Fans hoping the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake was about to resurface just got a reality check. After months of speculation and growing confidence that Ubisoft was lining up a surprise reveal, a new update from a well-known industry leaker suggests the long-awaited remake still isn’t ready for prime time.
The latest buzz started when Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson floated the idea of a January 16 debut for the remake. That prediction helped reignite excitement around the project, especially after years of silence and delays. But January 16 came and went without a trailer, announcement, or release—leaving fans wondering whether plans had changed behind the scenes.
Now, leaker NateTheHate2 has thrown cold water on the idea of an imminent launch. Responding to a fan question on social media about the game’s status, he said there’s “nothing new to share” and added a line that will sting for anyone who’s been waiting since 2020: the game will arrive “when it’s ready,” and it “still has work to be done.” In other words, the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake is still in development, and Ubisoft may not be close to locking in a firm release date.
That uncertainty is especially frustrating given how long this remake has been in the public eye. The original Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time launched in 2003 and became one of the most beloved action-adventure puzzle platformers of its era, winning over console and PC players with its time-bending mechanics, fluid movement, and memorable atmosphere. When Ubisoft revealed the remake in 2020, expectations were high—but the first footage drew criticism, with many viewers unimpressed by the visuals and overall polish.
Ubisoft eventually delayed the project and shifted development, with Ubisoft Montreal taking over to steer the remake in a new direction. The company later reaffirmed the project and, during Ubisoft Forward in 2024, narrowed its plans to a 2026 release window. That window is still technically intact, but this newest leak suggests fans shouldn’t assume the game will land early in the year—or arrive without warning.
The “shadow drop” hopes fade
The January speculation didn’t come out of nowhere. Reports claimed marketing materials hinted that promotion would ramp up by the end of 2025, leading into a January 16, 2026 launch. When December passed quietly, some fans began to hope Ubisoft might be preparing a shadow drop instead of a traditional marketing rollout. Small signs—like renewed activity tied to the game’s official web presence—added fuel to the theory.
But with no announcement on the predicted date and NateTheHate2 now emphasizing that the remake still needs more work, the idea of a sudden, near-term release looks far less likely.
Interestingly, this new stance lines up with NateTheHate2’s earlier expectations. He previously downplayed the chances of the remake appearing at major events like The Game Awards—something that ultimately proved accurate. If he’s consistent again, it could mean Ubisoft is still focused on development rather than gearing up for a full reveal.
Why Ubisoft may be cautious this time
The Sands of Time remake isn’t arriving in a vacuum. Ubisoft has been dealing with ongoing financial pressure, and reports of layoffs at multiple studios have kept the publisher in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. In that kind of climate, a major release can’t afford to stumble—especially a remake attached to a classic title with a passionate fanbase.
That may be why Ubisoft appears to be taking extra time. With earlier footage receiving a mixed response, the publisher could opt for more polishing and a longer marketing campaign designed to rebuild confidence and show clear improvements. A strong launch wouldn’t just help this single game—it could also open the door for more Prince of Persia entries down the road.
For now, the message is simple: the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake is still coming, and it’s still targeted for 2026, but don’t expect a surprise release just yet. Fans may need to wait longer—but if extra development time results in a higher-quality remake that honors the 2003 original, that patience could pay off.
