The long wait for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake just got longer. A rumored January 16, 2026 release date has come and gone, and the game is still not available on consoles or PC.
There was no surprise launch. No midnight announcement. No sudden download page going live. The remake simply did not show up.
While fans had mixed expectations, many are now wondering what is really happening behind the scenes at Ubisoft.
Where the January 2026 Rumor Came From
The January 16 date came from Tom Henderson, a well-known industry insider who has accurately reported on several major gaming stories in the past.
Despite his solid track record, this particular claim raised doubts from the start. Ubisoft had not shared any trailers, previews, or marketing material leading up to the supposed launch. That alone made the idea of a shadowdrop feel unrealistic.
Now that the date has passed, it is clear the rumor did not reflect Ubisoft’s actual release plans.
Why a Surprise Launch Never Made Sense
Some players believed Ubisoft might follow a strategy similar to what Bethesda did with Oblivion Remastered, which appeared with minimal warning.
But the situations are very different.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake does not currently have strong public confidence. Its first reveal caused disappointment, and Ubisoft knows it needs to rebuild trust. A surprise release would only increase risk, not reduce it.
The Original Announcement and Fan Backlash
Ubisoft officially announced the Sands of Time Remake in September 2020. At the time, excitement was high. The original 2003 game is considered a classic and played a huge role in shaping modern action adventure titles.
That excitement faded quickly.
When the first screenshots and gameplay footage were shown, fans were unhappy. Visual quality, character models, animations, and lighting were all heavily criticized. Many felt the remake looked outdated and unpolished.
The backlash was strong enough that Ubisoft delayed the game to March 18, 2021, promising improvements.
Delays Begin to Stack Up
The delay did not fix everything.
In February 2021, Ubisoft announced the game had been delayed indefinitely. No release window was given, and updates became rare. Confidence in the project dropped significantly.
A few months later, in June 2021, Ubisoft stated the remake was aiming for a 2022 launch. That target was missed without explanation, and the year ended without the game.
The 2023 Update That Raised Eyebrows
In May 2023, Ubisoft shared an update that shocked many fans. The company said the remake was still in the conception stage.
For a game announced nearly three years earlier, this raised serious concerns. Some players began to believe the project was stuck in development trouble or at risk of cancellation.
Ubisoft Targets 2026 at Last
Finally, in June 2024, Ubisoft offered some clarity. The company confirmed that the Sands of Time Remake was now targeting a 2026 release window.
No specific date was shared, but the update gave fans hope that the project was still alive and moving forward.
Since then, however, Ubisoft has gone completely silent.
Silence Fuels Cancellation Rumors
With no trailers, screenshots, or developer updates since mid-2024, speculation has grown.
Some fans believe the remake has been quietly canceled. Others trusted the January 2026 rumor and expected a stealth launch. Neither turned out to be true.
Silence does not automatically mean cancellation, but it does make players nervous, especially after years of delays.
Why Ubisoft Needs a Proper Reveal
A quiet launch would be risky for this game. Ubisoft understands that Prince of Persia needs a strong comeback.
The company will likely rely on previews, gameplay deep dives, developer interviews, and multiple trailers before release. It needs to show clear improvements and explain why the remake was worth the wait.
This approach makes far more sense than dropping the game without warning.
Is the Remake Still Coming in 2026?
Based on everything publicly known, Ubisoft is still targeting a 2026 release for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake.
The missed January date does not mean the game has been canceled. It simply means the rumored timeline was incorrect. Another delay is possible, but there is no official confirmation of one yet.
Many expect Ubisoft to share a new update during the summer showcase season, often referred to as the modern “E3” period.
Final Thoughts
The Prince of Persia remake has had a rough development journey, and fan patience is clearly being tested. Still, the project appears to be alive, even if progress has been slow.
Until Ubisoft officially speaks, all eyes remain on 2026.
Are you still waiting for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, or have the delays worn you out? Stay connected with us for the latest updates and share your thoughts as soon as Ubisoft breaks its silence.
