Elden Ring enthusiasts are expressing disappointment following the announcement of a significant delay for the upcoming release of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, which has now been pushed to 2026. This complete and improved version of FromSoftware’s acclaimed action RPG will include the base game and its DLC expansion, Shadow Of The Erdtree, along with new content such as fresh outfits for player characters.
Importantly, this edition will introduce the game to the Nintendo Switch 2, serving as a precursor to Nintendo’s exclusive title, The Duskbloods, set to release next year. Originally scheduled for launch this year, the delay has raised concerns among fans about potential performance issues, particularly since Elden Ring has been noted for its performance difficulties on PC since its 2022 debut.
In an official statement, the developers expressed their commitment to enhancing the game’s performance and said, “While development on Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition continues wholeheartedly toward release, we have decided to move the launch to 2026 to allow time for performance adjustments. We apologize to players looking forward to the game and thank you for your patience and support.”
The news has prompted a mix of reactions, with some players acknowledging the need for additional optimization—especially since the Switch 2, despite being more powerful than its predecessor, still falls short compared to consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Acknowledging these performance considerations, one fan pointed out the potential challenges: “Game with framerate issues on PC in the big 2025 might have problems on a glorified tablet.”
However, there’s also a sense of optimism among fans, many of whom hope the extended development timeline may lead to the inclusion of highly requested features, such as a boss rush mode. While the primary focus remains on porting the game to the Nintendo Switch 2 and providing existing players with new character customization options, the additional time could foster enhancements that elevate the gaming experience.
As Nintendo fans eagerly anticipate the new console, they will need to remain patient until the newly scheduled launch in 2026. While no specific release window was provided, the hope is that it will arrive sooner rather than later, allowing players to indulge in this richly crafted universe once again.