The gaming world has been buzzing with anticipation for the next big evolution in Nintendo’s hardware line-up, and a new leak has just added fuel to the fire. According to trusted industry sources, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, one of 2025’s most anticipated AAA games, is being developed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. If true, this move could redefine third-party support on Nintendo platforms and give fans a whole new reason to get excited for the hybrid console’s successor.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Ubisoft’s Ambitious Leap into Feudal Japan
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Ubisoft’s latest flagship title, taking the storied franchise into uncharted territory: feudal Japan. With dual protagonists — Yasuke, the legendary African samurai, and Naoe, a stealthy shinobi — the game blends historical intrigue with fast-paced action and stealth mechanics. Powered by Ubisoft’s cutting-edge Anvil engine, it promises to deliver a sprawling open world, dynamic weather systems, and advanced NPC AI.
Announced to launch on high-end platforms like the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025, the title is widely expected to be a top contender for Game of the Year. The possibility of it launching on Nintendo’s next console is a bold statement about how far the Nintendo Switch 2 might have come in terms of performance.
What the Leak Tells Us About Nintendo Switch 2’s Hardware Potential
The source of the leak, insider Tom Henderson via Key to Gaming, reports that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be a day-one release on the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside other platforms. This isn’t just about another third-party title coming to Nintendo — it’s a potential confirmation that the Nintendo Switch 2 will support hardware-intensive, graphically demanding games right from launch.
Previous rumors and developer whispers suggest that Nintendo’s new console will feature:
- A custom NVIDIA Tegra chip with support for DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
- Ray tracing capabilities
- A higher-resolution display (possibly 1080p handheld and 4K docked)
- SSD-level internal storage for faster load times
- Increased RAM and improved thermal management
If these upgrades are indeed part of the package, the Nintendo Switch 2 would no longer be a generation behind its rivals but a genuine competitor capable of hosting modern AAA experiences.
Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2 Is a Big Deal
Historically, the Nintendo Switch has struggled to run graphically demanding games without significant compromises. Titles like The Witcher 3 and Doom Eternal were ported to the system, but often at reduced resolutions and frame rates. The success of these ports demonstrated the console’s flexibility but also highlighted its limitations.
The inclusion of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch would mark a significant turning point. Ubisoft has traditionally scaled back their games for Nintendo hardware or skipped releases altogether. Having one of their biggest franchises debut on Nintendo Switch 2 without delays signals trust in the platform’s capabilities and a closer alignment between Nintendo and third-party publishers.
Could This Set a New Standard for Third-Party Titles on Nintendo?
Nintendo has long been seen as the “second console” for many gamers — great for exclusives like Zelda and Mario, but not the go-to for blockbuster third-party titles. That perception could change drastically if Switch 2 can run Assassin’s Creed Shadows seamlessly.
If Ubisoft’s port proves successful, it could pave the way for:
- Native releases of games like Call of Duty, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy.
- Enhanced versions of existing Switch ports with better performance and graphics.
- Broader cross-platform support, enabling Switch 2 players to join online multiplayer communities on other consoles without compromise.
This could ultimately lead to the Switch 2 becoming a one-stop hybrid console for both casual and hardcore gamers.
What We Know About Nintendo Switch 2’s Launch Timeline
Although Nintendo has yet to officially reveal the Nintendo Switch 2, multiple reports have pointed to a release window in the first half of 2025. According to developers with access to development kits, the hardware is in its final stages of testing, and marketing materials are already in the pipeline.
Nintendo has also confirmed that the new console will be part of the current Switch family rather than a brand-new product line. Backward compatibility is rumored to be included, ensuring a smooth transition for existing Switch users who’ve built a large digital library.
How Assassin’s Creed Shadows Could Influence Switch 2’s Success
Launching the Switch 2 alongside a major multi-platform title like Assassin’s Creed Shadows would give Nintendo a critical edge. It offers instant credibility to a new generation of hardware and assures fans that they won’t be missing out on the biggest games of the year.
This strategy could also help Nintendo capture a more mature gaming demographic while continuing to support its family-friendly audience. If the console performs well with Shadows, it might convince even more publishers to bring next-gen games to the hybrid platform.
What Fans Can Expect in Terms of Graphics and Gameplay on Switch 2
While it’s unlikely the Switch 2 version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will match the ultra-high settings of PS5 or Xbox Series X, the addition of DLSS and modern GPU architecture could allow for:
- Stable 30-60 FPS gameplay
- Enhanced textures and lighting effects
- Reduced loading times with SSD-class storage
- Seamless open-world exploration
The focus will likely be on maintaining visual fidelity without sacrificing performance, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience tailored to handheld and docked modes.
Also read: GTA 6 Release Date Leak Sparks Frenzy: 2025 Launch Confirmed by Insider Report
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Nintendo?
This leak might be just the beginning. If the Nintendo Switch 2 can support a high-profile, technically demanding title like Assassin’s Creed Shadows at launch, it signals a major transformation in Nintendo’s approach to hardware and third-party support.
Gamers and analysts alike will be watching closely over the next few months for official confirmation. But one thing is clear: Nintendo is positioning itself not just to compete in 2025, but to lead. And if leaks like this keep turning into reality, the Switch 2 could become one of the most influential consoles of the next decade.
