Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Delayed to 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2

By Brian k. Neal

FromSoftware has officially delayed Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, moving its release window from 2025 to 2026 in an effort to address performance and optimization issues. The highly anticipated port will include the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, a suite of new armor sets, and deeper customization options for Torrent, the player’s spectral steed.

Initially announced as a marquee title for Nintendo’s next-generation console, Tarnished Edition was meant to showcase how expansive open-world RPGs could translate to the handheld hybrid. However, early testing revealed that the game struggled to maintain consistent frame rates, particularly during open-world exploration and dynamic weather sequences. These issues prompted FromSoftware to extend development, ensuring the final release delivers a stable, immersive experience worthy of the original’s reputation.

Following the runaway success of Elden Ring, which surpassed 12 million global sales after its 2022 debut, expectations for the Switch 2 version are sky-high. In a statement to fans, FromSoftware acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the delay but reaffirmed their dedication to quality: “We deeply appreciate the patience and continued support of our community as we work to deliver the definitive portable version of Elden Ring.”

When Tarnished Edition finally arrives in 2026, players can expect not just the full Elden Ring experience and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, but also new cosmetic details, enhanced controls for handheld play, and previously unseen customizations for Torrent. For now, fans of the Lands Between will have to wait a little longer—but FromSoftware’s track record suggests that patience will, once again, be rewarded.