Prince of Persia fans have been waiting patiently since 2020 for Ubisoft’s remake of The Sands of Time, and now there’s fresh evidence that the long-delayed project might finally be ready for its moment in the spotlight. A new website for the game has been registered and updated recently, sending the rumor mill into overdrive about an imminent announcement.
The Website That Started It All
The discovery of the newly registered Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time website came just as we entered 2026, the year Ubisoft has repeatedly promised the game would finally launch. While the company hasn’t officially announced anything yet, the timing is extremely suspicious. According to insider reports, Ubisoft is planning to release the remake in mid-January 2026, with some sources specifically pointing to January 16 as the target date.
This lines up perfectly with the typical timing for Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct showcase, which usually takes place in mid-to-late January. However, one potential wrinkle is that the game will also be available on Ubisoft’s own subscription service from day one, which makes a Game Pass day-one release less likely unless Microsoft made an exceptional offer.
Five Years of Development Hell
To understand why fans are so excited yet cautious about this news, you need to know the rocky history of this remake. Ubisoft first announced the project in September 2020 with a planned January 2021 release. The initial reveal trailer was met with brutal criticism over its dated graphics that looked more like a mid-generation PS3 game than a modern remake. That negative reaction triggered the first of many delays.
By 2022, Ubisoft made the dramatic decision to completely scrap the work done by its Pune and Mumbai studios and start fresh with Ubisoft Montreal, the team behind the original 2003 classic. This effectively reset development entirely. Since then, updates have been sparse, with Ubisoft offering only vague reassurances that the game was “deep in development” and still targeting 2026.
What the Leaks Revealed
In late November 2025, leaked gameplay footage from the rebooted version surfaced online, giving fans their first real look at what Ubisoft Montreal has been cooking up. The footage came from a March 2024 workshop where Ubisoft gathered community feedback, and it showed significant improvements over the original 2020 reveal. The parkour mechanics looked fluid and impressive, with enhanced time manipulation powers including the ability to slow and freeze enemies in time.
Ubisoft’s official Prince of Persia account responded to the leak, confirming the footage was nearly two years old and stating that “the game has changed so much since then.” This suggests the final product could be even more polished than what we saw in those leaks. The leaked materials also revealed that this is no longer being called a straightforward remake. The game is now being built in the Assassin’s Creed engine and includes new gameplay mechanics, more complex puzzles, and a revamped combat system that better utilizes the Prince’s acrobatic abilities.
Key Changes From the Original
Based on the leaked information and official statements, here’s what we know about the remake’s improvements:
– Enhanced parkour mechanics with more fluid movement
– Expanded time manipulation powers beyond the original game
– Completely overhauled combat system emphasizing acrobatics
– More complex puzzle designs
– Single-player co-op elements with NPC Farah
– Built in the Assassin’s Creed engine for modern visuals
– Re-recorded dialogue with original voice actor Yuri Lowenthal returning
What This Means for 2026
If the January 16 release date holds true, we should be seeing an official announcement very soon, possibly at an upcoming showcase in the next few weeks. Ubisoft confirmed in its latest earnings report that the game would launch by March 31, 2026, narrowing the window considerably. The company is positioning this remake as part of its fiscal year 2025-26 lineup alongside titles like Anno 117: Pax Romana, Rainbow Six Mobile, and The Division Resurgence.
This release strategy makes sense for Ubisoft, which is trying to stabilize its finances after a rough period marked by layoffs, studio closures, and decreasing profits. A successful Prince of Persia launch could provide much-needed momentum for the company and potentially pave the way for the rumored Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake that’s supposedly in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake releasing?
While not officially confirmed, insider reports suggest a January 16, 2026 release date. Ubisoft has officially stated the game will launch by March 31, 2026, so the window is relatively narrow regardless of the exact date.
Why has the Prince of Persia remake taken so long to develop?
The remake was completely rebooted in 2022 after negative fan reaction to the original 2020 reveal trailer. Development was moved from Ubisoft Pune and Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal, which essentially started the project from scratch. This reset added years to the development timeline.
What platforms will the Prince of Persia remake be available on?
The game is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It will be available on Ubisoft’s subscription service from day one, though Game Pass availability remains uncertain.
Is this still called a remake or has the name changed?
Interestingly, Ubisoft has quietly dropped the “Remake” from the title. The game is now simply called “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” and is being branded as a “Ubisoft Original,” suggesting it may include more new content than a traditional remake would.
Will the original voice actors return for the remake?
Yes, Yuri Lowenthal is confirmed to be returning to voice the Prince, reprising his role from the original 2003 game. All dialogue and voice work has been re-recorded for the remake.
What improvements can we expect from the leaked footage?
Ubisoft stated that the leaked November 2025 footage was from a March 2024 workshop and that “the game has changed so much since then.” This suggests the final version will feature even more polish and improvements beyond what was shown in those leaks.
Are there other Prince of Persia games coming soon?
Ubisoft has been actively reviving the Prince of Persia franchise. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown released in 2024, and The Rogue Prince of Persia is currently in early access. The Sands of Time remake represents the company’s effort to reintroduce the classic 3D action-adventure formula to modern audiences.
Why This Actually Matters
Beyond just being another remake, this project represents something important for Ubisoft and the gaming industry. The 2003 Sands of Time is widely considered one of the greatest action-adventure games ever made, pioneering mechanics that influenced everything from Assassin’s Creed to modern platformers. Getting this remake right matters not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because it could determine whether Ubisoft continues reviving classic franchises. There are already rumors of a Silent Hill-style treatment for other beloved Ubisoft properties, and how this remake performs could greenlight or kill those projects. The newly registered website, combined with the January timeline and recent leaks, suggests Ubisoft is finally confident enough to show the world what five years of troubled development has produced. Whether that confidence is justified, we’ll hopefully find out very soon.