Ubisoft plans to release Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the Nintendo Switch 2 on December 2, marking the series’ latest expansion onto a hybrid console platform. The publisher confirmed that the version arriving on the new hardware includes all previously issued title updates except for the Claws of Awaji expansion, which is scheduled for release in 2026. The Switch 2 version also supports cross progression through Ubisoft Connect, allowing players to continue their saved progress across other supported systems.
According to Ubisoft, adapting the open world action title for handheld and docked play required a substantial reworking of the game originally built for current generation home consoles. Technical Graphic Director Yannick and Project Lead Programmer Bruno outlined the scale of the project, describing it as one of the company’s more demanding engineering tasks. Both developers stated that the team’s priority was to retain the visual and environmental detail of the existing versions while ensuring the new port could maintain a target of 30 frames per second.
The porting effort involved adjustments to several underlying systems. Ubisoft reports that many game assets and architectural components were modified to better suit the Switch 2’s ARM-based processor and memory constraints. Certain simulations, including cloud and cloth physics, were downscaled to reduce GPU load while attempting to preserve the overall effect. The team chose to rely on baked global illumination rather than the device’s ray-traced global illumination support, citing memory considerations. Ubisoft says this approach mirrors the techniques used on lower specification PC hardware and the Xbox Series S version.
Performance optimization was described as an ongoing balancing process that required adjustments to level of detail ranges, draw distances, and texture resolutions. Ubisoft noted that heavily populated areas feature fewer non-playable characters compared to other platforms, a change attributed to maintaining consistent performance. The game makes use of Deep Learning Super Sampling to enhance image quality through upscaling techniques designed to provide sharper visuals and more stable performance.
Both handheld and docked modes target 30 frames per second. Handheld play uses further reductions in image quality and draw distance due to GPU limitations. Ubisoft confirmed that the game supports high dynamic range display features and variable refresh rate, although VRR typically requires a minimum of 40 FPS. To address this, the company developed an internal method that enables VRR functionality at 30 FPS.
The Switch 2 version includes support for touch controls in menus and maps, along with plans for future updates that will align with other platforms. Ubisoft also stated that keyboard and mouse compatibility is planned for a later update when the console is docked. Assassin’s Creed Shadows remains available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Amazon Luna, PCs via Ubisoft Store and Epic Games Store, Macs with Apple silicon, and through a Ubisoft Plus Premium subscription.
