Overview of Hades 2 Release
- Hades 2 is set to be a timed-console exclusive for Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, with an anticipated release in 2025.
- Since its early access launch on PC, the game has undergone significant enhancements, introducing new regions, weapons, and characters.
- Players can look forward to high-definition graphics and smooth 60 FPS performance, leveraging the capabilities of the Switch 2.
Supergiant Games has revealed that Hades 2 will initially release as a timed-console exclusive on both Nintendo Switch and the newly announced Switch 2. Following a similar trend to its predecessor, which launched on Switch in 2020 before expanding to other platforms in 2021, Hades 2 is anticipated to receive its full release later this year, although an exact date has yet to be announced.
The game entered early access for PC in May 2024 and for Mac in October of the same year. Since then, it has seen a flurry of updates informed by player feedback, introducing improvements such as the new weapon Xinth, the Olympus region, and interactions with beloved characters like Athena, Dionysus, and Prometheus. These updates have helped Hades 2 achieve notable engagement, surpassing 100,000 concurrent players on Steam—an impressive feat compared to the original title.
As confirmed by Nintendo and Supergiant Games, the timed-console exclusivity for Hades 2 is part of a strategic approach to enhance the initial lineup of third-party titles available on Switch 2, which also includes notable games like Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut and Ridge Racer. The game is projected for a 2025 release, while console players may have to wait for the game to be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S the following year. PC players will access the comprehensive 1.0 version concurrently with the Switch models.
Hades 2 as a Timed-Console Exclusive for Switch 2
The God-Like Rogue-Like Returns. Hear directly from @SupergiantGames in #CreatorsVoice on crafting their first-ever sequel, Hades II for #NintendoSwitch2. pic.twitter.com/Dt2OLiSdxv — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 8, 2025
According to Nintendo, the version of Hades 2 designed for Switch 2 will take full advantage of the platform’s advanced features. This includes delivering enhanced graphics in high-definition and ensuring a fluid gaming experience at 60 frames per second. The focus on timed exclusivity aligns with Nintendo’s objective of establishing a robust start for the Switch 2’s third-party offerings, which mirrors the successful strategy employed for the original Hades.
Challenges Facing the Launch
However, there are challenges ahead as the Switch 2’s launch remains uncertain in the U.S., a crucial market for Nintendo. The company recently announced delays in pre-orders for the Switch 2, attributed to tariffs imposed during the Trump era. Despite a tentative release date set for June 5, it remains unclear whether the pricing will be adjusted due to these tariffs, or if they will still be applicable when the console officially hits the market.