The first sparks of the rumor came earlier this year when Assassin’s Creed Shadows appeared in the PEGI database with a classification for Nintendo Switch 2. This raised eyebrows, as Ubisoft had only announced the game for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S at launch. While database listings can sometimes be errors, the appearance aligned with Ubisoft’s stated commitment to supporting Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, making the possibility more credible.
Momentum grew when French retailer Auchan briefly listed Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Switch 2, complete with box art and preorder options. The listing described the release as a “game key card” edition, meaning buyers would receive a physical box containing a digital download code rather than a traditional cartridge. This approach mirrors Ubisoft’s strategy with other large-scale titles, such as Star Wars Outlaws, which also arrived on Switch 2 in a similar format. Given that Shadows exceeds 100GB on other platforms, a key card release seems like the only feasible option for Nintendo’s hardware.
Adding fuel to the fire, Ubisoft executives have hinted at “new versions” of Assassin’s Creed Shadows coming to “other machines” during recent investor calls. While they stopped short of naming the Switch 2 directly, the timing of these comments, combined with the PEGI listing and retailer leak, has led many fans to believe the announcement is imminent. Industry insiders have also pointed out that Ubisoft has a history of bringing major franchises to Nintendo systems, even if in slightly scaled-down forms.
The big question is how well Assassin’s Creed Shadows will run on the Switch 2. The game is one of Ubisoft’s most visually ambitious projects, set in 16th-century Japan and featuring two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a stealth-focused ninja, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game showcases expansive environments, detailed character models, and advanced lighting effects. If the Switch 2 can deliver even a comparable experience, especially given reports of its support for modern rendering techniques like ray tracing, it would mark a significant leap forward for Nintendo’s hardware.
For fans of the franchise, the potential arrival of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2 would be a major win. It would not only expand the console’s library with one of Ubisoft’s flagship titles but also signal that third-party publishers are willing to bring their most ambitious projects to Nintendo’s ecosystem. With Star Wars Outlaws already released and other blockbuster ports rumored, the Switch 2 could be shaping up to have one of the strongest third-party lineups in Nintendo’s history.
Until Ubisoft makes an official announcement, the status of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2 remains speculative. However, between retailer leaks, database entries, and executive hints, the evidence is stacking up. If the rumors prove true, players may soon be able to experience the shadows of feudal Japan also on Nintendo’s next-generation hybrid system.
