Elden Ring on Switch 2: A Surprising but Imperfect Port

Elden Ring finally arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in a complete Tarnished Edition, including the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. The long-feared port turns out to be playable and even enjoyable, despite uneven performance and graphics that lag behind PS5 or PC versions.

A complete game, but with obvious technical limitations

Released on August 28, 2026, Elden Ring on Switch 2 includes the base game, its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, two new classes (Idus Knight and Heavy Knight), as well as additional armor and appearances for Torrent. The whole package is priced at €79.99 on the Nintendo eShop. The physical edition, however, requires downloading the game after purchase.

The game retains its essence: open-world exploration, demanding combat, and a vast, captivating world. Load times remain long, and slowdowns are frequent, especially in handheld mode. Yet, once immersed, these technical flaws fade into the background. The landscapes remain impressive, and Elden Ring’s unique atmosphere is preserved.

Uneven performance, but a preserved experience

The framerate fluctuates between 30 and 60 frames per second, with no option to lock it. In docked mode, the game is more stable and comfortable, especially with a Pro Controller. In handheld mode, stuttering and camera handling can make the experience less smooth, though not unplayable. Textures and vegetation density are less detailed than elsewhere, but the art direction remains intact.

A 1.17 update, released the same day, adds gameplay adjustments, new weapons, and a rebalancing of defensive builds. These improvements benefit all platforms, including the Switch 2.

Who is this version for?

This port is primarily aimed at Nintendo-exclusive players or those who want to take Elden Ring everywhere. For others, the PS5, Xbox Series, or PC versions remain technically superior. Newcomers should also be aware that the game remains demanding: the difficulty is still present, even with the more accessible new classes.

Handheld mode, while playable, is less comfortable. The interface remains readable, but the Joy-Con’s precision can be problematic for such a technical game. A Pro Controller is therefore recommended.

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Verdict: A successful port, despite the compromises

Elden Ring on Switch 2 is a surprise: despite imperfect performance, it delivers a complete and faithful experience to the original. It’s an excellent option for mobile gamers or those without access to other platforms. For others, the choice will depend on their tolerance for technical trade-offs.