Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Delayed to 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2 for Performance Optimization

Bandai Namco and acclaimed developer FromSoftware have officially announced a significant delay for Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, the much-anticipated adaptation of the blockbuster action RPG for Nintendo Switch 2.

Initially slated for a 2025 launch, the title's release window has now been moved to 2026.

This decision, formally communicated by the developers on October 23, 2025, underscores their commitment to ensuring optimal performance and player experience on the next-generation Nintendo hardware. Elden Ring, first released in February 2022 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, quickly became a critical and commercial success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and winning multiple Game of the Year awards.

The Tarnished Edition was specially crafted to bring the vast world of Elden Ring to Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 platform, promising portable gameplay without compromise.

Developed in collaboration between FromSoftware—the studio renowned for their Soulsborne series—and global publisher Bandai Namco, this version aims to maintain the immersive experience of the original while taking advantage of the Switch 2's enhanced capabilities. According to the official statement from FromSoftware, although Elden Ring Tarnished Edition was previously targeted for a 2025 release, additional time was deemed necessary for further game performance adjustments on Nintendo Switch 2.

The statement, translated from the company's announcement, explains: "We have revised the launch date for Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 to 2026, as we determined that more time is needed for performance tuning.

We sincerely apologize to all users who have been waiting for the release of this title." Reports from earlier playtests indicated that initial builds of the game struggled to maintain stable performance on the new hardware, with testers citing framerate drops during in-person demos.

In light of this feedback, the development team is focusing on ensuring that the Switch 2 version upholds the high standards set by the game’s existing releases. The delay highlights the challenges of porting ambitious, graphically intensive games to portable consoles, particularly as hardware generations shift.

However, both Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have a strong track record of delivering acclaimed titles and well-supported post-launch updates, which bodes well for the Switch 2 edition's eventual release.

Fans awaiting Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 can rest assured that the team is prioritizing a polished and fully optimized gameplay experience. Once released, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is expected to be available via the Nintendo eShop and at retail, joining a growing list of major third-party titles embracing Nintendo's latest hardware.

For continued updates regarding Elden Ring, Nintendo Switch 2, and other developments from Bandai Namco and FromSoftware, stay tuned to our coverage.

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