Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Delayed to 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2 as FromSoftware Prioritizes Performance

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Delayed to 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2 as FromSoftware Prioritizes Performance FromSoftware, the acclaimed developer behind the award-winning Elden Ring, has announced the delay of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

Originally aimed for a 2025 release, the highly anticipated port is now slated for 2026 as the studio undertakes additional performance optimization.

Elden Ring has been a critical and commercial sensation since its initial release, earning Game of the Year honors and selling over 20 million copies worldwide as of 2023.

Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, the action RPG has garnered a loyal fanbase across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

The announcement of a Nintendo Switch 2 version sparked significant excitement, particularly as the portable hardware seeks to capture the magic of high-end console gaming on the go. In an official statement provided by FromSoftware, the studio shared, "Regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, which was scheduled for release in 2025, we have determined that additional time is required for game performance adjustments.

As a result, we will now aim for a 2026 launch.

We sincerely apologize to everyone who has been eagerly waiting for this title, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to deliver Elden Ring in its best possible form." Playable builds of Elden Ring for Nintendo Switch 2 have been showcased at major industry events such as Gamescom, generating considerable buzz among franchise fans.

However, attendees and media noted inconsistent frame rates and performance issues in these early demonstrations, fueling speculation about the technical challenges of adapting the vast open-world RPG to Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid console. The delay aims to address these concerns, as FromSoftware emphasizes its commitment to quality.

Historically, the developer has shown dedication to optimizing its titles, with previous updates for Elden Ring on other platforms addressing player feedback and technical improvements. While the extended timeline means fans will need to wait longer for the portable experience, it aligns with Nintendo's and FromSoftware’s shared philosophy of prioritizing gameplay and stability over rushed releases.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be a major hardware launch for the company, ensuring a marquee title like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition performs reliably is crucial for both partners. Further updates, including a new release date and potential gameplay enhancements for the Nintendo Switch 2 version, will be provided as development progresses.

In the meantime, Elden Ring remains available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with its community eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to experience the Lands Between on Nintendo's future hardware.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo FromSoftware Elden Ring Switch 2 Switch Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition developer Tarnished Edition Gamescom