Can the rumored Assassin’s Creed Shadows port to Nintendo Switch 2 save Ubisoft’s latest title? Discover how a timely release could turn around.
The excitement surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been undercut by a series of concerns since its announcement. Between mixed reception over its gameplay and uncertainty about its choice of protagonist, there’s a growing sense that Shadows might not live up to expectations, potentially putting the final nail in the coffin for the studio.
The game has not been received well and even got delayed to February 14th. | Image Credit: Ubisoft.
However, a new rumor has surfaced which suggests that Ubisoft may have found a lifeline for Shadows: a timely port to the upcoming and highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. If this rumor turns out to be true, it could be the key to transforming Shadows from a potential flop into a success.
Can a timely launch on Switch 2 save Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The rumor suggests that the game might be getting a port to Switch 2. | Image Credit: Ubisoft
Nintendo’s next-generation hybrid console, Switch 2, is looking to revolutionize gaming once again, just as its predecessor did back in 2017. The device promises to deliver a powerful hardware upgrade, offering better graphics, enhanced performance, and faster load times.
From what the leaks and rumors have shown, it is designed to build on the foundation of the first Switch, but with the added power that could bring console-quality titles to a portable format.
🔥Leak Express: Assassins Creed Shadows está siendo porteado a Switch 2.
La intención es que esté listo para la ventana de lanzamiento de la nueva consola de Nintendo
Los ports de Assassins Creed Mirage, Valhalla, Odyssey y Origins también llegarán, estos dos últimos en un pack pic.twitter.com/YSBbFq1eXl
— Nash Weedle 💎 (@NWeedle) August 12, 2024
I can back up the Shadows part
— ‘Necro’ Felipe #UnivNintendo (@necrolipe) August 12, 2024
For Ubisoft, porting Assassin’s Creed Shadows to the next-gen hybrid console during its launch window would not only introduce the game to a whole new demographic of players, but would also create a unique selling point.
The hybrid handheld has been home to a vibrant mix of casual and dedicated gamers, and with the successor coming very soon, Shadows could attract those players who’ve never experienced the series or those looking for a fresh take on a familiar universe.
A smooth port of Shadows could mark the start of something new and positive for the studio, which has been struggling to deliver lately. Additionally, this would mark a new phase in the franchise, embracing the flexibility of portable gaming.
Will it be enough to rescue Assassin’s Creed?
The upcoming hybrid handheld has a lot of potential, due to its boost in performance. | Image Credit: Nintendo
Given the lukewarm reception of Assassin’s Creed Shadows so far, just from the trailers and protagonist showcases, Ubisoft would be relying heavily on the Switch 2 port to breathe new life into the game.
While the Switch has shown that it can handle the burden and still carry through, there is another save and grace in the rumors. It suggests the plan is to port several other games from the franchise as well, including Mirage, Valhalla, Odyssey, and Origins.
The inclusion of older titles such as Odyssey and Origins, with their massive open worlds, memorable characters, and hundreds of hours of content, would further solidify the Switch 2 as a go-to console for fans of historical action RPGs, raising the appeal of the franchise and the device.
However, all of this is speculative and is based on rumors and leaks. As always, it’s best to take them with a grain of salt because only time will tell if these rumors are just another wave in the ocean of leaks surrounding the Switch 2.
In the end, whether or not this rumor holds true, one thing is clear: the Switch 2 provides the best chance for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to avoid becoming a dumpster fire.
