If you’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the Switch 2, your wait is almost over; it’s set to launch next Tuesday, December 2nd. Ahead of this release, Ubisoft has provided insights into the technical adjustments made to adapt the game for Nintendo’s platform, as well as highlighting some exclusive features.

Originally released on other platforms back in March after several delays, Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century feudal Japan, focusing on the dynamic between protagonists Yasuke and Fujibayashi Naoe. The game has received positive feedback, noted for its expansive scope and intricate details.

The version for Switch 2 will incorporate all existing updates for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, except for the Claws of Awaji expansion, which is set to launch in 2026. Ubisoft has confirmed that future updates for the Switch 2 will synchronize with those for other platforms, and they are also developing console-specific enhancements, including planned optimization patches and potential compatibility with keyboard and mouse when docked.

What can players expect on the Switch 2? Ubisoft aims for a stable 30 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes. The team has reportedly performed extensive code-level adjustments to optimize the game’s architecture, allowing for a streamlined technical performance without sacrificing game quality or player experience.

In terms of graphical features, the game will not utilize the Switch 2’s ray-traced global illumination due to memory constraints, opting instead for baked global illumination. Levels of detail, draw distances, texture resolutions, and loading times have all been finely tuned to prioritize performance. To maintain smooth gameplay, the population of NPCs in bustling areas will be reduced, although Ubisoft assures that the vibrancy of the environment remains largely intact. The game will also include support for DLSS for improved performance.

In handheld mode, certain compromises have been made, including modifications to image quality, draw distance, and LOD settings to accommodate GPU capabilities. However, players can look forward to variable refresh rates and HDR support.

For features unique to the Switch 2, users can take advantage of touch screen navigation for maps and menus. Additionally, the game will support cross-progression through Ubisoft Connect, allowing players to transition seamlessly between platforms if they’ve been playing Shadows elsewhere. Just a reminder: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on Switch 2 on Tuesday, December 2nd.