Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 Delayed to 2026 for Performance Enhancements

Bandai Namco and acclaimed developer FromSoftware have announced a significant update for fans eagerly awaiting Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2.

The highly anticipated port, which was initially slated for a 2025 release, will now arrive in 2026 as the development team seeks to further optimize game performance on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. Elden Ring, which originally launched in February 2022 to universal acclaim across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, is known for its vast open world, challenging gameplay, and deep lore.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version—titled Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition—not only marks the debut of the franchise on a Nintendo console but will also include the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree downloadable content, which released in 2024. The official statement was shared via the game’s X (formerly Twitter) account, where Bandai Namco and FromSoftware conveyed their regret to the community.

In their announcement, the developers affirmed their commitment to delivering an optimal experience: "While development on Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition continues in earnest, we have made the decision to move the launch window to 2026 to allow additional time for performance adjustments.

We extend our apologies to players anticipating the release and sincerely appreciate your continued patience and support." Reports from media outlets and attendees during Gamescom in August highlighted ongoing technical challenges with the Switch 2 version, particularly regarding frame rate drops and stuttering in open-world segments when played in handheld mode.

Such feedback underlines the complexities involved in adapting a cross-platform title as ambitious as Elden Ring to portable hardware.

While the original release set sales records and received glowing reviews for its gameplay depth and innovation, ensuring a high-quality player experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a priority for the development team. Including the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in the Tarnished Edition aims to deliver the most comprehensive Elden Ring experience yet for Nintendo console owners.

While the delay is understandably disappointing for fans planning to explore the Lands Between on the go, the decision demonstrates a clear dedication to delivering polished performance and technical excellence on the eShop and beyond. As anticipation remains high, Bandai Namco and FromSoftware reaffirm that further updates will be communicated through official channels.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is now set for a 2026 launch on Nintendo Switch 2, bringing the full scope of the blockbuster RPG to a new audience within the Nintendo ecosystem.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo FromSoftware Elden Ring Bandai Namco Switch 2 Switch Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Namco Bandai Tarnished Edition Shadow of the Erdtree