Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Claws of Awaji DLC Shares Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

Why It Matters

The launch deepens Ubisoft’s commitment to Nintendo’s next‑gen console, driving both franchise engagement and Switch 2 hardware sales. It also showcases how live‑service DLC can extend a game’s lifecycle on emerging platforms.

Key Takeaways

• DLC launches March 10, 2026 for Switch 2.
• Over ten hours of new story content.
• Features Naoe and Yasuke as playable protagonists.
• New Bō weapons, skills, outfits transferable to main game.
• Expands Assassin’s Creed franchise on Nintendo’s next console.

Pulse Analysis

Ubisoft’s decision to release the Claws of Awaji DLC on Nintendo Switch 2 reflects a strategic push into the rapidly growing handheld‑console market. While the Switch 2’s sales figures remain undisclosed, early adoption rates suggest a sizable audience eager for premium, narrative‑driven experiences. By aligning a high‑profile franchise like Assassin’s Creed with the new hardware, Ubisoft not only secures a foothold on the platform but also signals confidence in Nintendo’s ecosystem as a viable revenue channel beyond traditional console partners.

The DLC itself offers more than a simple content add‑on; it introduces two new protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, and a fresh storyline centered on the mysterious island of Awaji. Over ten hours of gameplay, players navigate deadly ambushes, confront the Sanzoku Ippa clan, and acquire legendary Bō weapons. Crucially, the new gear and abilities are not confined to the expansion—they integrate directly into the main game, providing lasting value and encouraging players to revisit the core experience with enhanced capabilities.

From an industry perspective, this move underscores the evolving role of downloadable content as a catalyst for platform differentiation. As consoles like the Switch 2 compete on exclusive titles and tailored experiences, developers are leveraging DLC to create ecosystem‑specific incentives. Ubisoft’s approach may prompt other publishers to follow suit, delivering richer post‑launch support that ties directly to hardware sales, while gamers benefit from deeper, more personalized content ecosystems.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Claws of Awaji DLC shares Nintendo Switch 2 release date

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Brian (@NE_Brian) in News, Switch 2

Today, Ubisoft confirmed the release date for the Claws of Awaji DLC for Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2. It’s planned for March 10, 2026.

The expansion has players exploring the island of Awaji. Across over ten hours of content, they’ll go on a search for a lost artifact. Ubisoft says it has over ten hours of content.

Here’s a bit of additional information:

• Embark on a new adventure as Naoe and Yasuke and travel across the bay of Osaka, to the mysterious island of Awaji.

• As the pair scour this land in search of a lost artifact, they must navigate deadly ambushes and evade the traps set by powerful new foes.

• Get legendary Bō weapons for Naoe and unlock fresh skills, outfits, and perks for both protagonists. All new gear can be carried back into the main game to expand your arsenal.

• Become Naoe and Yasuke once again, and discover this new chapter of their stories as they follow the path of a mysterious shinobi and face the dangerous Sanzoku Ippa clan.

DLC Trailer

Assassin’s Creed Shadows previously received a substantial update on Nintendo Switch 2 back in December. We have the patch notes [here].

---