Summary:
Ubisoft has officially confirmed that Star Wars Outlaws, its highly anticipated open-world action game set in the Star Wars universe, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2. A new sizzle trailer has been released, showcasing the game in action on the upcoming hardware. The footage highlights noticeable differences between the Switch 2 version and those for the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Although the graphics and performance are not quite on par with its more powerful console counterparts, there’s still time for optimization ahead of its scheduled launch on September 4th. Fans of the franchise are buzzing with excitement, and many are curious to see how well the open-world elements will transition to Nintendo’s next-generation handheld-console hybrid. Ubisoft’s move signals a strong third-party push for the new system and may set the tone for future high-profile ports.
What Star Wars Outlaws Is All About
Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft’s latest venture into the galaxy far, far away. It’s not your typical linear Star Wars story. Instead, it breaks tradition by introducing an open-world experience where players can freely explore planets, interact with smugglers, dodgy dealers, and Imperial forces alike. You step into the boots of Kay Vess, a rogue trying to carve out a reputation during the time between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. With a loyal droid companion and a lot of questionable choices ahead, the game promises to let players truly live the scoundrel life. The choices you make seem to have consequences, making every mission feel like a gamble. From space battles to stealth missions, there’s a wide range of gameplay on offer.
The Big News: Ubisoft’s Trailer Reveal
Ubisoft surprised fans with a flashy new trailer that showed Star Wars Outlaws running on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This wasn’t just a typical cinematic teaser. The footage gave viewers a decent taste of in-engine gameplay on the new system, even if it was a brief look. It served as the official confirmation that the game isn’t just targeting the powerhouse consoles like Xbox Series X|S and PS5—it’s also launching on Nintendo’s hardware. The announcement came with a specific date too, giving fans something concrete to look forward to.
When You Can Play: The Release Date
Circle September 4th on your calendar because that’s when Star Wars Outlaws launches across all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s a unified release, which is impressive considering the varied capabilities of each console. This means Nintendo players won’t have to wait months after the others to jump in. While game delays are always possible, especially with new hardware in the mix, Ubisoft seems confident about this window. So far, they’ve stuck to their promotional timeline and offered consistent updates—this trailer being the latest example.
A First Look at Switch 2 Gameplay
The trailer showcases Star Wars Outlaws running on the Nintendo Switch 2, and although the footage is polished, it’s clear the game looks different compared to its next-gen siblings. You’ll notice a slight reduction in graphical fidelity, with some textures and lighting effects scaled back. However, the framerate seems stable and the overall look is more than respectable—especially for a handheld-capable system. The environments retain their charm, and the animations feel fluid. It’s not just a cut-down version; it feels tailored for the hardware’s capabilities.
What This Means for Port Quality
Getting a game like Star Wars Outlaws to run well on a hybrid system is no small feat. The fact that it still looks good—albeit not top-tier—suggests Ubisoft put effort into this version. That’s a reassuring sign for players who have often felt let down by inferior ports in the past. Optimization seems to be a key focus, and more tweaks could still be made before launch.
Visual Differences Between Consoles
If you’ve seen the same footage across Xbox Series X or PS5, you’ll notice higher resolution textures, more advanced lighting, and deeper environmental detail. The Switch 2 version, by contrast, tones these elements down slightly to maintain performance. It’s not a drastic downgrade, but noticeable for those with an eye for detail. But that’s the trade-off when playing on a system designed to go from docked to handheld in a snap. And frankly, being able to play Star Wars Outlaws on the go still feels like a win.
What Makes the Switch 2 Version Unique
Portability is the standout feature here. This is the first time players will be able to experience an open-world Star Wars game in handheld form. Imagine flying through asteroid belts or sneaking past stormtroopers during your train ride home. That’s the Switch 2’s magic—it delivers big gaming experiences in bite-sized, mobile chunks. The port also appears to integrate Nintendo-specific optimization, including potentially unique control mapping and power management features. These tweaks make the experience feel more like a native game rather than an afterthought.
Optimizations That Stand Out
While Ubisoft hasn’t detailed every technical change, it’s likely the game uses dynamic resolution and other tricks to maintain frame consistency. Audio compression, draw distance tweaks, and simplified particle effects are all likely in play, but well-executed. The result is a version that runs smoothly without sacrificing too much atmosphere or action.
Why Ubisoft’s Port Matters for Nintendo
Ubisoft choosing to bring a major Star Wars game to the Switch 2 speaks volumes about the platform’s potential. For years, Nintendo fans have had to sit on the sidelines while major AAA games skipped their hardware. But this move shows confidence. Ubisoft sees the Switch 2 not just as an afterthought but as a legitimate home for flagship titles. It signals to other publishers that Nintendo’s upcoming console can handle modern game engines with minimal compromise. If Star Wars Outlaws performs well, it could open the floodgates for more third-party support.
Fan Reactions to the Switch 2 Announcement
Online reactions were a mix of surprise, excitement, and curiosity. Many fans weren’t expecting Ubisoft to pull the trigger on a same-day launch for Switch 2. Some expressed concern over graphical downgrades, but most were just thrilled that Nintendo users wouldn’t be left out. Forums and social media lit up with speculation about what other third-party games might now follow suit. Star Wars fans, in particular, seemed excited about the chance to carry their galactic adventures in their pocket.
Aside from good performance, Switch players are hoping for feature parity. They want the same missions, worlds, and storyline as other versions. There’s also a strong call for gyro support and other Nintendo-flavored controls that make the experience more immersive.
What We Still Don’t Know
Despite the trailer, plenty of questions remain. We don’t yet know the exact specs of the Switch 2, nor how it will stack up in performance compared to the current-gen consoles. Ubisoft also hasn’t confirmed whether all game modes, features, and visual effects will be present in the Switch version. There’s also no word yet on how storage will be handled—will it require a massive download or use a proprietary cartridge? All of this matters to potential buyers.
As of now, Ubisoft hasn’t opened pre-orders specifically for the Switch 2 version. It’s likely they’re waiting for Nintendo to finalize more public-facing information about the hardware before that begins. Until then, eager fans will have to stay patient.
Why This Could Be a Game-Changer for Switch
Star Wars Outlaws launching on the Switch 2 could be the turning point Nintendo needed. It’s a statement that the next-gen Switch can compete—not just in sales, but in actual game libraries. If it runs well and sells strongly, it sets a precedent. It tells developers: yes, you can bring your big-budget games here. That’s a huge leap forward from past Nintendo consoles that often missed out. For fans, it means fewer compromises and more blockbuster games available wherever they are.
Conclusion
Star Wars Outlaws coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just another game release—it’s a milestone. With a confirmed release date, a promising trailer, and clear investment from Ubisoft, the path is paved for Nintendo’s new hardware to break into the AAA scene with confidence. The early footage looks solid, and while some visual compromises are expected, the overall gameplay experience looks intact. The buzz around the title suggests this could be a pivotal launch, both for Ubisoft’s Star Wars ambitions and Nintendo’s future with third-party giants.
FAQs
- When is Star Wars Outlaws releasing on Nintendo Switch 2?
- It’s set to release on September 4th alongside other platforms.
- Will the Switch 2 version include the full game?
- Yes, Ubisoft plans to deliver the same full experience across all consoles.
- How does the Switch 2 version compare visually?
- It’s slightly toned down graphically compared to PS5 and Xbox, but still looks solid.
- Can you play Star Wars Outlaws in handheld mode?
- Yes, the Switch 2’s portability means you can take your galactic adventure anywhere.
- Is this the first open-world Star Wars game on a Nintendo system?
- Yes, this is the first time a truly open-world Star Wars game hits a Nintendo console.
Sources
- Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 – IGN, April 18, 2025
- Star Wars Outlaws gets a Switch 2 release date plus a free playable demo – Tom’s Guide, April 18, 2025
- Star Wars Outlaws Switch 2 release date confirmed, A Pirate’s Fortune DLC trailer revealed – Video Games Chronicle, April 18, 2025
- Star Wars Outlaws Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 – Ubisoft, April 8, 2025
- Star Wars Outlaws will get its next story DLC on May 15th – The Verge, April 19, 2025













