Assassin's Creed Shadows: Switch 2 Release - Good or Bad Idea?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2: A Mixed Blessing? The possibility of Assassin's Creed Shadows arriving on the Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz. While the idea of playing this ambitious title on the go is appealing, there are potential downsides to consider. Let's delve into why this port could be both a fantastic and a frustrating experience.

Historically, Ubisoft hasn't shied away from bringing Assassin's Creed games to Nintendo consoles, even those with less powerful hardware. We saw Assassin's Creed 3 and Black Flag on the Wii U, and remasters of those titles, along with the Ezio trilogy and Rogue, on the original Switch. However, none of the sprawling, open-world entries in the series have made their way to Nintendo systems thus far.

Shadows would represent a significant step forward in that regard. Assassin's Creed Shadows Potentially Listed for Switch 2 The initial hint of a potential Assassin's Creed Shadows release on the Switch 2 surfaced on the PEGI game ratings website, as reported by VGC. The listing briefly included the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC as available platforms. While the individual game rating page has since been updated, the initial listing sparked considerable speculation.

The Allure of On-the-Go Assassin Missions One of the biggest advantages of a Switch 2 version of Assassin's Creed Shadows lies in its portability. The modern Assassin's Creed games are often criticized for their vast, sometimes repetitive open worlds. The ability to tackle smaller tasks and explore the world during commutes or short breaks could make this structure more enjoyable. Instead of committing to long gaming sessions, players could easily complete side quests or gather resources while on the move, and then dock the Switch 2 for more intensive story missions.

The Price of Portability: Graphical Compromises However, the beauty of Assassin's Creed Shadows is deeply intertwined with its visuals. The game boasts a meticulously crafted recreation of Japanese landscapes and a dynamic weather system spanning eight seasons. These elements contribute significantly to the immersive experience, especially during tasks like kuji-kiri, where the surrounding environment enhances the meditative aspect.

The Switch 2, despite its expected performance improvements, will likely require visual compromises to run Assassin's Creed Shadows smoothly. This could result in reduced resolution, simplified lighting, and less impressive weather effects. While gameplay is paramount, stripping away the game's visual fidelity could diminish its artistic impact. Games like Breath of the Wild have proven that beauty can be achieved even on less powerful hardware, but Assassin's Creed Shadows is designed with high-end visuals in mind.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act Ultimately, Assassin's Creed Shadows on the Switch 2 would be a welcome addition, expanding the game's reach to a wider audience. If the prospect of embarking on shinobi missions during downtime appeals to you, the graphical limitations might be a worthwhile trade-off. However, it serves as an early reminder that the classic dilemma of portability versus performance remains relevant on the Switch 2.