Don't arise just yet, ye Tarnished. FromSoftware just pushed back the highly anticipated Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 from its planned 2025 release window to sometime in 2026. The delay comes as the developer needs more time for performance adjustments on Nintendo's new handheld console, another signal that ambitious ports require serious optimization work for the Switch 2's architecture.
FromSoftware just delivered news that'll make Switch 2 early adopters wait a bit longer to explore The Lands Between. The developer announced today that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition won't hit Nintendo's new console in 2025 as originally planned, instead sliding to an unspecified 2026 release date.
The reason? Performance adjustments, according to FromSoftware's brief statement. While that's developer-speak for "we need more time to make it run properly," it's actually encouraging news for anyone who remembers disastrous console ports. FromSoftware isn't rushing this one out the door.
This delay hits differently because Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition was one of the standout announcements during Nintendo's massive Direct presentation in April. The game appeared alongside FromSoftware's Switch 2 exclusive Duskbloods, creating a powerful one-two punch for the console's launch window.
Elden Ring originally launched in 2022 to massive critical acclaim, becoming FromSoftware's biggest commercial success. The game's sprawling open world and demanding technical requirements make it a significant challenge to port to any handheld system, even one as powerful as the Switch 2.
The delay also reveals something important about Nintendo's next-gen console strategy. While the Switch 2 is clearly more powerful than its predecessor, major developers still need substantial time to optimize AAA experiences for the hybrid format. This isn't just about raw processing power - it's about balancing performance between docked and handheld modes.
Fortunately for Switch 2 buyers, other major third-party ports are staying on schedule. Ubisoft just confirmed that Assassin's Creed Shadows will arrive on December 2nd, while . These releases show that publishers are committed to bringing their biggest franchises to Nintendo's platform.
