first time, pay close attention to the “Change Story Progress” option during character creation. If you want to enjoy the main *Diablo IV* story from the very beginning, select “Diablo IV” on the far left. If you start with “The Lord of Hatred,” you’ll be hit with major spoilers!!

First off, “Handheld Mode”—which lets you play even while lounging around—is a perfect match for *Diablo IV*. Combined with the pleasant autumn weather, it makes for a very relaxing gaming experience.Since this game was designed from the ground up to be played with a controller, it’s easy to play even on the Switch 2, and the UI is clearly laid out and easy on the eyes. While the text may feel slightly smaller compared to other Switch 2 games, the Switch 2’s screen is larger than the original Switch’s, so I didn’t find the text particularly hard to read.

Note that this game targets 30 fps in Quality Priority mode and up to 40 fps in Performance Priority mode; it does not support 60 fps.While actually playing, there were moments when the gameplay felt slightly less smooth. However, lying around while mowing down enemies one after another provided a unique sense of exhilaration and a hypnotic, relaxing effect—for me, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. In fact, I actually got incredibly sleepy while playing.

…That said, getting sleepy isn’t a negative point—it just means I was able to play in such a relaxed state. “Vampire Survivors,” one of my favorite games, also makes me sleepy when I play it on the Switch, and this game gives me a similar, pleasant sensation.“Vampire Survivors” has been a huge help for me on the eve of events when I’m too worked up to sleep, so I expect this game will serve a similar purpose (or is it just me?).

However, there is one thing to watch out for if you get too relaxed while playing. Since *Diablo IV* is an online game, if you fall asleep while the game is still running, you’ll be disconnected from the server and may be required to replay part of the quest. There were also instances where my Wi-Fi connection dropped even during normal gameplay, forcing me to restart.

These design choices somewhat clash with the Switch 2’s defining feature: “portability.” Even though you can play *Diablo IV* in Handheld Mode, you can’t truly “take it anywhere to play”—you’re limited to locations with a stable internet connection. Therefore, I must point out that play will primarily be confined to your home.

That said, there’s no denying that handheld mode and “hack-and-slash” games are a perfect match. The game is incredibly addictive—you’ll find yourself playing for hours on end—and you can enjoy it while lying in bed, in tabletop mode, or even by mounting the screen right in front of you using a tablet stand.

The Switch 2 version of *Diablo IV* is, at its core, incredibly fun, and I can definitely recommend it to fans of the series or players who want to enjoy a hack-and-slash game at their own leisure while relaxing at home in handheld mode. While you should keep in mind that the game’s always-online requirement can feel a bit restrictive at times, this is a highly recommended way to play.

The *Diablo IV: Age of Hatred* Collection is currently on sale for 8,400 yen.