The Worst-Kept Secret in Gaming Is Finally Official
For months, the gaming community has been buzzing with rumors, retail listings, and rating board leaks. But now, you can put the speculation to rest. Ubisoft has officially announced that its massive feudal Japan adventure, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. And the best part? You won’t have to wait long. The game is set to launch on December 2, 2025, just in time for the holiday season.
This is a huge win for Nintendo fans and a strong statement of third-party support for the new console. Bringing a graphically demanding, current-gen exclusive open-world game to a portable device is no small feat. Let’s dive into everything Ubisoft has revealed about this highly anticipated port.
Your Journey to Feudal Japan, On the Go
The Switch 2 version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is more than just a quick port. Ubisoft is making sure the experience is tailored for Nintendo’s hardware. The game will launch at a price of $59.99, a welcome surprise for those who expected it to match the $70 price tag on other platforms. You’ll get to experience the intertwined stories of Naoe, the nimble shinobi, and Yasuke, the powerful samurai, in the vibrant setting of the late Sengoku period.
One of the standout features is full cross-progression support. Thanks to Ubisoft Connect, you can start your game on a PS5 or PC and seamlessly continue your adventure on your Switch 2 when you leave the house. The port will also include intuitive touchscreen support for navigating menus, the world map, and your hideout, making the portable experience smoother than ever. To top it off, all the free content updates that have been released for the game on other platforms will be available on day one for Switch 2 players.
Some Compromises for Portability
While the port looks impressive, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The recently released major expansion, Claws of Awaji, will not be included at launch. Ubisoft has confirmed it will be coming to the Switch 2, but not until early 2026. So, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for that new story content and the Bo staff weapon type.
Another point of discussion is the physical release. The game will be sold on a “Game-Key Card,” which means that even if you buy the physical cartridge, you will still need to download the game data. This has been a topic of debate among players, but developers have suggested this approach allows them to achieve better performance by utilizing the console’s internal memory speeds, which can be faster than reading from a cartridge.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Price | $59.99 / £49.99 |
| Key Features | Cross-progression, Touchscreen support, All free post-launch updates |
| Missing at Launch | Claws of Awaji Expansion (coming early 2026) |
| Physical Version | Game-Key Card (requires download) |
A Glimpse of an Impressive Port
So, how will it run? The initial announcement trailer looks very promising. Ubisoft seems to be leveraging its experience from the well-received Switch 2 port of Star Wars Outlaws to deliver a solid performance. The lighting looks realistic, and the level of detail is impressive for a portable console. While it might not be as sharp as the PS5 Pro version on a 4K TV, it appears to hold its own beautifully, especially for on-the-go play.
The trailer was uploaded at 1080p and 30fps, which may give us a hint at the performance target for the final game. For a world as vast and dense as the one in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a stable and smooth experience is key, and it looks like Ubisoft is on the right track to deliver just that.
Conclusion
The official confirmation of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the Nintendo Switch 2 is fantastic news. It solidifies Ubisoft’s commitment to the new platform and gives fans another massive, high-quality RPG to look forward to this year. With a reasonable price point, smart features like cross-progression, and what appears to be a technically solid port, December 2nd can’t come soon enough. Get ready to explore feudal Japan from your couch or on your commute.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Assassin’s Creed Shadows releasing on Nintendo Switch 2?
The official release date is December 2, 2025.
How much will the Switch 2 version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows cost?
It will be priced at $59.99 in the US and £49.99 in the UK for the standard edition.
Will I be able to continue my save file from another console?
Yes, the game will support full cross-progression through Ubisoft Connect, allowing you to carry your progress between different platforms.
Is the full game on the physical cartridge?
No, the physical release will be a “Game-Key Card.” This means you will need an internet connection to download the game data, even after purchasing the cartridge.
Does the Switch 2 version include the ‘Claws of Awaji’ expansion?
Not at launch. The Claws of Awaji expansion is scheduled to be released for the Switch 2 in early 2026.
Who are the main characters in the game?
The game features two protagonists with intertwined stories: Naoe, an adept shinobi from Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful African samurai from historical legend.