Long-awaited Prince of Persia remake targeting 2026 release | WATCH

Fans eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time can breathe a sigh of relief as Ubisoft has confirmed the remake is "deep in development." The company took to the game's official social media to reassure players, stating their dedicated team is "exploring, building, and ensuring the sands move with purpose" to craft the game with great care. The highly anticipated remake is now aiming for a 2026 release.

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake has endured a prolonged development cycle, leading to a significant five-year wait for fans. Initially announced with much fanfare in 2020, the project quickly hit hurdles, facing considerable backlash after its initial trailer due to its visual fidelity. This negative reception prompted Ubisoft to indefinitely delay the game, eventually leading to a complete shift in development studios, moving from Ubisoft Pune and Mumbai to the experienced hands of Ubisoft Montreal, the creators of the original 2003 title. This restart meant going back to the drawing board, a process that, while aimed at delivering a higher quality product, extended the anticipation considerably. Now, with a confirmed 2026 release window, fans who have been patiently waiting since the 2020 announcement will finally see the iconic adventure reimagined after more than half a decade.

While the Sands of Time remake is a priority, its prolonged development has led Ubisoft to highlight The Rogue Prince of Persia as a temporary offering for fans. This upcoming 2D side-scrolling rogue-like title, developed by Evil Empire, aims to bridge the gap while players await the full 3D remake.

Some industry observers suggest that Ubisoft's focus on another studio's efforts for a new Prince of Persia experience, while their own remake continues development, might indicate a strategic shift. There's speculation that if the Sands of Time remake proves successful, it could pave the way for a series of remakes of the original trilogy, potentially meaning that entirely new mainline Prince of Persia games beyond remakes might not be on the immediate horizon.

Despite this, the direct confirmation of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake's progress and its updated release window brings a renewed sense of anticipation for what many consider a beloved classic.

The Prince of Persia franchise began in 1989 with the release of the original game, developed by Jordan Mechner for the Apple II. This groundbreaking 2D side-scrolling puzzle platformer, known for its fluid animation and challenging gameplay, followed an unnamed Prince on a quest to save the Princess from the evil Grand Vizier Jaffar. The series continued with a direct sequel, Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (1993), and later ventured into 3D with Prince of Persia 3D (1999). However, it was Ubisoft's acquisition of the franchise and the release of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in 2003 that truly revitalized the series, introducing a new Prince, the iconic Dagger of Time, and critical acclaim for its innovative mechanics and engaging narrative. This success led to the "Sands of Time" trilogy, which included Warrior Within (2004) and The Two Thrones (2005), followed by other titles like Prince of Persia (2008) and The Forgotten Sands (2010), and most recently, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (2024), demonstrating the franchise's enduring legacy across various iterations and timelines.