Elden Ring on Switch 2 Improved
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, including the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, is running on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware at GDC 2026 with "much improved frame rate and performance" [https://gonintendo.com/contents/58769-elden-ring-tarnished-edition-reappears-at-gdc-2026-and-apparently-in-much-better]. New gameplay footage shows FromSoftware's RPG nearly ready for a seamless experience on Nintendo's platform [https://nintendowire.com/news/2026/03/12/elden-rings-long-awaited-switch-2-port-looks-much-better-in-new-gdc-26-footage].
The Switch 2 port of *Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition* was initially slated for a 2025 release, but FromSoftware delayed it due to performance concerns. Initial impressions from Gamescom 2025 were critical of the frame rate and overall performance on the Switch 2. The developers stated they needed more time for "game performance adjustments". The GDC 2026 demo, which lasted 15 minutes, showcased early game content from Limgrave and the Margit boss fight. Outlets like GameSpot, Polygon, and RPG Site noted FromSoftware's efforts to ensure a smooth experience on the Switch 2 in both docked and handheld modes. The game operates in a frame rate range between 30 to 40 frames per second, avoiding major stuttering issues that plagued previous builds. While a stable 30fps appears achievable, frame rate drops still occur during intense weather events, indicating ongoing optimization. The *Tarnished Edition* introduces exclusive content, including two new character archetypes: Heavy Knight and Light Knight. Players can also customize their spectral steed, Torrent.
