The Dream of Portable Elden Ring Hits a Snag
For many gamers, the announcement of ‘Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition’ for the Nintendo Switch 2 was a landmark moment. The idea of taking one of the most celebrated and technically demanding games of the generation on the go was a massive testament to the power of Nintendo’s new console. Unfortunately, that dream has been deferred. Developer FromSoftware announced today that the highly anticipated port has been pushed from its original 2025 release window to an unspecified date in 2026.
In a statement, the developer cited the need for “performance adjustments” as the reason for the delay. While the news is undoubtedly disappointing for fans eager to dive into the Lands Between on a handheld, it’s also a move that wasn’t entirely unexpected. Reports from early hands-on previews had painted a rocky picture of the game’s performance, and it seems FromSoftware has decided to take the extra time to get it right.
The Writing on the Wall: Early Performance Woes
The first signs of trouble emerged from Gamescom just a couple of months ago. Several outlets, including IGN, got to play the game in handheld mode and came away concerned. IGN went so far as to call the experience a “disaster in handheld mode,” pointing to significant frame rate drops, particularly when moving the camera in the game’s vast open-world areas. These technical hitches made exploration feel sluggish and combat confusing, which is a major problem for a game that demands precision and quick reflexes.
However, it wasn’t all bad news. A more recent build shown at PAX West showed marked improvement. While still not perfect, with some frame drops remaining, previews from that event described the portable experience as “perfectly serviceable” and the docked TV mode as a “smooth ride.” This glimpse of a better-performing version offered hope that a quality port was achievable, and today’s delay confirms that FromSoftware is committed to reaching that standard, even if it takes another year.
What Is the ‘Tarnished Edition’?
When it does eventually arrive, ‘Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition’ is set to be the definitive package for newcomers and a great value for returning players. The edition includes the full, award-winning base game along with its massive and critically acclaimed expansion, ‘Shadow of the Erdtree.’ As a bonus for Nintendo players, the ‘Tarnished Edition’ will also come with some exclusive content, including new armor sets and unique skins for your trusty spectral steed, Torrent.
Here are the key details of the delay:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Original Release Window | 2025 |
| New Release Window | 2026 (Exact Date TBD) |
| Reason for Delay | To allow time for performance adjustments and optimization. |
| Included Content | Base game, ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ expansion, and exclusive bonus content. |
A Necessary Delay for a Masterpiece
The Switch 2 has already proven itself as a capable home for ambitious ports. Games like ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ and ‘Star Wars Outlaws’ have demonstrated that with the right optimization, massive open worlds can run beautifully on the hardware. ‘Elden Ring,’ with its intricate world and demanding enemy encounters, presents a unique challenge. FromSoftware’s decision to delay the release should be seen as a positive sign-a commitment to delivering an experience that does justice to the original game and meets the high standards of Nintendo players.
The wait may be longer now, but a polished and smooth journey through the Lands Between will be far better than a frustrating, choppy one. The tarnished will rise on Switch 2, just not as soon as we had hoped.
Conclusion
While the delay of ‘Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition’ is a definite disappointment, it’s ultimately the right call. FromSoftware is choosing to prioritize quality over a quick release, ensuring that one of the greatest games ever made gets the portable debut it deserves. The journey to become Elden Lord on a Nintendo console is still on the horizon, and we’re confident it will be well worth the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Elden Ring for Nintendo Switch 2 delayed?
FromSoftware delayed the game to allow for more time to make “performance adjustments.” Early hands-on previews reported significant frame rate issues, especially when playing in handheld mode, which the developer is now working to fix.
What is the new release date for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition?
The game has been delayed from its original 2025 release window to an unspecified date in 2026.
What’s included in the Tarnished Edition?
This special edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 includes the full base game of Elden Ring, the ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ expansion, and some exclusive bonus content like new armor and skins for your horse, Torrent.How bad were the performance issues?
Reports from an early build at Gamescom described the handheld performance as a “disaster,” with major frame rate drops in open areas that made exploration and combat difficult. A later build showed improvement, but it was clear more work was needed.
Has FromSoftware delayed games before?
Yes, FromSoftware has a history of delaying its games to ensure a high level of quality. The original ‘Elden Ring’ itself was delayed before its highly successful launch in 2022.
Will the delay be worth it?
Most fans and critics agree that a delay is preferable to releasing a poorly running game. The extra time should allow FromSoftware to deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience that lives up to the game’s legendary reputation.