The release of Star Wars Outlaws on the Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, but questions surrounding its performance and presentation have left fans uneasy. Unlike other major third-party titles that have received impressive technical adaptations for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, Outlaws appears to be facing significant hurdles. In this article, we dive deep into everything we know about the Switch 2 version of Star Wars Outlaws, its performance issues, the mysterious lack of transparency, and what this might mean for Ubisoft’s broader strategy—including the rumored port of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The Importance of Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2
Ubisoft positioned Star Wars Outlaws as a bold step forward for the franchise: an ambitious open-world adventure set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The game promises expansive planets, dynamic combat, and spacefaring missions. With the Switch 2 now boasting far more powerful hardware compared to its predecessor, expectations were sky-high that Ubisoft would deliver an experience comparable to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions.
Yet, while other third-party developers have showcased technically strong ports on Nintendo’s platform—such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6—Ubisoft has kept Outlaws shrouded in secrecy, fueling speculation about its true performance.
Closed-Door Demo Raises Red Flags
At PAX West 2025, attendees were given the opportunity to play Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2. However, unlike other titles available at the event, Ubisoft only allowed this demo to be experienced behind closed doors. Players, media outlets, and content creators were forbidden from recording gameplay footage, even over-the-shoulder videos.
Such restrictions stand in stark contrast to how other Switch 2 games were presented publicly at the same event. Titles like Elden Ring and Borderlands 4 received extensive coverage and praise for their Switch 2 performance, while Outlaws remained in the shadows. This deliberate secrecy raises the question: What is Ubisoft hiding?
Performance Struggles and Frame Rate Drops
Reports from those who tried the closed demo indicate that the game’s frame rate often dipped below 30 FPS, particularly in demanding sequences. One example highlighted a mission aboard a Star Destroyer, where performance noticeably faltered during combat and exploration. Another problematic segment was a space battle, in which the action caused frame pacing issues and stuttering.
While the visual presentation in certain indoor environments was passable, the overall graphical quality varied significantly. Some textures looked sharp, while others appeared muddled or washed out. Ubisoft notably excluded large open-world planetary zones from the demo, leaving unanswered questions about how the Switch 2 will handle the game’s most ambitious environments.
For a console touted as a massive leap beyond the original Switch, this inconsistency is concerning. Fans had hoped for at least a locked 30 FPS experience with acceptable visual fidelity, but early impressions suggest Ubisoft may be struggling to meet that baseline.
Ubisoft’s Silence and Marketing Strategy
Another striking detail is Ubisoft’s lack of promotional push for the Switch 2 version. The company has been aggressive in marketing Outlaws on PlayStation and Xbox platforms, highlighting expansive gameplay showcases and cinematic trailers. By contrast, the Switch 2 version has received almost no official gameplay footage and remains absent from major promotional campaigns.
This subdued marketing suggests Ubisoft may be attempting to manage expectations. By keeping the spotlight away from Switch 2, they avoid drawing attention to potential shortcomings. This strategy, however, risks alienating Nintendo fans who were excited to experience a flagship Star Wars adventure on their new hardware.
Comparison With Other Switch 2 Ports
The Switch 2 launch window has already proven that the system is capable of handling demanding modern games with skillful optimization.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Surprisingly strong performance, with visual downgrades but consistent frame pacing.
- Street Fighter 6: Runs remarkably well with stable frame rates, proving that fast-paced competitive titles can thrive.
- Hitman World of Assassination: More visually compromised, with noticeable downgrades in texture and shadow quality.
- Elden Ring: Playable but far from ideal, with performance compromises similar to Outlaws.
From this comparison, it becomes clear that Switch 2 ports fall into two categories: those optimized with care that run impressively, and those that are functional but heavily compromised. Unfortunately, early signs suggest that Star Wars Outlaws belongs to the latter group.
The Future of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2
Beyond Outlaws, Ubisoft has another blockbuster in the pipeline: Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Given that Assassin’s Creed remains one of Ubisoft’s most important franchises, expectations for its Switch 2 port are considerably higher.
Insider speculation suggests Ubisoft may prioritize optimization for Shadows, ensuring it becomes a showpiece port for the platform. Shadows has already been delayed once, reportedly in part to avoid repeating the same performance pitfalls seen with Outlaws. If Ubisoft can deliver a smooth, visually compelling version of Shadows, it may restore confidence in their ability to support Nintendo’s hardware effectively.
Why Star Wars Outlaws Matters for the Switch 2 Ecosystem
The release of Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 is more than just another game launch—it is a litmus test for third-party support on Nintendo’s new console. If the game struggles with performance, it may reinforce the belief that Switch 2 will always be a secondary platform for AAA developers. Conversely, a well-optimized Outlaws could have showcased the console’s capabilities and attracted more studios to bring ambitious projects to the system.
Unfortunately, current signs point toward the former outcome. Ubisoft’s apparent reluctance to showcase the game openly and the reported technical issues suggest the Switch 2 version may fail to meet fan expectations.
What Players Should Expect at Launch
When Star Wars Outlaws launches on Switch 2, players should anticipate:
- Variable Performance – Expect frame rate dips below 30 FPS in more demanding sequences.
- Mixed Visual Quality – Some areas may look solid, while others reveal aggressive downgrades.
- Possible Day-One Patch – Ubisoft may attempt to fix performance issues with an update, though expectations should remain cautious.
- Reduced Scope in Open Worlds – Larger planetary areas may face significant compromises compared to other platforms.
For fans who prioritize smooth performance and visual fidelity, the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S versions will likely remain the superior way to play. However, for those eager to experience the game portably, the Switch 2 version still offers unique value despite its drawbacks.
Final Thoughts
The situation with Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 highlights the challenges Ubisoft faces when adapting ambitious open-world titles for Nintendo’s ecosystem. Between closed-door demos, restricted footage, and performance concerns, it is clear that this release will not showcase the Switch 2 at its best.
As anticipation builds for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has an opportunity to redeem itself and prove that the Switch 2 can handle large-scale open-world experiences with proper optimization. Until then, however, fans should approach Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 with tempered expectations, recognizing that it may not deliver the polished experience hoped for on Nintendo’s new console.
Star Wars Outlaws remains a milestone in the franchise, but its Switch 2 version is shaping up as a cautionary tale about the importance of optimization, transparency, and honest marketing in the gaming industry.