Exploring the Possibility of a Switch Version for the Popular Franchise
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is one of the most anticipated video games of the year, marking the end of the series on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and the beginning of optimized titles for the new console generation.
However, one console that Ubisoft often seems to forget is the Nintendo Switch. With no new entry in the series since Black Flag, many wonder if Ubisoft will break the mold by optimizing Valhalla for the Switch.
Limited Console Power
The first concern when considering a Switch version of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the console’s power. The Switch struggles to run games like Zelda at a stable 30 frames per second, so it’s difficult to imagine a graphically rich and detailed game like Assassin’s Creed running smoothly on the platform.
Texture Compromises
If a Switch version were to be released, the textures would likely be coarser and less detailed, as seen with The Witcher 3. However, The Witcher 3 was released in 2015 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with lower system requirements compared to Valhalla’s 2020 release, which will also be available on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Even with drastically reduced texture quality, it’s hard to imagine the game running on a Nintendo Switch.
Comparing Power to PCs
The power of a Switch is significantly below that of a gaming laptop or budget gaming PC. Given the required configurations, these devices may struggle to run Valhalla properly, so it’s unclear how a Switch could have enough power to support the game.
Focus on the New Console Generation
As previously mentioned, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a cross-gen game, meaning it will be available on both the current (PS4 and Xbox One) and next-generation consoles (PS5 and Series X). Naturally, developers will prioritize the current-gen version, but once it’s released, their focus will shift to the PS5 and Series X versions, pushing graphics and realism even further.
It’s hard to see how developers would decide to take a “step back” by creating a version of the game with significantly inferior textures.
Potential for a Distant Release
Currently, some Assassin’s Creed games have been optimized for Switch, such as Black Flag, Rogue, and a remastered version of Assassin’s Creed 3. However, these games share a long time gap between their original release and their Switch debut.
For example, AC4 Black Flag was initially released in 2013 for PS4 and Xbox One, but it took nearly six years for a Nintendo Switch version to materialize. A similar situation occurred with Assassin’s Creed Rogue, arriving on the Switch in 2019, five years after its release on other platforms.
In summary, if a Nintendo Switch version of Valhalla were to be released, it would likely not happen for some time. It’s even possible that such a version would debut on Nintendo’s next console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Nintendo Switch handle Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Given the console’s limited power compared to other gaming platforms, it’s uncertain whether the Switch could effectively run a game like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Has Ubisoft optimized any previous Assassin’s Creed games for the Switch?
Yes, Ubisoft has released optimized versions of previous games in the series, such as Black Flag, Rogue, and a remastered version of Assassin’s Creed 3, for the Nintendo Switch.
