Assassin’s Creed Origins Director Says Game Won’t Release On Nintendo Switch

Assassin’s Creed Origins may be one of 2017’s most anticipated games, but the title won’t be coming to Nintendo Switch anytime soon. That much was confirmed via a GamingBolt interview with Director Ashraf Ismail.

To quote Ismail directly, he said “we’re shipping on Xbox One, Xbox One X, PS4, PS4 Pro and PC.” As if that wasn’t clear enough, he also added “there are no plans to release it on Switch.”

As a technical showcase title on high-end hardware like the Xbox One X, it’s no surprise that Ubisoft has dismissed the idea of bringing the upcoming installment to comparatively underpowered hardware like the Nintendo Switch. Getting the game to run on an entirely different hybrid architecture isn’t exactly an easy task. It would likely require lots of engine downscaling and reduced effects to the point where the end result may not offer the kind of experience Ubisoft wants for this particular game. That kind of logic is precisely why ports of games like Destiny 2, Titanfall 2 and Mass Effect: Andromeda have been openly disregarded by developers.

In fact, rumors from IGN France suggest Ubisoft is having similar trouble porting its current-gen sports title Steep to Nintendo Switch. The report suggests Nintendo has stepped in to assist in the development process, and it’s unclear if the finished product will ever release. It noticeably skipped E3 in June and hasn’t been seen since the Switch reveal presentation in January.

Of course, just because Ubisoft has no plans to bring Origins to the Switch, that doesn’t mean the publisher sees no value in the system. Titles like Just Dance 2018, Rayman Legends and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle prove a solid commitment to the platform via last-gen ports or specially made projects. In other words, while something like Assassin’s Creed Origins may not have a place on Switch, a smaller-scale effort like the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles series might.

Given what we’ve learned about Origins, the sophistication it requires doesn’t seem possible on Switch. In recent interviews beyond the source one, Ismail also revealed the upcoming game will feature a world that’s twice the size of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It’s also got realistic and reactive AI, detailed vegetation mechanics and even mirages that are triggered while exploring the game’s desert setting.

While its scope may exceed the capability of Nintendo’s platform, however, many core concepts from its predecessors have been removed in an attempt to rejuvenate interest in the franchise. The staple mini-map full of icons has been replaced by a simple compass, and story missions can be completed in any order the player sees fit. Even in the narrative department, the departures of key voice actors suggest a sense of distance from the established Animus lore. Assassin’s Creed Origins has become larger since taking a year off, and its formula has been remixed a fair amount for it.

Assassin’s Creed Origins comes to Xbox One, PC and PS4 Oct. 27.

Are you surprised to learn Assassin’s Creed Origins won’t be coming to Switch? Which Ubisoft games deserve Switch ports? Tell us in the comments section!