If you’ve been keeping an eye on the gaming world, you know the rumor mill never really stops. But every now and then, a piece of news drops that gets everyone talking. Right now, all eyes are on Ubisoft and the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 port of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Just when most of us had settled in for a long wait, a major leak suggests the game could be in our hands much sooner than expected.
What’s the Latest Scoop?
The big news comes from a well-regarded industry insider, billbil-kun, who has a strong track record for accurate leaks. According to their report, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on December 5, 2025. This was a surprise for many, as the general consensus pointed towards a 2026 release, given the scale of the game. The idea that we could be exploring feudal Japan on a handheld device this holiday season is definitely exciting.
This isn’t the first hint we’ve had. Earlier this year, the game was rated for the Switch 2 by PEGI (the European ratings board), and a French retailer even briefly listed a physical version online. While Ubisoft has remained quiet, these breadcrumbs are starting to form a pretty clear trail.
The ‘Game-Key Card’ Question
Now for the part that has the community divided. The leaks suggest the physical version of Shadows on Switch 2 will be a ‘Game-Key Card’. If you’re not familiar, this means you get a physical box to put on your shelf, but inside there’s no game cartridge-just a code to download the full game.
This practice has been a hot topic. For collectors and fans of physical media, it feels like a step down from owning the game outright. On the other hand, developers, including some at Ubisoft, have defended this approach. They argue that games can often run better and more smoothly when installed directly on the console’s internal memory compared to running off a cartridge. It seems to be a trade-off between performance and the traditional appeal of physical ownership.
Performance, Price, and Expectations
So, how will a massive open-world game like Assassin’s Creed Shadows run on the Switch 2? There’s a lot of optimism here, largely thanks to the impressive port of Star Wars Outlaws. That game really pushed the hardware and showed what the Switch 2 is capable of, delivering great graphics and stable performance.
It’s worth noting that Shadows runs on a different game engine (AnvilNext) than Outlaws (Snowdrop), so we can’t assume it will be a one-to-one comparison. However, it shows that Ubisoft is taking its Switch 2 ports seriously.
There’s also good news on the price front. The leak mentioned a price of around €50. This could translate to a lower price point in other regions compared to its launch on other platforms, making it a very tempting purchase for Switch 2 owners looking for their next big adventure.
Conclusion
While we need to wait for Ubisoft to make the official announcement, the evidence for a December release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the Switch 2 is getting stronger. The combination of a surprise early launch, the potential for another high-quality port, and a possibly lower price makes this a story worth following. The Game-Key Card might be a point of contention for some, but the chance to sneak through 16th-century Japan on the go is an exciting prospect. Keep your eyes peeled-an official reveal feels like it’s just around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows officially confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Not yet. While there have been multiple leaks, ratings, and retailer listings, Ubisoft has not made an official announcement. - What is the rumored release date?
The most credible leak points to a release on December 5, 2025. - What is a Game-Key Card?
It’s a physical retail box that contains a download code for the game instead of a physical game cartridge. You will need an internet connection to download the game. - Will the Switch 2 version be cheaper?
Rumors suggest a price of €50, which may be lower than the standard price on other consoles, but this is not confirmed. - Who are the main characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The game features two protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi from Iga province, and Yasuke, a powerful African samurai inspired by a real historical figure. - What period is the game set in?
The game is set in 16th-century feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period.