Owners of the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console will have to wait a bit longer than initially expected before setting foot once again in the haunting and majestic world known as the Lands Between. In an announcement that has caught the attention of both fans and industry watchers alike, developer FromSoftware revealed today that the long-anticipated port of its acclaimed open-world role-playing game, *Elden Ring*—officially titled *Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition*—will not make its previously projected 2025 release window. Instead, the studio now plans to launch the title sometime during 2026, without offering a specific release month or even a more precise timeframe.
While the development team did not elaborate extensively on the reasoning behind this postponement, the only detail provided was that the additional time is meant “to allow time for performance adjustments.” This phrase suggests that the studio is dedicating itself to ensuring the game operates as smoothly and efficiently as possible on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. Performance optimization, particularly for a vast and visually complex open-world game such as *Elden Ring*, is a demanding process that often requires careful calibration of graphical assets, frame rates, and loading dynamics to create a seamless experience for players who expect both technical excellence and artistic fidelity.
The original release of *Elden Ring* back in 2022 marked a major event in the gaming landscape, earning widespread critical acclaim for its intricate world design, challenging combat systems, and the freedom it offered players in exploring its mythical, interconnected regions. Its impending debut on the Switch 2 was first confirmed earlier this year during Nintendo’s highly publicized April Direct presentation—a showcase that also introduced an entirely new FromSoftware project titled *Duskbloods*. The confirmation that *Elden Ring* would be joining the growing roster of enhanced titles headed to Nintendo’s more powerful handheld console sparked considerable enthusiasm among fans eager to experience the genre-defining adventure in portable form.
The *Tarnished Edition* now joins a lineup of other major third-party titles slated for release on the Switch 2, underscoring how developers across the industry are embracing the system’s improved capabilities. Ubisoft, for instance, recently announced that *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is scheduled to arrive on December 2nd, bringing the stealth-action franchise to Nintendo’s ecosystem with enhanced visual fidelity. Likewise, Square Enix’s highly celebrated *Final Fantasy VII* remake will make its long-awaited transition to the Switch 2 on January 22nd, introducing another set of epic worlds and stories to Nintendo’s fans.
Although the exact release date for *Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition* remains unknown, FromSoftware’s decision to prioritize technical refinement over rushing to market indicates a commitment to quality that resonates with the studio’s longstanding reputation for excellence. For devoted players and newcomers alike, the delay suggests that when the Tarnished finally do return to the Lands Between, they will encounter a polished and immersive adventure worthy of the wait.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/games/805381/elden-ring-tarnished-edition-nintendo-switch-2-delay
