Assassin’s Creed Shadows is headed to Nintendo Switch 2 on December 2, 2025, marking one of Ubisoft’s most ambitious technical undertakings to date.
Announced in a recent Ubisoft overview, the fan-favorite action-adventure series is bringing its vast historical open world to Nintendo’s next-generation platform, complete with advanced features such as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been meticulously adapted from its current-generation counterparts to ensure a seamless and visually striking experience for Switch 2 owners.
All previously released updates will be bundled in the Switch 2 version at launch, with the notable exception of the Claws of Awaji expansion, which is set for release in February 2026.
Cross-progression will be available across all platforms, and the Switch 2 edition offers intuitive touch screen navigation for menus, maps, and hideout management, a feature tailored to Nintendo’s hybrid hardware.
Ubisoft’s project lead programmer, Bruno, shared insights into the technical hurdles and achievements of the porting process, describing it as, “one of the toughest but most rewarding challenges I have ever tackled.” According to Bruno, the development team re-engineered various core systems—from rendering and asset streaming to gameplay interactions—while maintaining the authentic Assassin’s Creed experience.
To ensure stable performance, Assassin’s Creed Shadows targets 30 frames per second in both docked and portable modes on Nintendo Switch 2.
Bruno explained the team’s extensive efforts at the code level, modifying game assets to optimize the experience without sacrificing depth or visual richness.
The game’s architecture was refined for the platform’s ARM-based processor, with simulation data downscaled where necessary to lighten GPU load.
For advanced lighting, Ubisoft employed its proprietary baked Global Illumination system, preserving visual quality while managing RAM requirements.
Further adjustments were made to elements such as level of detail, draw distances, and texture resolutions.
Although the environmental density remains high, NPC counts in busy areas have been fine-tuned to maintain smooth gameplay. One of the key enhancements is support for DLSS, which leverages AI upscaling to deliver sharper visuals from a lower native resolution, improving both image quality and performance.
VRR will also be available, providing a smoother gameplay experience—particularly in handheld mode.
While VRR traditionally activates above 40 frames per second, Ubisoft designed a custom algorithm that enables VRR support at the game’s targeted 30 FPS, a technical feat ensuring visual fluidity and responsiveness.
In portable mode, the team further optimized image quality, draw distance, and level of detail to maintain consistent performance given the handheld’s lower GPU power. Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2 not only exemplifies Ubisoft’s engineering prowess but also extends a full-featured console experience to Nintendo’s loyal fanbase.
With features like DLSS, VRR, cross-progression, and touch interface support, Switch 2 players can look forward to an uncompromised open-world adventure.
Stay tuned for further updates as the December 2025 release date approaches.
Announced in a recent Ubisoft overview, the fan-favorite action-adventure series is bringing its vast historical open world to Nintendo’s next-generation platform, complete with advanced features such as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been meticulously adapted from its current-generation counterparts to ensure a seamless and visually striking experience for Switch 2 owners.
All previously released updates will be bundled in the Switch 2 version at launch, with the notable exception of the Claws of Awaji expansion, which is set for release in February 2026.
Cross-progression will be available across all platforms, and the Switch 2 edition offers intuitive touch screen navigation for menus, maps, and hideout management, a feature tailored to Nintendo’s hybrid hardware.
Ubisoft’s project lead programmer, Bruno, shared insights into the technical hurdles and achievements of the porting process, describing it as, “one of the toughest but most rewarding challenges I have ever tackled.” According to Bruno, the development team re-engineered various core systems—from rendering and asset streaming to gameplay interactions—while maintaining the authentic Assassin’s Creed experience.
To ensure stable performance, Assassin’s Creed Shadows targets 30 frames per second in both docked and portable modes on Nintendo Switch 2.
Bruno explained the team’s extensive efforts at the code level, modifying game assets to optimize the experience without sacrificing depth or visual richness.
The game’s architecture was refined for the platform’s ARM-based processor, with simulation data downscaled where necessary to lighten GPU load.
For advanced lighting, Ubisoft employed its proprietary baked Global Illumination system, preserving visual quality while managing RAM requirements.
Further adjustments were made to elements such as level of detail, draw distances, and texture resolutions.
Although the environmental density remains high, NPC counts in busy areas have been fine-tuned to maintain smooth gameplay. One of the key enhancements is support for DLSS, which leverages AI upscaling to deliver sharper visuals from a lower native resolution, improving both image quality and performance.
VRR will also be available, providing a smoother gameplay experience—particularly in handheld mode.
While VRR traditionally activates above 40 frames per second, Ubisoft designed a custom algorithm that enables VRR support at the game’s targeted 30 FPS, a technical feat ensuring visual fluidity and responsiveness.
In portable mode, the team further optimized image quality, draw distance, and level of detail to maintain consistent performance given the handheld’s lower GPU power. Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2 not only exemplifies Ubisoft’s engineering prowess but also extends a full-featured console experience to Nintendo’s loyal fanbase.
With features like DLSS, VRR, cross-progression, and touch interface support, Switch 2 players can look forward to an uncompromised open-world adventure.
Stay tuned for further updates as the December 2025 release date approaches.
