Get ready, assassins and shinobi! The whispers in the wind have been confirmed: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is officially coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s launching at the perfect moment. In a move that will delight fans, Nintendo and Ubisoft have broken their silence, confirming a holiday release for one of the year's most anticipated games on the next-generation handheld.
After a swirl of leaks and rumors suggested a port was in the works, the official announcement finally puts all speculation to rest. This confirmation is a major win for Switch 2 owners, especially following recent news that left some in the community worried about the console's power.
The Official Reveal: Shadows Looks Stunning on Switch 2
The news broke via a crisp new announcement trailer on Nintendo's official YouTube channel. This wasn't just a sizzle reel of old footage; it was a targeted demonstration of Assassin’s Creed Shadows running natively on the Switch 2 hardware.
The trailer showcases the vibrant landscapes of feudal Japan, from bustling castle towns to serene, snow-swept forests, all running seamlessly on the new device. While it's always tricky to gauge final performance from a compressed video, the gameplay appears remarkably smooth, a promising sign for a game of this scale. The visual fidelity seems to be a significant step up from what was possible on the original Switch, handling the detailed environments and dynamic lighting with apparent ease.
You can see the stunning announcement trailer for yourself right here
Most importantly, the trailer confirmed the official release date: December 2, 2024. This strategically places the game right in the heart of the holiday shopping season, making it a prime candidate for millions of new Switch 2 consoles expected to be under Christmas trees.
It’s important to note that this appears to be the base game only. The Claws of Awaji expansion is not included, and its release date on the Switch 2 platform remains unclear. As of now, pricing details and a Nintendo eShop store page are also still pending.
A Roadmap to a Richer Experience
Ubisoft didn't just drop a release date and run. Alongside the port confirmation, the publisher shared an exciting roadmap for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, detailing key updates that will land just before the Switch 2 version hits shelves.
First, a significant Parkour Update is scheduled for October 28. This overhaul will introduce more fluid and dynamic movement, specifically adding the ability to catch a ledge in any direction while falling and eject from a ledge in any direction. This promises to give players unprecedented control over protagonists Naoe and Yasuke.
Then, on November 25, a free third story drop will arrive. This update will introduce a brand-new quest line, complete with new abilities to unlock. Ubisoft also teases a "special collaboration" that will be revealed at a later date, fueling community speculation.
Get a full breakdown of the upcoming content in the official roadmap trailer
This means that when the Switch 2 version launches on December 2, it will benefit from these substantial post-launch improvements right out of the gate, offering a polished and content-rich experience from day one.
A Welcome Contrast to Recent Industry Delays
The confident holiday release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands in stark contrast to recent news concerning another highly anticipated title. Just last week, FromSoftware announced the delay of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2, citing a need for more time for "performance adjustments."
This delay, pushing the game into 2026, had sparked concerns among fans about the Switch 2's capability to handle demanding AAA games. The smooth showing of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and its firm December release date seems to be a direct and reassuring response to those concerns. It demonstrates that with proper optimization, the hardware is more than capable of delivering a top-tier open-world experience.
Ubisoft's timely port is a strategic masterstroke, positioning Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a premier launch-window title for the Switch 2. For gamers eager to test the limits of their new console and dive into a sprawling historical epic, this is the holiday blockbuster they've been waiting for. Mark your calendars for December 2—feudal Japan is coming, and it’s portable.
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