A Strong Start for Third-Party Nintendo Switch 2 Ports

The wave of third-party Nintendo Switch 2 ports continues to gather momentum as more developers gain access to the new hardware and its toolsets. Surprise releases like Tomb Raider (2013) and the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade have already demonstrated a willingness to support the system early. Yet it is Ubisoft’s bold approach — leading with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws — that is beginning to define expectations for what hybrid hardware can achieve.

Ubisoft was instrumental in supporting the original Switch, offering a range of Assassin’s Creed conversions alongside lighter, platform-friendly projects. Even so, bringing two current-generation open-world titles to a hybrid device felt like an unexpected decision. Instead of easing into the platform with older entries such as Origins or Odyssey, Ubisoft chose to test the limits of what the Switch 2 can deliver.

Current-Gen Ambitions on a Hybrid Device

Pushing Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Switch 2

Given the console’s specifications, which are roughly in the region of the Steam Deck, many assumed that the earlier PS4/Xbox One era Assassin’s Creed titles would form the foundation of Ubisoft’s initial ports. Instead, the publisher selected two large-scale, visually dense games built for modern hardware.

From a business standpoint, the choice is logical: interest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows remains high, and Star Wars Outlaws, despite falling short of commercial expectations, continues to leverage the strength of its universe.

Technically, however, both games appeared daunting. Even powerful handheld PCs have struggled with them, and early Switch 2 footage drew scepticism. Bringing these sweeping worlds to a hybrid console seemed, at first glance, overly ambitious.

Dense Open Worlds on the Go

This is what makes the final results so surprising. With both ports now released, Ubisoft has demonstrated that modern open-world design can scale down far more effectively than expected.

Star Wars Outlaws is the standout achievement. Built with ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows as core components of its identity, it seemed a poor fit for a hybrid machine. Yet its Switch 2 version maintains strong visual coherence, something that clearly impressed the experts.

While resolution and draw distance reductions are evident, particularly in handheld mode, the overall presentation remains consistent, and the system’s 120Hz output and VRR support help stabilise the 30 FPS target. For players using cross-save via Ubisoft Connect, the Switch 2 version becomes a genuinely viable option for continuing the adventure, even if it’s not to everyone’s liking.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Different Kind of Achievement

Assassin’s Creed Shadows makes a slightly different impression. The portable version resembles what a late-generation PS4 or Xbox One release might have looked like, made possible by the console’s SSD and fast external storage. The absence of ray tracing and certain pared-back effects, such as simplified water rendering, are noticeable, but the core experience remains intact. Crucially, the underlying systems, world design, and range of mechanics reflect the series’ modern evolution.

Performance is stable and consistent enough that, compared with some handheld PC configurations, the hybrid machine often delivers a smoother, more predictable experience. It is a reminder that targeted optimisation can outweigh raw power, especially when adapting large-scale games to smaller form factors.

What This Means for the Future of Third-Party Ports

With the Switch 2 still shy of its first anniversary, its library is only beginning to take shape. Several major releases, including IO Interactive’s 007: First Light and MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, suggest strong enthusiasm from third-party publishers. Meanwhile, last-generation pillars such as Fallout 4 should be well within the hardware’s reach.

If Cyberpunk 2077 signalled Nintendo’s renewed commitment to heavyweight ports at launch, Ubisoft’s early work demonstrates what is possible when developers fully invest in scaling advanced technology to hybrid hardware. These ports show that the Switch 2 can host large, richly simulated modern games without leaning on cloud streaming or severe compromise.

They also highlight the platform’s potential for studios willing to adapt their pipelines thoughtfully. For Ubisoft, this may represent the beginning of a long-term strategy. For everyone else, it sets a new benchmark and a clear challenge.

A Promising Horizon for the Hybrid Era

With Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has delivered two of the most ambitious Switch 2 adaptations to date. While not perfect, they are far more successful than many anticipated, and they prove that the hybrid format can support modern open-world design without losing its identity.

If other publishers follow suit, the Switch 2 could become a rare platform: a device capable of hosting both richly advanced third-party games and Nintendo’s signature exclusives in equal measure. The opportunity is there and Ubisoft’s early efforts show just how far developers can go when they truly commit to the hardware.