Get Ready for Star Wars Outlaws!

Star Wars Outlaws is just days away from launching on the Switch 2, marking Ubisoft's major foray into Nintendo's latest handheld wonder. So, why isn’t there more buzz about this highly anticipated title that’s also a frontrunner in digital pre-orders?

The Big Question: Is It Ready?

Surprisingly, Star Wars Outlaws is notably absent from the PAX West show floor, despite numerous other big titles like Elden Ring and Borderlands 4 being available for eager fans. Instead, the only way to experience this game is through a closed-door demo, leaving many scratching their heads about its readiness for release.

Sources from GVG’s recent hands-on video indicate that concerns are mounting over the game’s performance on the Switch 2. While testing revealed an exciting sneak peek featuring a Star Destroyer and intense space battles, the frame rate often dipped below 30fps, and graphical quality fluctuated between impressive and mediocre.

Shrouded in Secrecy

Adding to the intrigue, Ubisoft has restricted the sharing of any direct footage from the game, leading to speculation about its overall quality. This secrecy echoes past red flags regarding its development. During a Nintendo Direct earlier in the summer, Ubisoft's showcasing of Outlaws lasted a mere two minutes—mostly filled with developers talking, rather than showcasing actual gameplay.

Despite some glowing lighting effects highlighted by Digital Foundry, the overall visual fidelity raised eyebrows when compared to the more powerful PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions.

What’s Next for Ubisoft?

Looking forward, fans wonder if Star Wars Outlaws is a test run for other major titles set to arrive on Switch 2. The rumored Assassin's Creed Shadows is speculated to be in the pipeline—could Ubisoft be prioritizing its resources for this franchise, leaving Outlaws in the dust?

The landscape of Switch 2’s third-party ports is starkly divided. Some titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 barely hint at their hardware limitations, while others like Hitman World of Assassination struggle to maintain performance.

Final Thoughts

As we gear up for the launch, one can only hope that Star Wars Outlaws will deliver a compelling experience worthy of its legacy, or if it will become another cautionary tale of underperformance in the gaming industry. Stay tuned as we approach its launch!