The arrival of Elden Ring on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been a long and winding road, fraught with initial performance hiccups that forced Bandai Namco to significantly delay its release. Now, after extensive optimization, the Tarnished Edition is finally here, bringing FromSoftware’s masterpiece to a new audience. But does this version deliver the definitive Elden Ring experience on Switch 2, or are there compromises that hold it back?
A Smooth Ride, Mostly
Senior video producer Jake Dekker spent over a week meticulously testing Elden Ring on both docked and handheld modes of the Nintendo Switch 2. The verdict? While not perfect, the game runs surprisingly well. “There are definitely frame rate dips,” Dekker explains, “but they’re nowhere near as severe as some of the early preview footage suggested.” He primarily played in docked mode but also experimented with handheld play, noting occasional frame drops even there. “It’s playable and enjoyable,” he concludes, “but those accustomed to the buttery smooth 60 frames per second on PC, Xbox Series X, or PlayStation 5 will undoubtedly notice the difference. It’s a noticeable step down in terms of visual fluidity.”
Bandai Namco hasn’t officially disclosed the target resolution and frame rate for Elden Ring on Switch 2, but it appears to maintain a consistent 30 frames per second in docked mode. While a stable 60fps would have made challenging boss encounters slightly more manageable, the game remains enjoyable at 30fps. If you can tolerate a lower frame rate, the Tarnished Edition, packed with both Elden Ring and the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, offers a compelling experience on Nintendo Switch 2.
Priced at $80, this comprehensive package provides immense value. However, those seeking the absolute best visual fidelity and performance should consider the PC, PlayStation, or Xbox versions. If a consistent 30fps is a dealbreaker, keep an eye out for FromSoftware’s upcoming title, The Duskbloods, which promises a 60fps souls-like experience on Nintendo Switch 2.
and initial footage looks promising
Darryn Bonthuys has been writing about video games since 1997 and joined GameSpot in 2011, where he had the distinct pleasure of adding a few “Onyx-pected” jokes to Pokémon news.
Jake’s journey into gaming began with a Game Boy and a copy of Pokémon Red. He still enjoys discussing all things Pokémon, but also has a deep appreciation for titles like The Witcher, Dark Souls, and Zelda.
Jake Dekker’s Bluesky profile @jacobdekk.bsky.social
Source: GameSpot
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