Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 – A Promising Port, But Not Without Its Quirks

The Nintendo Switch 2 is proving its mettle by tackling some of the most demanding games ever conceived. One such ambitious port is Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. After a few hours exploring Weeping Peninsula, Stormveil Castle, and Liurnia of the Lakes, I’m ready to share my initial impressions. While not perfect, this adaptation offers a surprisingly enjoyable experience, even with its limitations.

First Impressions: A Familiar World, Different Feel

” alt=”Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Switch 2 Gameplay” width=”600″>

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 – Exploring the familiar landscapes with a new perspective.

Stepping back into The Lands Between is always a treat, but this time around, it’s a different beast. The lower frame rate of 30 FPS is noticeable, especially coming from a PC setup running at a smooth 60 FPS. Initially, the change in button mapping – ‘A’ for dodge and ‘X’ for interact – felt alien, but I quickly adapted. Once accustomed to the slightly “thicker” feel of the gameplay due to the lower frame rate, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition proved surprisingly playable, especially in docked mode.

Challenges Arise: Frame Drops and Boss Battles

The first real hiccup came during the fight against the Red Wolf of Radagon. This agile boss’s lunges and magical sword attacks caused noticeable frame drops, making dodging a challenge. While I eventually triumphed using ranged attacks, it highlighted a potential issue with more demanding encounters. Rennala, thankfully, was smooth sailing.

Looking Ahead: DLC and the Promised Consort Radahn

My biggest concern lies with the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, particularly the final boss, Promised Consort Radahn. This fight is notoriously difficult and visually intense, even on high-end PCs. Given my past struggles with this encounter due to frame drops, I’m apprehensive about how it will perform on the Switch 2. However, I remain optimistic that the promising start I’ve had will hold up as I delve deeper into The Lands Between once more.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is a testament to Nintendo’s ambition and the power of the Switch 2. While not without its flaws, it offers a unique opportunity to experience FromSoftware’s masterpiece in a new way. Whether you’re a seasoned Elden Lord or a newcomer eager to explore The Lands Between, this port is definitely worth checking out.