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For a newcomer who wants a large action RPG on Nintendo Switch 2 and can rely on an internet connection, the Age of Hatred Collection looks like a strong-value entry point at Nintendo’s listed US regular price of $69.99. It bundles Diablo IV with both expansions, and hands-on reviewers have praised the port’s handheld play. The trade-offs are significant: the game requires a persistent internet connection and Battle.net account, and the Switch 2 version makes visual and performance compromises.
What do you get in the Age of Hatred Collection?
The collection includes the Diablo IV base game, the Vessel of Hatred expansion and Lord of Hatred. Nintendo describes it as multiple campaigns, with eight classes: Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Paladin, Rogue, Sorcerer, Spiritborn and Warlock. Vessel of Hatred adds the Spiritborn class and Nahantu region; Lord of Hatred takes the story to the Isles of Skovos. Nintendo’s US announcement lists a regular price of $69.99. That is a US price, not a guarantee of the price in other regions or during a sale.
Blizzard positions the collection as the option for players new to Diablo IV. Lord of Hatred can also be bought as an expansion upgrade, but that requires the base game. If you already own Diablo IV on another platform, compare the upgrade price with the full Switch 2 bundle rather than assuming the collection is the cheapest route. Blizzard’s expansion announcement distinguishes the collection from the expansion upgrade.
How does Diablo IV run on Switch 2?
The game offers a choice between higher resolution at a 30 fps target and a 1080p mode targeting 40 fps. Blizzard’s published targets, reported by Nintendo Life from Blizzard’s Switch 2 FAQ, are:
#1 Best Overall
![Diablo IV | Age of Hatred Collection | Nintendo Switch 2 [Code in a Box]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316PBtvThiL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPLETE DIABLO IV COLLECTION – Includes the Diablo IV base game plus the Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred expansions in one action RPG bundle for Nintendo Switch 2.
- SWEEPING DARK FANTASY CAMPAIGN – Unlikely heroes arise, ancient foes stir, and no soul is safe as Mephisto, the Prime Evil of Hatred, spreads his corruption across Sanctuary.
- 8 PLAYABLE CLASSES – Master eight distinct Diablo IV classes, including the all-new Paladin and Warlock, and build the hero you want to play.
- EXPLORE NAHANTU – Take up the Spiritborn class and become the apex predator of the jungles of Nahantu in the Vessel of Hatred expansion.
- JOURNEY TO THE ISLES OF SKOVOS – Adventure to the never-before-seen region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
| Mode | Resolution and target | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 1440p docked or 1080p handheld; 30 fps target | Prioritizes resolution over the higher frame-rate target. |
| Performance | 1080p docked or handheld; 40 fps target | Docked performance mode requires a compatible display with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. |
These are targets, not a promise that every scene will hold the stated frame rate. In its hands-on review, Nintendo Life preferred performance mode, especially in handheld play, and said quality mode had more trouble consistently reaching its target. The reviewer also observed simplified enemy animations when many enemies were on screen and occasional performance hiccups. A separate Nintendo Everything review praised the port, particularly handheld play, while noting that always-online play limits the benefit of portability. These are reviewers’ observations, not a guarantee of identical results for every player or scene; anyone expecting consistent 60 fps or performance parity with more powerful consoles should adjust expectations.
Diablo IV game director Brent Gibson gave a more favorable assessment in remarks reported by TechRadar from a BlizzCon press Q&A: “The concessions we had to make are barely noticeable.” He also described the experience as, “It’s fluid. It’s easily readable.” Those are Gibson’s opinions about the port, not independent performance measurements. TechRadar’s report provides the context.
Rank #2
![Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection – Nintendo Switch 2 [Code in a Box]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KxSPJMcrL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes Diablo IV base game.
- Includes Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred expansions.
- Embark on a sweeping dark fantasy campaign where no soul is safe.
- Master eight distinct classes, including the all-new Paladin and Warlock.
- Become the apex predator of the jungles of Nahantu.
Does Diablo IV on Switch 2 need an internet connection?
Yes. Nintendo’s product listing says a persistent internet connection and Battle.net account are required to play. A Nintendo Life reviewer reported being returned to the home screen after losing the connection. That makes the game a poor fit for commutes, travel or other play sessions where reliable service is unavailable. Nintendo’s UK product listing sets out the connection and account requirements, while Nintendo Life’s review describes the disconnection behavior.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online to play?
No, not for all play. Nintendo notes that some online features require a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Blizzard’s FAQ, as reported by Nintendo Life, says the campaign and side quests, open-world activities, couch co-op, The Tower and leaderboards, and seasonal ranks and content remain available without that membership. Internet access and a Battle.net account are still required.
The Tool Desk
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- 7 unique and powerful hero classes: Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, Witch Doctor, and Wizard
- Explore the full story of Diablo III across the High Heavens and Burning Hells through 5 thrilling Acts
- Open the world of Sanctuary to endless exploration with Adventure Mode, featuring loot-packed Bounties and Rifts
- Fully supported Seasonal Updates bring additional exclusive rewards, challenges, and player leaderboards every few months
- Includes Switch-exclusive bonus cosmetics, featuring a full intimidating armor transmog set befit for the King of All Evil, Ganondorf.Play with up to 4 friends online, offline via local coop, or on a single console couch-coop style.Supports all Switch controller configurations, including single and dual Joy-Con action
Without Switch Online, the reported restrictions include online parties, trading, clans, PvP and encountering other players in the open world. So the membership requirement depends on the features you want; it is not a blanket requirement for the game itself.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you transfer a Diablo IV character to Switch 2?
Nintendo lists cross-progression and cross-play, and Blizzard’s Switch 2 FAQ says existing players can continue with cross-progression after linking a Battle.net account. That makes the Switch 2 version appealing if you want to continue an existing character on a handheld console. Do not assume every platform purchase or paid currency moves with your character: Nintendo Everything’s review specifically notes that Platinum currency does not transfer between platforms. Nintendo’s listing, the FAQ report and Nintendo Everything’s review cover these details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Flexible and efficient gameplay
- Recover power ups by killing enemies
- Music composed by Allister Brimble (Alien Breed, Body Blows, Project-X, Colonization, Driver or Superfrog)
Rank #4
- Build whatever you can imagine in your own infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
Who should buy the Switch 2 collection?
- Buy it if you are new to Diablo IV: the bundle is the clearest all-in entry point, with the base game and both expansions.
- Consider it if portable play matters: reviewers have praised the handheld experience, and cross-progression can let existing players continue after linking Battle.net.
- Skip or wait if you need offline play: the persistent internet requirement can undermine the Switch 2’s portability in places with unreliable service.
- Compare costs if you already own the game: check the separate expansion upgrade against the complete collection before paying again for content you have elsewhere.
- Think about your performance expectations: quality mode targets 30 fps at higher resolution; performance mode targets 40 fps at 1080p. Neither is a published 60 fps target.
- Check which multiplayer features you use: Switch Online applies to selected social and competitive features, while several activities remain available without it.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
