Assassin’s Creed Shadows is officially coming to Nintendo Switch 2, at least according to French retailer Auchan, which leaked a full product listing complete with box art on October 10, 2025. While Ubisoft hasn’t made an official announcement, the listing confirms what industry insiders have been hinting at for months: the feudal Japan assassin adventure will arrive on Nintendo’s next-gen console as a Game-Key Card, meaning buyers get a download code instead of a physical cartridge. This makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows the second major Ubisoft open-world game to use the controversial format on Switch 2, following Star Wars Outlaws in September.
The Retailer Leak and What It Reveals
Auchan, one of France’s largest supermarket and retail chains, published the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Switch 2 listing with detailed box art showing the PEGI 18 rating and platform information. The page clearly identifies the product as a Game-Key Card, though it doesn’t include pricing or a release date yet.
The listing remained live as of October 11, suggesting either Auchan doesn’t care about the premature reveal or Ubisoft gave tacit approval for retailers to begin preparing for an imminent official announcement. Given that the page includes finalized box art rather than placeholder images, this appears to be legitimate retail preparation rather than a mistaken early listing.
Twitter Amplification
Deal aggregator Wario64 tweeted the Auchan listing to his massive following, bringing widespread attention to the leak. Within hours, gaming outlets including Kotaku, Notebookcheck, My Nintendo News, and Nintendo Life picked up the story, making it impossible for Ubisoft to quietly walk back even if they wanted to.
The Game-Key Card Controversy
Game-Key Cards represent one of the most divisive aspects of Nintendo Switch 2’s third-party support. Instead of receiving a cartridge with game data, buyers get a card containing only a download code. You need an internet connection to download the actual game, and the “physical” purchase essentially becomes a glorified digital code packaged in a box.
Why Publishers Use Game-Key Cards
Ubisoft and other publishers cite technical limitations to justify the format. A developer explained after Star Wars Outlaws launched that while that game’s file size sat well under the 64GB cartridge limit, the cartridge format doesn’t support fast enough read speeds to stream rapidly changing open-world scenery without constant loading stutters.
For Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which exceeds 100GB on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the reasoning becomes even more straightforward. The game simply won’t fit on available Switch 2 cartridges without substantial compression that would compromise visual quality. Even if it could squeeze onto a 64GB cartridge after optimization, the read speed argument from Star Wars Outlaws applies doubly for the more graphically intensive feudal Japan setting.
Why Fans Hate Game-Key Cards
Physical game collectors despise Game-Key Cards for multiple reasons. You can’t truly “own” the game since it requires downloading from servers that will eventually shut down. Reselling becomes complicated or impossible depending on how the codes work. Trading with friends is out of the question. And perhaps most frustrating, you pay the same retail price as actual cartridges while getting substantially less value.
The backlash against Star Wars Outlaws using this format was intense despite the game performing surprisingly well on Switch 2. Many fans expected that criticism would discourage publishers from repeating the approach. Instead, Assassin’s Creed Shadows doubles down, suggesting Game-Key Cards will become standard for large third-party games rather than exceptions.
| Aspect | Physical Cartridge | Game-Key Card |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Permanent, no server dependency | Dependent on download servers staying active |
| Resale Value | Can sell or trade freely | Limited or impossible to resell |
| Internet Required | Not required for initial play | Required for download |
| Storage Space | Game data on cartridge | Full game size consumes system storage |
| Collection Value | True physical collection | Box with code, minimal collector value |
The Long Road to Confirmation
This Auchan leak represents the culmination of months of hints, rumors, and near-confirmations that Assassin’s Creed Shadows would come to Switch 2.
April PEGI Leak
The journey began in April 2025 when the PEGI rating database briefly listed Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Nintendo Switch 2 before the entry disappeared. At the time, it was unclear whether this represented legitimate leaked information or a database error.
July Earnings Call Hints
During Ubisoft’s July quarterly earnings call, CEO Yves Guillemot and CFO Frederick Duguet provided multiple coy hints without making explicit confirmations. Guillemot mentioned “new versions” of Assassin’s Creed Shadows coming to “other machines” alongside post-launch DLC content. Duguet revealed that beyond already announced titles, Ubisoft had “a game that will be launched on the Switch 2” during the current fiscal year ending March 2026.
While both executives carefully avoided saying “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” and “Switch 2” in the same sentence, reading between the lines wasn’t difficult. With Star Wars Outlaws already confirmed and only a few months remaining in the fiscal year, Shadows represented the most obvious candidate.
Industry Insider Claims
Leaker NateTheHate2, who has an excellent track record with Nintendo rumors, claimed in early 2025 that Assassin’s Creed Shadows was one of multiple Ubisoft games in development for Switch 2. He also suggested Assassin’s Creed Mirage would arrive on the platform, though that claim has less supporting evidence.
French outlet BFM Tech&Co reported in January that an anonymous Ubisoft source confirmed both Mirage and Shadows for Switch 2 releases in 2025. While anonymous sources require skepticism, the timing and specificity suggested legitimate insider knowledge rather than speculation.
Why Ubisoft Hasn’t Announced It Yet
Despite overwhelming evidence, Ubisoft continues avoiding an official Assassin’s Creed Shadows Switch 2 announcement. Several factors likely explain this hesitation.
Star Wars Outlaws Marketing Window
Star Wars Outlaws launched for Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, representing a major investment in marketing and development resources. Announcing another massive open-world game immediately after could cannibalize Outlaws’ sales as players decide to wait for the next big thing rather than committing to the Star Wars adventure.
By holding off on the Assassin’s Creed announcement, Ubisoft gives Outlaws breathing room to find its audience without competition from within their own catalog.
Nintendo Direct Timing
Major third-party Switch 2 announcements typically happen during Nintendo Direct presentations rather than standalone press releases. Ubisoft likely negotiated with Nintendo for prominent placement in an upcoming Direct, possibly scheduled for later in October or November.
Announcing prematurely outside a Direct could violate marketing agreements with Nintendo or simply waste the promotional boost that comes from Direct reveals to millions of simultaneous viewers.
Technical Polish Time
The Switch 2 version may still require additional optimization work before Ubisoft feels comfortable showing gameplay. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of the most graphically demanding games on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, featuring intricate lighting, detailed character models, destructible environments, and massive draw distances across feudal Japan.
Getting that visual fidelity running smoothly on Switch 2’s mobile-derived hardware represents a genuine technical challenge. Ubisoft likely wants the port looking impressive in trailers before officially confirming its existence.
What to Expect from the Switch 2 Version
Based on Star Wars Outlaws’ Switch 2 performance and what we know about Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ technical profile, reasonable expectations can be established.
Ray Tracing and Current-Gen Features
Star Wars Outlaws included ray-tracing and other current-generation rendering features on Switch 2, making it a genuine current-gen version rather than a compromised last-gen port. Assassin’s Creed Shadows should maintain similar feature parity, especially given that it’s being developed specifically for Switch 2 rather than adapted from last-gen versions.
DLSS upscaling technology will be crucial for maintaining image quality while hitting performance targets. Nvidia’s AI-powered upscaling has proven remarkably effective at reconstructing high-resolution images from lower internal rendering resolutions, and Switch 2’s Tegra chip includes hardware DLSS support.
Visual Compromises
Some graphical downgrades are inevitable. Reviewers noted that Star Wars Outlaws featured blurrier textures and less environmental detail compared to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions. Assassin’s Creed Shadows emphasizes graphical acuity, sophisticated lighting, and next-gen physics more than Outlaws did, potentially making compromises more noticeable.
Expect reduced crowd density in cities, simplified particle effects, shorter draw distances for distant objects, and potentially a 30fps frame rate target rather than 60fps. Ubisoft Quebec will need to carefully balance visual fidelity against performance to ensure the game feels smooth during combat and parkour sequences.
Complete Content Parity
The Switch 2 version should include all post-launch content available at the time of release. That means the Claws of Awaji DLC expansion that launched in September 2025, New Game+ mode that arrived in July, and any additional updates released between now and whenever the Switch 2 version launches.
Ubisoft has committed to treating Switch 2 as a legitimate current-gen platform rather than a last-gen afterthought, so content parity is expected rather than hoped for.
Release Date Speculation
The Auchan listing doesn’t include a release date, but industry observers can make educated guesses based on available information.
Holiday 2025 Target
Ubisoft’s CFO confirmed the unannounced Switch 2 game would release before the fiscal year ends in March 2026. That leaves a window between now and March, with the holiday shopping season representing the most lucrative opportunity.
A November or December release would position Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a major holiday gift option for Switch 2 owners. Given that the original versions launched in March 2025, the development team has had seven to eight months to optimize the Switch 2 port, which should be sufficient time for a Q4 2025 launch.
Post-Holiday January/February Possibility
Alternatively, Ubisoft might avoid the crowded holiday release schedule and target January or February 2026 instead. This gives additional polish time, avoids competition with first-party Nintendo releases and other major third-party games, and still meets the fiscal year deadline.
January/February releases also benefit from the post-holiday gift card spending surge as people use Christmas money to purchase games.
Pricing Expectations
While the Auchan listing doesn’t show pricing, $70 USD seems like the safe bet. Star Wars Outlaws launched at that price point for Switch 2, matching the cost on other platforms. AAA third-party games have standardized around $70 pricing this generation, and Ubisoft shows no inclination to discount Switch 2 versions despite using Game-Key Cards instead of cartridges.
This pricing will frustrate physical collectors who feel they’re paying full price for what amounts to a download code in a box. But Ubisoft’s position is that the development work, content, and experience justify the price regardless of delivery format.
Other Ubisoft Switch 2 Plans
Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t the only Ubisoft title rumored for Switch 2. NateTheHate2 and other insiders have claimed Assassin’s Creed Mirage will also arrive on Nintendo’s new console, though evidence for that port remains circumstantial compared to Shadows.
Mirage launched in October 2023 as a smaller, Baghdad-focused adventure emphasizing classic stealth gameplay over massive open-world exploration. Its more modest scope and earlier release date make it a natural fit for Switch 2, though Ubisoft hasn’t provided any hints about it during earnings calls or through PEGI listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Assassin’s Creed Shadows release for Switch 2?
No official release date has been announced. Based on Ubisoft’s fiscal year timeline ending March 2026, expect a release between November 2025 and February 2026, most likely during the holiday season.
Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows have a physical cartridge on Switch 2?
No, the Auchan retailer listing confirms Assassin’s Creed Shadows will use a Game-Key Card format, meaning buyers receive a download code rather than a game cartridge.
Why is Assassin’s Creed Shadows using a Game-Key Card instead of cartridge?
The game exceeds 100GB on other platforms, making it too large for available Switch 2 cartridges without substantial compression. Additionally, cartridge read speeds may not support smooth open-world streaming.
Has Ubisoft officially confirmed Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Switch 2?
No official announcement has been made yet, though a French retailer listing, PEGI rating, and multiple hints from Ubisoft executives during earnings calls strongly suggest confirmation is imminent.
How will Assassin’s Creed Shadows run on Switch 2 compared to PS5?
Expect visual compromises including reduced texture quality, shorter draw distances, and potentially 30fps frame rate. However, Star Wars Outlaws demonstrated Switch 2 can handle current-gen features like ray-tracing with DLSS upscaling.
Will the Switch 2 version include all DLC content?
Yes, the Switch 2 version should include all post-launch content available at release, including the Claws of Awaji expansion and New Game+ mode.
How much will Assassin’s Creed Shadows cost on Switch 2?
While not officially confirmed, expect $70 USD pricing matching other platforms, despite the Game-Key Card format providing less value than physical cartridges.
Conclusion
The Auchan retailer leak removes any remaining doubt that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. While Ubisoft continues avoiding an official announcement, likely to preserve marketing coordination with Nintendo or give Star Wars Outlaws more sales runway, the feudal Japan adventure will arrive on Nintendo’s new console sometime before March 2026. The confirmation that Shadows will use the controversial Game-Key Card format rather than a physical cartridge demonstrates that this distribution method is becoming standard for large third-party Switch 2 games despite fierce backlash from physical collectors. Ubisoft’s technical justification about file sizes and cartridge read speeds makes sense from a development perspective, but fans paying $70 for download codes in boxes understandably feel shortchanged. Whether Assassin’s Creed Shadows achieves the visual and performance quality necessary to justify Switch 2 as a legitimate current-gen platform remains to be seen. Star Wars Outlaws proved more impressive than skeptics expected, suggesting Ubisoft Quebec can deliver a respectable port. But Shadows emphasizes graphical fidelity more than Outlaws did, making compromises potentially more noticeable. For Switch 2 owners eager to explore feudal Japan with Naoe and Yasuke, this leak confirms you’ll get that opportunity soon. Just don’t expect a cartridge to put on your shelf alongside your physical collection.