Imagine you’re deep into a stealth mission in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, your fingers dancing across a controller while your Steam Deck accessories are already prepped for the next big update. Then, suddenly, Ubisoft announces that Steam Deck accessories aren’t the only thing getting an upgrade—your keyboard and mouse support is now official. Sounds exciting, right? But is it enough to make the game worth your time?
Is This Update a Game-Changer or Just a Band-Aid?
Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed Shadows update, version 1.1.10, introduces mouse and keyboard support for the Nintendo Switch 2. That’s a big deal for players who’ve long complained about the clunky controls on handheld consoles. But here’s the kicker: does this single tweak really fix the core issues that have plagued the game?
Let’s break down what’s changed and why it matters for your next gaming session:
| Feature | Before Update | After Update |
|---|---|---|
| Input Method | Controller-only | Supports Mouse & Keyboard |
| Target Audience | Handheld users | PC-like experience on Switch |
| Performance Impact | Minimal | Improved precision |
While the addition of mouse and keyboard support might seem like a small win, it opens up possibilities for players looking to fine-tune their stealth gameplay. However, the bigger question remains: is this update enough to elevate the game from a decent entry to a must-play?
“You soon realise how cold the world feels to actually explore.” — IGN Review
That sentiment echoes across many reviews of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Even with the new input method, the game still suffers from a lackluster environment design and repetitive gameplay mechanics. The update doesn’t solve fundamental flaws—it merely makes them slightly less painful to endure.
How Does This Compare to Other Stealth Titles?
When comparing Assassin’s Creed Shadows to its peers like Ghost of Tsushima or Hitman 3, the differences become stark. While both offer robust control schemes, they also deliver polished worlds and engaging narratives that keep you hooked. Shadows, on the other hand, feels like a missed opportunity in terms of narrative depth and environmental storytelling.
Here’s a quick look at how Shadows stacks up against similar games:
- Ghost of Tsushima: Offers cinematic combat, immersive open world, and a rich cultural backdrop.
- Hitman 3: Delivers precise stealth mechanics and a satisfying puzzle-driven approach.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Lacks polish in both world-building and combat flow despite its promising premise.
If you’re a fan of precision-based stealth gameplay, Shadows won’t disappoint in terms of control options—but you’ll still be left wondering why the developers didn’t invest more in refining the core experience.
What’s Really Holding the Game Back?
Despite the new mouse support, several elements continue to drag the game down:
- Repetitive Missions: The game’s structure often repeats itself, making long sessions feel monotonous.
- Clunky UI: Navigation remains frustrating, especially during intense stealth sequences.
- Underwhelming Story: The plot lacks emotional depth and fails to connect with players on a personal level.
These issues are exacerbated by poor optimization on handheld systems. Even with better input methods, the game’s performance on devices like the Switch 2 remains inconsistent. Players may find themselves struggling with frame drops and lag, which defeats the purpose of having more responsive controls.
Mouse & Keyboard: A Smart Move or Misplaced Focus?
Adding mouse and keyboard support shows Ubisoft understands player feedback, but it raises a critical question: was this update prioritized over fixing deeper problems? For players who prefer PC-style controls, the improvement is welcome—but it doesn’t transform the game into a masterpiece.
For those who want to fully embrace the stealth genre, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a solid foundation, but it’s ultimately a case of form over function. The game looks good, but feels stale in execution.
Common Mistake: Thinking Updates Fix Everything
A frequent error among gamers is assuming that a minor update fixes all problems. In reality, adding mouse support to a flawed game doesn’t suddenly make it great. It’s like putting a new coat of paint on a broken car—it might look better, but the engine still needs work.
Players expecting a revolutionary experience from this update should temper their expectations. Instead, they should appreciate the incremental improvements while keeping an eye out for future patches that might address the root causes of frustration.
FAQ
Can I use mouse and keyboard on other platforms?
Yes, the update brings mouse and keyboard support to all platforms including PlayStation and Xbox, although it’s most impactful on the Nintendo Switch 2 due to its handheld nature.
Will this improve performance on the Switch 2?
While the update enhances control precision, it doesn’t significantly boost performance. Frame rates and loading times remain unchanged unless further patches address underlying optimizations.
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows worth playing now?
It depends on your priorities. If you’re a fan of the franchise and enjoy the aesthetic, yes. But if you’re seeking a top-tier stealth experience, consider alternatives like Ghost of Tsushima or Hitman 3.
Next Steps: Should You Try It?
If you’re already invested in the Assassin’s Creed universe or love experimenting with new control schemes, then go ahead and grab the update. It’s a small but meaningful improvement that adds value to an otherwise mediocre package.
However, if you’re new to the series or looking for a standout stealth title, you might want to skip this one for now. Save your time and money for something with more substance—and perhaps wait for a more comprehensive overhaul.
Final Thoughts: Is the Wait Worth It?
The addition of mouse and keyboard support is a step in the right direction, but it’s only one piece of a larger puzzle. Assassin’s Creed Shadows still struggles with its core identity, leaving players questioning whether the effort was worth it. As we move forward, let’s hope that future updates bring more than just cosmetic tweaks—maybe even a full overhaul of the gameplay loop.
Or perhaps, it’s time to rethink what makes a stealth game truly memorable. What do you think? Is the updated control scheme enough to change your mind?