Gaming enthusiasts across India have reason to celebrate as Ubisoft officially confirms that the highly anticipated open-world adventure Assassin's Creed Shadows will launch on the new Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on December 2. This major release brings the epic journey of Naoe and Yasuke in feudal Japan to portable gaming fans who prefer playing on the go or connected to their television.
The Complete Package at Launch
Ubisoft has revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version will include a significant bonus for players. All updates released for the game to date will be available immediately at launch, with the single exception of the Claws of Awaji expansion. This means Switch 2 players can dive into a nearly complete experience from day one.
Perhaps the most exciting feature for multi-platform gamers is the confirmed cross-progression support via Ubisoft Connect. This system ensures that players can seamlessly continue their adventure across different platforms, maintaining their progress whether they play on Switch 2, PC, or other supported consoles.
One of Ubisoft's Biggest Technical Challenges
Behind the scenes, bringing Assassin's Creed Shadows to the Nintendo Switch 2 represented one of the most demanding technical projects Ubisoft has ever undertaken. The game was originally developed for significantly more powerful hardware including PCs, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 consoles, making the transition to Switch 2 particularly challenging.
In an exclusive blog post, Ubisoft's technical graphic director Yannick and project lead programmer Bruno detailed the extensive efforts required to adapt the game. Bruno described the process as "one of the toughest but most rewarding challenges I have ever tackled", emphasizing that the team had to completely rethink rendering, systems, and performance optimization while preserving the core experience that makes Assassin's Creed Shadows special.
Technical Innovations Behind the Port
The development team spent months rewriting and optimizing code specifically for the Switch 2's architecture. Since the game was designed for current-generation home consoles, significant modifications were necessary to ensure smooth performance on Nintendo's hybrid device.
Key technical adjustments included:
- Modifying assets and streamlining technical elements
- Optimizing cloud and cloth simulation systems for ARM processors
- Reducing certain data loads to ease GPU pressure while maintaining visual quality
- Implementing baked Global Illumination instead of ray-traced GI to conserve RAM
- Adjusting LOD, draw distances, texture resolution, and loading behavior
- Slightly reducing NPC counts in extremely crowded areas
NVIDIA's DLSS technology played a crucial role in the port, using artificial intelligence to upscale visuals while delivering sharper images, better colors, and smoother overall performance.
Performance Targets and Special Features
The development team prioritized achieving a stable 30 FPS in both handheld and docked modes. While handheld mode required some scaling back of visual features, docked mode fully utilizes the Switch 2's capabilities including HDR support.
A particularly innovative solution involved Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. Since VRR typically requires at least 40 FPS to function properly, the Ubisoft team developed a custom algorithm that enables VRR operation at the targeted 30 FPS frame rate.
The Switch 2 version also introduces touch control support and will eventually include keyboard and mouse functionality when playing in docked mode. Ubisoft has confirmed that future updates will continue to align the Switch 2 version with other platforms.
For Indian gamers who prefer multiple gaming options, Assassin's Creed Shadows remains available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, Apple silicon Macs, PC, Steam, the Epic Games Store, and through Ubisoft+ Premium subscription service.
