In a groundbreaking announcement, FromSoftware’s legendary open-world RPG, Elden Ring, is officially heading to the Nintendo Switch 2 as Elden Ring Tarnished Edition.
Revealed during the April 2, 2025, Nintendo Direct, this marks the first time Elden Ring will be available on a Nintendo console. With an expected 2025 release window, this edition will bring the Lands Between to Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid system, making one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time more accessible than ever.
But what does this Tarnished Edition include? Will it feature the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC? And how will the game perform on the Switch 2’s hardware? Let’s break it all down.
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Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 – A Major Milestone
For years, Nintendo players have had limited access to FromSoftware titles. The original Dark Souls Remastered made its way to the first Nintendo Switch, but highly demanding titles like Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring never made the cut.
The Nintendo Switch 2 changes that. With significantly improved hardware, it seems capable of handling one of the most ambitious open-world RPGs ever created. This means that, for the first time, Nintendo players will finally get to step into the Lands Between and become the Elden Lord—without needing a high-end PC or console.
What to Expect from Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
While Nintendo and FromSoftware have yet to reveal the full details, here’s what we can reasonably expect from Elden Ring Tarnished Edition:
| Feature | What We Know |
|---|---|
| 🎮 Base Game | The Tarnished Edition will include the full original Elden Ring experience, complete with its massive open world, legendary boss fights, and intricate lore. |
| 🌍 Open-World Exploration | Expect vast, interconnected landscapes, hidden dungeons, and the signature Soulsborne difficulty. |
| 🎭 DLC Inclusion? | No official confirmation yet, but it remains unclear if Shadow of the Erdtree will be included in this edition. |
| 🎮 Performance on Switch 2 | Nintendo has not yet provided details, but a 30 FPS experience is likely, with a possible performance mode for a smoother frame rate. |
| 🔄 Exclusive Features? | No Switch-exclusive features have been announced yet, but potential gyro aiming or touchscreen support could be included. |
Can the Nintendo Switch 2 Handle Elden Ring?
One of the biggest questions surrounding this release is how well Elden Ring will run on Nintendo’s new hardware.
Historically, FromSoftware’s games have been highly demanding, requiring strong GPUs and processors to handle their expansive worlds. The original Switch was simply not powerful enough to support a game like Elden Ring, which is why it never came to the platform.
However, the Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to feature significant hardware upgrades, possibly including DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and a more powerful CPU/GPU combo.
How Will It Perform?
- ✅ Docked Mode: Likely 1080p resolution with a 30 FPS lock, potentially with upscaled visuals using DLSS.
- ✅ Handheld Mode: Expected to be 720p with a focus on battery life and stable performance.
- ❓ 60 FPS Option?: Unlikely, unless a performance mode is included with reduced graphical fidelity.
Why Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 is a Big Deal
Until now, playing Elden Ring on a portable device required either:
🔹 A Steam Deck (expensive, PC-based handheld)
🔹 Other handheld PCs (also costly and require setup)
With Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Nintendo Switch 2 players can finally experience the game on the go—without needing a high-end PC or console.
This not only expands the game’s audience but also cements the Nintendo Switch 2 as a console capable of handling AAA titles—a crucial factor for its long-term success.
When is Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Coming Out?
Nintendo has confirmed that Elden Ring Tarnished Edition will launch on Switch 2 sometime in 2025.
While an exact release date hasn’t been provided, it’s likely that the game will arrive in the latter half of the year, possibly fall or winter 2025.
With Summer Game Fest and future Nintendo Directs coming up, we may receive more details soon.
Final Thoughts – A Game-Changer for Nintendo Players
The arrival of Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a major milestone—both for Nintendo fans and FromSoftware enthusiasts.
✅ First-ever Elden Ring release on a Nintendo platform
✅ Portable gameplay without needing high-end PC hardware
✅ A potential turning point for Switch 2’s third-party support
While performance details are still unknown, one thing is certain: Nintendo players will finally get to step into the Lands Between and embark on one of the greatest gaming adventures of all time.
🎮 Are you excited to play Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know in the comments!
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FAQs
1. Will Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Include the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?
As of now, Nintendo and FromSoftware have not confirmed whether the DLC will be bundled with the Tarnished Edition. It’s possible that a complete edition may release later with all content included.
2. Will Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Be a Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive?
Currently, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition has only been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, FromSoftware has a history of releasing enhanced editions on multiple platforms, so it’s possible a multi-platform re-release could happen in the future.
