Okay, let's talk Assassin's Creed Shadows. Specifically, let’s talk about the tantalizing, yet still somewhat speculative, possibility of this beautiful-looking game landing on the Nintendo Switch 2. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, right? But bear with me. I’ve been following this stuff for years, and sometimes, just sometimes, the stars align.
See, I remember when everyone scoffed at the idea of The Witcher 3 on the Switch. They said it couldn’t be done. Too big, too demanding. And yet… CD Projekt Red pulled it off. Sure, it wasn't the prettiest version, but it was The Witcher 3, playable on the go. That’s nothing short of magical and that gave me hope for other graphic intensive games.
And that’s why I’m cautiously optimistic about Assassin's Creed Shadows finding its way to Nintendo’s next console. It’s not just wishful thinking. There are legitimate reasons to believe it’s possible.
Why Assassin's Creed Shadows on Switch 2 Makes (Some) Sense
First, let's look at the tech. The Switch 2 is rumored to be a significant leap over the current Switch. We’re talking about potentially Nvidia’s next-gen Tegra chip, maybe even with some custom silicon magic thrown in by Nintendo (they do love their secrets!). This would give it a power boost, potentially putting it in the same ballpark as the last-gen consoles (PS4/Xbox One). It could smoothly run Assassin's Creed Shadows. I mean, let’s be real, nobody expects a perfect parity in graphics compared to the new generation consoles and PCs, but a playable, enjoyable experience? Absolutely.
Second, Ubisoft has been surprisingly supportive of the Switch. They’ve ported over a number of their titles, even some of the more demanding ones. Remember Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle? That was a surprisingly deep and gorgeous game, and Ubisoft clearly put a lot of effort into optimizing it for the Switch. They also are rumored to be working on Beyond Good and Evil 2, as here. This shows they see value in the Nintendo platform. It's quite important.
But here’s the thing: even if the Switch 2 has the horsepower, there are other challenges. Open-world games are notoriously difficult to optimize. They require a lot of memory, a lot of processing power, and a lot of clever tricks to stream assets in and out without causing performance hiccups. This is where Ubisoft’s experience comes in.
The Optimization Hurdle
Ubisoft has been doing open-world games for ages. They’ve learned a thing or two about squeezing every last drop of performance out of limited hardware. They’re masters of level of detail scaling, texture compression, and clever streaming techniques. They could get creative to make sure that the game runs well on the switch 2. They’ve also got experience optimizing their Anvil engine, which powers the Assassin's Creed games. I am very curious to see how they optimize this open-world game to work on the handheld console.
Also, consider the market. The Switch has a massive install base. Millions of people who love playing games on the go. A portable Assassin's Creed Shadows would be a huge draw for that audience. Think about it: exploring feudal Japan on the train, assassinating targets in a coffee shop, or scaling castles in bed. The appeal is undeniable, right? And that’s a market Ubisoft would be foolish to ignore. This is a huge factor for the company.
Potential Downsides and Concerns
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. There are potential downsides. The biggest one is the visual compromise. To get Assassin's Creed Shadows running smoothly on the Switch 2, Ubisoft would have to make some sacrifices. We’re probably talking about lower resolution textures, reduced draw distances, and fewer graphical effects. But honestly? If it means being able to play the game on the go, I’m willing to live with that. I am ready for that trade-off to happen.
I initially thought that the cloud gaming might be a work around, but that’s not quite right. First, you need a stable internet connection. Second, the input lag can be a real killer, especially in a fast-paced action game like Assassin's Creed. The frustrating thing about cloud gaming is that it feels like you’re always fighting against latency.
Another potential concern is the price. Switch games tend to be more expensive than their counterparts on other platforms. A full-fledged Assassin's Creed Shadows port could easily cost $60 or more. Is that a price people are willing to pay for a portable version? I think so, especially if the game is well-optimized and offers a unique experience on the Switch 2. Speaking of prices, you might find an amazing gaming chair that won't break the bank!
Why I’m Still Excited
Despite these challenges, I'm still excited about the possibility of Assassin's Creed Shadows on the Switch 2. The potential is just too good to ignore. A AAA open-world game, on the go, with all the stealth and action that Assassin's Creed is known for? Sign me up! Show me!
And let’s not forget the unique gameplay opportunities that the Switch offers. Motion controls for aiming? Touchscreen integration for the menus? The possibilities are endless. I am hoping that the company takes full advantage of the feature.
Ultimately, whether or not Assassin's Creed Shadows comes to the Switch 2 will depend on a number of factors. The power of the Switch 2, Ubisoft’s willingness to invest in a port, and the market demand. But I, for one, am holding out hope. Because a portable Assassin's Creed Shadows? That’s a dream worth dreaming, right? Here's another dream, can Iron Man be back? Read more here here!
FAQ: Assassin's Creed Shadows on Switch 2
Is Assassin's Creed Shadows officially confirmed for Switch 2?
Not yet. As of now, there's been no official announcement from Ubisoft or Nintendo about a Switch 2 port. All we have is speculation and educated guesses based on the trends, tech, and previous releases. It's a case of "wait and see," but the possibility is definitely there.
Will the Switch 2 version of Assassin's Creed Shadows be the same graphically as the PS5/Xbox Series X version?
Almost certainly not. The Switch 2, while rumored to be significantly more powerful than the current Switch, likely won't match the graphical capabilities of the high-end consoles. Expect some visual compromises, such as lower resolution textures and reduced draw distances. However, the core gameplay experience should remain intact.
Why would Ubisoft even bother porting Assassin's Creed Shadows to Switch 2?
Money! The Switch has a massive install base, and a portable version of a popular franchise like Assassin's Creed would be a huge draw for many gamers. Ubisoft has also shown a willingness to support the Switch in the past, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that they'd see the value in bringing Assassin's Creed Shadows to Nintendo's next console.
What if Assassin's Creed Shadows ends up being a cloud-only game on Switch 2?
That's definitely a possibility, but it's not ideal. Cloud gaming requires a stable internet connection and can introduce input lag, which can be detrimental to a fast-paced action game like Assassin's Creed. Hopefully, Ubisoft would prioritize a native port over a cloud-only solution, but we'll have to wait and see.
Is it worth buying a Switch 2 just to play Assassin's Creed Shadows?
That depends on how much you value portability. If you absolutely must play Assassin's Creed Shadows on the go, then the Switch 2 might be worth considering. However, if you're primarily a home console gamer, you might be better off playing the game on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC for the best possible experience. Wait until the official announcement before buying the console just for one game.
