Nintendo has finally unveiled its much-anticipated ‘next-gen’ Hybrid console, Switch 2. While the event certainly had its fair share of highs and lows, it’s safe to say it wasn’t exactly groundbreaking. But amid all that, one glaring absence that has fans scratching their heads: Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Here’s the kicker: Assassin’s Creed Shadows had launched to rave reviews just recently, and yet there it was nowhere to be found in the Direct event. Instead, it chose to showcase older titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 while ignoring Ubisoft’s latest.
It almost feels like a slap in the face for the company, but is it really that surprising, given the state of affairs at Ubisoft in recent years?
Nintendo’s disinterest in Ubisoft’s latest hit
But let’s back up for a moment. Nintendo didn’t just announce their new console; they officially confirmed that Switch 2 will be released on June 5 for $449.99. For those looking for a little extra in the bundle department, there’s also the Mario Kart World Bundle, which costs $499.99.
While fans are preparing to spend their life savings to buy a new console, it’s hard not to wonder why Ubisoft’s latest flagship game wasn’t even considered for the event.
Given that Cyberpunk 2077, of all games, is coming to the device, optimisation surely isn’t the issue. So, what happened here? It’s not like Shadows hasn’t been popular and didn’t sell well. In fact, it was confirmed that it sold over 8 million copies with rave reviews.
So why did it pass on a brand-new, critically acclaimed title for various games that have been out for years? Could this be a sign that even Nintendo has had enough of Ubisoft? If you think about it, it’s not very surprising.
Over the past few years, Ubisoft has faced a series of controversies, from internal struggles to problematic historical accuracy in its games, like AC Shadows‘ portrayal of Japan’s history. While this is pure speculation, it’s hard to ignore the signs.
Is Nintendo moving on?
From any way you interpret it, this is not just a minor oversight. If Assassin’s Creed Shadows was a no-go, let’s say, based on optimisation or some other reason, then Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, an excellent platformer, would have been a perfect fit for the handheld. Yet, even that title was ignored.
For Ubisoft, it must be a very bitter pill to swallow. Despite all the recent hype and the reviews, it seems even one of the biggest gaming giants in the world is no longer willing to carry it to the next era.
The absence of any Ubisoft titles at the Direct is a clear signal: Even Nintendo, which has historically embraced third-party titles, has moved on from Ubisoft. Perhaps this is just the beginning.
With a string of missteps and controversies, Ubisoft may need to rethink more than just its financial strategy. The company must reconsider how it approaches game development, its relationships with major players in the industry, and its broader image.
As fans, we can only watch from the sidelines as Ubisoft navigates its future in a world where even Nintendo seems to have given up on them.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
