Ubisoft is set to release Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the latest title in its renowned open-world series, on the Nintendo Switch 2 come December 2. This marks an exciting development as the game, powered by the advanced Anvil engine, transitions to a less powerful platform. The engine boasts impressive advancements, including ray tracing and dynamic weather systems, pushing the franchise into a new era.
Technical Adaptations for Nintendo Switch 2
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows initially launched on high-end systems like the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X, the Nintendo Switch 2’s lower specs required significant changes. Developers had to reimagine world rendering and system interactions, optimizing simulation systems and adjusting illumination techniques to manage GPU load. Ubisoft achieved a stable 30 frames per second for both handheld and docked modes, using NVIDIA DLSS for performance enhancement. However, docked mode provides superior visual quality, with better draw distances and LOD settings, while handheld mode offers features like HDR support and a unique VRR implementation to maintain smooth gameplay.
Platform-Specific Features and Expansion Plans
The Switch 2 version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows incorporates unique features like touchscreen menu support and potential future mouse and keyboard compatibility in docked mode. Unfortunately, players will have to wait until 2026 for the Claws of Awaji expansion, the sole major addition planned for this game, contrasting with the multiple expansions released for its predecessor, Valhalla.