Elden Ring Tarnished Edition delayed until 2026, as Switch 2 game struggles with performance

At Gamescom 2025, an Elden Ring Switch 2 demo immediately raised performance concerns. While a newer build showed progress at Pax West, FromSoftware has decided the game needs more optimization. In a social media post, gamers learned that the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition release date is now 2026.

The announcement explained that the company has “decided to move the launch to 2026 to allow time for performance adjustments”. Nintendo fans had expected the open-world RPG to arrive in 2025. Still, the lack of a specific date by late October makes the news less surprising.

Despite the improved Switch 2 specs, not all games have made a seamless transition to the handheld. The first Elden Ring Tarnished Edition hands-on demo exhibited frequent frame rate drops. When players explored the wide-open spaces of Limgrave, testers estimated that the fps dropped below 20. More problematic was combat, where stutters interrupted the normally fluid battles.

Upscaling can benefit intensive third-party Switch 2 games

It’s unknown how FromSoftware plans to smooth out the port’s disappointing performance. DLSS is one way that developers can maximize the potential of lower-powered machines. Unfortunately, there are no signs that the AI-fueled upscaling technology is present in the Elden Ring Switch 2 port. Gamescom attendees noted there were scarce graphical settings available in the title’s menus. With the PC version, players had to resort to mods to add the option.

Star Wars Outlaws, which does employ DLSS, gave fans hope that FromSoftware could implement changes quickly. As with Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, initial impressions described choppiness, as well as grainy textures. However, by the game’s release date, audiences saw dramatic improvements.

Ubisoft will look to pull off a similar feat with the demanding Assassin's Creed Shadows. After a box shot surfaced at a French retailer, the Switch 2 game may appear in December.